When it comes to dogs and cavities, there is good news and not-so-good news; the good news is, dogs do not get cavities in their teeth nearly as often as people do! The not-so-good news is that dogs DO get gingivitis and dental disease very commonly! 

Anyone who has spent time around dogs is probably familiar with a little “doggy breath,” or maybe even had the displeasure of sensing some gag-inducing “trench mouth.” Dogs are such food-motivated creatures that, while we may wonder “why does my dog’s breath smell so bad?” we often don’t stop to think about what is going on inside of their mouths to make the myriad of bad breath odors. Especially, when they seem to be eating happily and acting like their normal carefree selves!

Veterinarians are very familiar with what might be lurking in your dog’s mouth and every vet appointment includes an oral exam and dental evaluation. Starting at 1-2 years of age, you can already start to see evidence of early gingivitis, plaque, and tartar buildup! Knowing what to expect and being prepared to maintain your dog’s oral health will preserve their pearly whites and spare them the pain of dental disease in dogs.

Tooth Decay and Cavities are Rare in Dogs

While it is possible for dogs to have cavities, it is not a common problem. Taking a glance at the shape and position of a dog’s teeth gives you a bit of a hint as to why: their teeth are tall and pointy, not flat for grinding like human molars are. Due to this tooth architecture, there is less of a chance for bacteria to settle in crevices and start to erode the flat surface of the tooth, as it does in human teeth. Also, dietary differences between humans and dogs have a great effect on the type of tooth problems that result. Humans eat sugars that, when combined with oral bacteria, will form an acid that eats a hole in the enamel of the tooth leading to a cavity. Dogs luckily do not consume many carbs or sugary foods, so this process does not happen as often as it does in people. Some dogs are genetically more predisposed to developing cavities, but other problems with the teeth and gums are far more common in dogs.

Gum Disease and Fractured Teeth

Just because dogs are less prone to getting a dental cavity as compared to humans, this does not mean that daily oral upkeep and annual dental cleanings are not vital to their long-term health! It is estimated that 2/3 of dogs over the age of 3 years have some degree of periodontal disease (disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth). 

In a dog’s mouth saliva, bacteria, and food particles mix to form a biofilm called plaque which settles in the many nooks and crannies. Plaque clings to the tooth surfaces and in the small spaces below the gumline where it begins to wage war on the healthy tooth structures. While plaque is basically invisible, it will eventually thicken and mineralize into tartar (also called calculus) which is the yellowish covering that you can actually see on the surface of the teeth. Over time, the presence of plaque and harmful bacteria will cause inflammation in the gingiva (gums) which then spreads down to the tooth socket and eats away at the bone that holds the teeth in place. Since this all occurs under the gumline, it is very hard to see, and happens without us even knowing! Sometimes all that a pet parent might notice is some stinky breath and a loose tooth and by then severe and irreversible damage has been done. Oral issues can become so severe that bacteria and infections in the mouth can spread through the bloodstream to internal organs as well, like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Tooth fractures are also extremely common in dogs. Chewing on kennels and fences, and gnawing on hard items like Nylabones, antlers, hooves, ice cubes, bones, and other non-bendy chews and toys can break teeth and are not recommended. A general rule of thumb is that if a toy is too hard to flex with your hands, it is hard enough to break your dog’s tooth. All tooth fractures should be evaluated by your family veterinarian, as they can pose tooth pain for your pup and potential infection. 

Tooth root and bone infections can occur in broken teeth because the center of each tooth has a canal that contains the blood supply and nerve, also known as the “pulp”. If the tooth is broken in a way that exposes this canal, there is now a highway for the bacteria in the mouth to travel down deep into the tooth root and bone and start an infection. Broken teeth and tooth root infections are very common and need to be resolved either with a tooth extraction or a root canal in order to salvage the health of the bone, as well as treat the pain that the dog is feeling. He may still be eating and feeling fine outwardly since his instincts tell him to do so, but research has proven that dogs do indeed feel the pain of a tooth root abscess just like humans do. To avoid infection, bone loss, tooth loss, and pain, prompt and appropriate treatment is vital.

Identifying and Addressing Teeth Problems in Dogs

Dogs are very good at hiding any oral and dental issues … instinctually they are programmed to just keep eating. Their lips and hair around their mouths also often obscure anything that we might be able to visually identify as abnormal, and their teeth extend deep into their mouths. When a veterinarian performs an oral exam during an appointment for an awake dog, even they are limited as to what can be seen! Some dogs stand very quietly and allow their lips to be lifted and mouths to be opened widely, others do not like it at all and clamp down, open quickly for a split-second look, or do not like us to go near their mouths at all! This is why it is necessary to perform a dental cleaning and anesthetize dogs for a full dental examination; complete with x-rays, gingival probing, scaling, and polishing! 

Removing plaque and tartar, identifying any problems that are beyond repair or in need of further treatment are important procedures that need to be performed every year. Annual dental cleanings plus learning how to clean your dog’s teeth at home are the most effective ways to ensure that your dog’s oral health is preserved for the length of his life and to prevent any unnecessary pain or health issues.

What about “anesthesia-free” dental care cleanings offered at groomers and pet stores? As you now know after reading about some of the complicated problems that occur inside of a dog’s mouth, it is clear that the best way to fully evaluate the issues that exist is to have a nice relaxed anesthetized dog so they are not stressed and struggling. Only then can the full mouth and all sides of the teeth truly be examined, all issues with the disease-causing plaque above and below the gumline addressed, and infections detected and treated appropriately. Anything less, and you are just removing some of the superficial yellow stuff but leaving behind the issues that will continue to wreak havoc on those sensitive tooth structures. In fact, non-anesthetic dentistry for pets has been outlawed in Canada as a deceptive business practice–since it is considered a cosmetic procedure only and does not do anything to help the dog’s overall health.

Keep Up the Daily Home Routine and Annual Dental Examinations

And to end with some good news – your dog does not have to be condemned to a life of suffering the consequences of plaque and gum disease! With a daily oral home care routine (tooth brushing and water additives), serving up approved and recommended dental chews to help massage those teeth and gums, and keeping up with annual exams and dental cleanings with your veterinarian, gum disease can be minimized and your dog has a better chance of keeping all of his teeth free from pain! A little upkeep goes a long way!

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

Doggy breath can range from the endearing smell of “puppy breath,” to the gag-inducing odor of “trench mouth.” There are many causes of halitosis (bad breath) in dogs, and although the most common cause is usually gingivitis and dental disease, there are also a few other important ones to be aware of too. Your veterinarian is the best source to identify the origin of your dog’s bad breath, and the culprit can usually be identified after a physical exam and some blood and urine testing. Some of the causes of your pet’s stinky breath might be surprising, but all can be serious and your veterinarian can further advise on how to proceed. 

The Most Common Causes of Bad Breath In Dogs

The first step in addressing your dog’s stinky breath is identifying the root cause. The following health conditions are some of the most common culprits behind bad breath in dogs.

Periodontal Disease 

By far, the most common cause of stinky breath in dogs is periodontal disease or disease of the dog’s gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. Can dogs get cavities? Actually, it is rare that dogs develop cavities, but it is very common for them to develop gingivitis. In a dog’s mouth saliva, food particles, and bacteria form a biofilm called plaque that adheres to the teeth above and below the gum line causing inflammation of the tissues. Over time, the inflammation and infection cause damage and destroys the healthy gingiva, bone, and structures keeping your dog’s teeth in place. The infection spreads, bone dissolves, and the teeth will loosen and fall out. This is basically a scientific way to say that the mouth slowly rots away, yielding the foul odor that pet parents can be so familiar with. Not only is this a smelly process, but dental disease in dogs is very painful and can cause damage to other organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Oral or Nasal Tumors or Infections  

Less common than periodontal disease but still near the top of the list of causes of halitosis is some type of localized infection, tumor, or mass in the dog’s mouth or nasal cavity. When a veterinarian looks inside an animal’s mouth, they are not only looking at the condition of the teeth and gums, but they are also looking and feeling for any lumps, bumps, bleeding, ulcerations, or abnormal sores. 

Dogs can develop a variety of tumors in their mouths; like melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma. When these tumors grow, the unhealthy and abnormal tissue sometimes dies and they often can become infected with bacteria, causing a foul odor. 

Sometimes trauma from non-food items stuck in the roof of the mouth (like small pieces of stick!), or from chewing and biting their lips and tongue can result in an oral infection. If your dog has a skin infection involving the lips, or has a “beard” of long hair that is constantly wet or entangled with food particles, a foul odor can result as well! 

Eating Something Smelly  

As some of us know from firsthand experience, dogs can be quite gross sometimes.  Dogs are scavengers with highly sensitive noses, programmed very differently than the human nose to seek out what we might consider unpleasant smells. They love to find random things to eat – outside, in the bushes, in the diaper bin, and in the garbage. Things that dogs put into their mouths include and are not limited to the excrement of their own production and/or other animals, and even the carcasses of dead animals.

If your dog engages in this type of consumption, this can cause (usually a more temporary) halitosis in the period of time following the incident. While eating things that we humans consider unpleasant can be commonplace for dogs, we do discourage it especially since the consumption of some of these items can result in bacterial and parasitic infections, upset stomachs, and even sometimes cause a dangerous intestinal blockage. Consult your family veterinarian for issues with coprophagia (poop eating), or if your dog is eating things routinely that are considered inappropriate (dirt, plants, etc) as this can be an indicator of diet, vitamin, and mineral imbalances.

Health Conditions 

Typically, in order for health conditions and internal organ failures to cause changes in the breath smell, they are typically fairly advanced by that time and have already been diagnosed due to other symptoms. Some pet parents report being able to sense a sweet odor from their pet with uncontrolled diabetes due to the excess ketones and glucose in the bloodstream. Advanced kidney failure can be accompanied by an oral odor that resembles urine or the smell of nitrogen, and can be accompanied by ulcers in the mouth, weakness, urination issues, and vomiting. Stomach issues and diet are rarely a cause of bad breath unless persistent vomiting has caused some erosion or ulcers in the esophagus or stomach. Usually, other symptoms of these problems are noted by pet parents before the “bad breath” develops.

Consult Your Family Veterinarian

While doggie breath does not necessarily smell like roses all the time, if you are detecting an abnormal odor emanating from your dog’s oral cavity, this may be a sign of a significant medical problem. As always, it is recommended to learn how to clean your dog’s teeth at home to keep tabs on how that mouth is looking, and help prevent stinky breath from gum disease. If you notice abnormalities while brushing, or bad breath along with changes in your pup’s eating habits, blood in his water bowl or dripping from his mouth, or suspect they are losing weight – it is best that he be evaluated by your family veterinarian.  A physical exam is the first step to evaluate your precious pooch for the underlying cause of these changes. Since all of the causes of bad breath benefit from early detection and intervention by your veterinarian, make sure to keep a close eye and nose on your pup!

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

A little “doggy breath” can be expected; After all, they eat just about anything off the ground and lick questionable things, too! One of the most common questions of pet parents for veterinarians is “why does my dog’s breath smell so bad?” An estimated 2/3 of dogs over the age of 3 years old have some degree of periodontal disease (disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth). How do you know when bad breath has progressed to a more serious problem, like dental disease? How are teeth and gum problems treated in dogs? And most importantly, can dental problems be prevented? 

Advancements in the treatment and prevention of dog dental disease has enabled pet parents and veterinarians to work together to preserve their dog’s chompers for years to come! Understanding how and why gum disease and dental disease happens, and incorporating preventative measures into your dog’s daily routine can help stave off dental disease from causing serious problems in your dog’s mouth.

What Causes Dental Disease in Dogs?

Can dogs get cavities? Unlike humans, it is actually rare for dogs to develop cavities. However, they often develop severe gingivitis and periodontal disease. How does this happen in the first place? Let’s go back to the beginning!

Every day in your dog’s mouth, a combination of saliva, bacteria, and food particles will mix to create an invisible biofilm called plaque that settles on tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Over time, plaque will mineralize into tartar (also called dental calculus) which is the yellowish, hard material that you can actually see as it builds up on your pup’s teeth. 

The presence of harmful bacteria inside the plaque and calculus will cause inflammation in the gingiva (gums), which then spreads to the tooth structures. Eventually, if this “bacterial cement” is not regularly removed with dental cleanings, it can even eat away at the jawbone holding the teeth in place. Since this all occurs under the gumline, it is very hard or even impossible to see, and happens without us even knowing! Sometimes all that a pet parent might notice is some stinky breath and a loose tooth; By then, severe and irreversible damage to your dog’s dental health has been done. Just to make matters worse, bacterial infections in the mouth can become so severe that they can impact other internal organs as well, like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Broken Teeth

Tooth fractures, or broken teeth, are another extremely common cause of oral pain and tooth root abscesses (pockets of infection in the root of the tooth) in dogs. When dogs chew on the bars of their kennel (whether due to boredom or more severe anxiety) or gnaw on hard items like Nylabones, antlers, hooves, ice cubes, and bones, broken teeth can be the result. For these reasons, veterinarians do not recommend offering your dog any of these hard items to chew on.  

All tooth fractures should be evaluated by your family veterinarian, as the broken tooth may have exposed the blood vessel and nerve supply to the tooth (called “pulp”). As you can imagine, if a nerve is exposed, your dog will experience quite a bit of pain––-and an exposed blood vessel is like a highway for bacteria to access your dog’s jawbone! Although your dog may still be eating and “feeling fine” outwardly with a broken tooth, keep in mind that his instincts tell him to eat and to hide his pain. Research has proven that dogs do indeed feel the pain of broken teeth and tooth root abscesses just like humans do, and prompt appropriate treatment is vital.

Why Dogs are Predisposed to Developing Dental Disease

Contrary to popular belief, occasionally gnawing on chew toys and feeding hard kibbles to dogs are not quite enough of a defense to impede the buildup of harmful bacteria and plaque that contribute to gingivitis and dental disease. In some ways, dog mouths actually set the stage for gingivitis and disease due to a number of characteristics.

Overcrowding of Teeth 

Dogs with smaller mouths often experience overcrowding of teeth. Especially true in small purebred dogs (the toy breeds: Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, toy Poodles, and mini Dachshunds–just to name a few), there are many large teeth in that small mouth! 

Retained Baby Teeth 

At the age of 4-6 months, dogs will typically lose all of their baby teeth and grow a full set of adult teeth. This is similar to the process that occurs as human children grow up! Occasionally, your dog’s baby teeth decide to just move over a bit instead of falling out. This allows the corresponding adult tooth to erupt and grow in right next to it while the baby tooth is still there. In an already crowded mouth, this creates even more of an issue requiring attention.

Short Tooth Roots and Tiny Bones 

Again, small breed dogs are most severely affected by dental disease because they have disproportionately large teeth with short roots in comparison to larger breed dogs. They also have tiny jawbones to begin with!

Malocclusion 

Through selective breeding over the years, humans have created cute and unusual-looking features in some dog breeds that we have come to love and recognize. Who doesn’t love the short snout of a Pug, or the underbite of a Bulldog?  While these features create the breed appearance we seek, things like the chewing surface of the teeth are altered away from what nature intended. Underbites can result in the teeth hitting each other, or the roof of the mouth, at awkward and damaging locations. Since the same number of teeth are crammed into such a short snout, this also creates a situation where teeth are too close together (allowing food material to become more easily trapped between the teeth), and sometimes even rotated in order to accommodate them all. Needless to say, when teeth are rotated and not in an orderly line, a dog’s natural chewing motion is affected. 

Signs Your Dog Has Dental Disease

At home, pet parents can also detect some changes that could indicate the presence of dental disease and any of these observations should prompt a vet visit for further investigation.

Outward physical or behavioral signs:

–   Bad breath

–   Dropping food out of the mouth

–   Bloody or pink-tinged saliva, increased salivation

–   Slower eating, or chewing gingerly 

–   Eating on one side of the mouth

–   Hesitation to chew toys or carry objects in the mouth

–   Protective of the face or mouth

–   Grouchy attitude or change in demeanor  

–   Weight loss

Visible oral signs:

–   Inflamed and red gums (gingivitis), gum bleeding

–   Receding gum line and exposure of tooth roots (teeth look “longer”)

–   Tartar buildup/Calculus buildup

–   Loose or missing teeth

–   Nasal discharge, sneezing, or a draining wound/swelling below the eye area

How Can Your Veterinarian Help Your Dog’s Dental Disease?

At every veterinary visit, your vet will look inside your dog’s mouth for signs of dental problems. Why? Every canine mouth has the potential to pose a surprise to your veterinarian. Even though your dog may look perfectly normal on the outside, a quick peek inside of their mouth may reveal a spectrum of issues ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontal disease (complete with loose or missing teeth). 

Not all pups love us looking inside their mouths, and there are also often issues lurking below the gum line that we cannot see with our naked eyes! These factors make dog dental disease very difficult to assess thoroughly with just a physical exam, and why your veterinarian will recommend a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation under anesthesia when the time is right for your dog. While vets can sometimes visually identify hints of the issues that are brewing in your dog’s mouth, dental x-rays and probing the gingiva around all surfaces of your dog’s teeth are necessary to reveal the full picture of your dog’s dental health, including aspects that can’t be seen by human eyes! These procedures are performed under anesthesia to maximize both your pup’s safety and the quality of dental care provided. Keep reading for more about what happens during a full dental cleaning.     

The Veterinary Dental Cleaning Procedure

Once your vet has identified gingivitis, tartar, a potentially diseased or fractured tooth, they will schedule your dog for a dental appointment. Of course, your veterinarian wants to make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible for anesthesia and to choose anesthetic medications that are the safest possible for your dog. For this reason, bloodwork is typically performed to evaluate your dog’s internal organ function and ensure the anesthesia is safe for them. This bloodwork may be done prior to the procedure, or on the same day as the dental cleaning. Some dogs that have concurrent health issues may benefit from additional testing beforehand like an echocardiogram, chest X-rays, or ultrasound to confirm that the dog is stable and that anesthesia will be as safe as possible.

Sedation medications are administered to help your pup feel relaxed, and an intravenous (IV) catheter is placed and used to deliver anesthetic medications and fluids. Once the anesthetic medications are delivered, a breathing tube is placed, which will provide your dog both oxygen and a gas anesthetic throughout his procedure. This tube also protects your dog’s windpipe from any water or bacteria from being breathed into the lungs–so it actually makes the procedure safer for your pup! 

Your dog is also connected to equipment that monitors their oxygen levels, heart tracing (ECG), respiration, blood pressure, and temperature– just like in a human hospital! Your dog’s vital signs are closely monitored and recorded throughout the procedure. 

Once the dog is under anesthesia, the veterinarian can get to work! All of the surfaces in your dog’s mouth are examined, including the tongue, soft and hard palate, lips, and tissues around the mouth. Dental x-rays are used to evaluate the condition of the tooth roots and jawbones since abscesses and fractures can only be visualized in this manner.

Just like at the human dentist, the teeth are then cleaned using an ultrasonic scaler and polisher. The harmful tartar and plaque lurking deep under the gumline are removed using the scaler, and the polisher is then used to make the surface of your dog’s teeth smooth and shiny. 

If dental x-rays have revealed a tooth root abscess, loose teeth from bone loss, or a tooth fracture, your veterinarian may recommend extracting the tooth (or having your dog evaluated for a root canal or more advanced procedure with a dental specialist at a later date). If an extraction is performed, numbing anesthetic is usually injected into the gums prior to starting the procedure. The extraction of teeth often requires an incision into the gums and removal of some of the bone covering the tooth root so that the entire tooth structure can be removed. The gum tissue is usually sutured closed with dissolvable stitches.

Once your dog’s dental evaluation, cleaning, and any oral surgery procedure that your pup needs are complete, they will spend the afternoon recovering on a soft bed in a quiet area monitored by the veterinary staff. Even when your dog is ready to return home and released to you for pick-up, he will likely be a bit groggy and tired through the evening. Your dog may feel a bit queasy from the anesthetic and may only want a little bit of dinner–however, he should be eating well the following day. If extractions were performed, soft food (canned or softened kibbles with water) is usually recommended for several days, as well as preventing your dog from chewing or playing with toys for at least a week until the mouth has healed.

Some veterinarians like to recheck the mouth after a week or two of healing has taken place, just to be sure your dog is recovering normally. Your vet will encourage you to continue with home care upkeep and at the next physical and dental exam, everything will be evaluated all over again! 

Dental cleanings are recommended depending on your dog’s needs, which may be as frequent as every 6-12 months to keep everything in good shape.

How To Prevent Dental Disease

As a dog owner, it is recommended to learn how to clean your dog’s teeth at home. Plus, there are several tenets of home doggie dental care and maintenance that pet parents can incorporate into their daily routine that will complement dental cleanings and promote a healthy mouth. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has created a list of products recommended to achieve positive long-term effects and keep your buddy comfortable.

As you can see, home care can do wonders to keep your dog’s mouth healthy, but unfortunately, it is not quite enough to keep the dentist away completely. We recommend annual veterinary wellness visits that include an oral assessment and recommendations for scheduling a dental cleaning under anesthesia to thoroughly examine all aspects of the mouth. The greatest benefit of your home care efforts is achieved after all of the diseased teeth are treated appropriately and a full mouth cleaning restores the surfaces of the teeth and gums for you to maintain. 

What about “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings offered at groomers and pet stores? As you now know after reading about some of the complicated problems that occur inside of a dog’s mouth, it is clear that the best way to fully evaluate the issues that exist is to have a nice relaxed anesthetized dog so they are not stressed and struggling. Only then can the full mouth and all sides of the teeth truly be examined, all issues with the disease-causing plaque above and below the gumline addressed, and infections detected and treated appropriately. Anything less, and you are just removing some of the superficial yellow stuff but leaving behind the issues that will continue to wreak havoc on those sensitive tooth structures. In fact, non-anesthetic dentistry for pets has been outlawed in Canada as a deceptive business practice, since it is considered a cosmetic procedure only and does not do anything to help the dog’s overall health.

Promoting Dental Health Through Home and Veterinary Care

Dogs, especially small breeds, are living longer than ever and we have more tools at our fingertips to be sure that their lives are healthy and comfortable. Pet parents and veterinarians working together to promote healthy teeth and gums will ensure that dental issues are not a pain in the mouth for your dog! 

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

Why does my dog’s breath smell so bad? Dogs need their teeth brushed? Yes, indeed! Veterinarians recommend brushing a dog’s teeth every day in order to prevent the most common disease diagnosed amongst dogs in the United States: dental disease. Within the past 20 years, awareness of and advancements in dental treatment for animals have brought the importance of dental care and canine oral hygiene to the forefront of long-term health maintenance. In fact, teamwork between pet parents and veterinarians to preserve dental health and prevent dental disease in dogs is a large reason why our pet dogs are living longer than they were just twenty years ago!

Since animals will instinctually find a way to keep themselves fed, and are also programmed to hide their pain, it can be easy to overlook what problems might be brewing inside of their mouths. Luckily,  with you providing home dental care for your precious pup,  and your veterinarian performing annual exams and dental cleanings, dental disease and gum disease no longer get a free pass to cause havoc on your dog’s health.

Why Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed? 

Contrary to popular belief, occasionally gnawing on chew toys and feeding hard kibbles to dogs are not quite enough of a defense to impede the buildup of harmful bacteria and plaque that contributes to gingivitis and dental disease. If you’re curious if dogs get cavities, the answer is, not commonly. But, dog mouths can set the stage for gingivitis and disease due to these characteristics:

–   Overcrowding of large teeth in a small mouth – Especially in small dogs (like these toy breeds: Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, toy Poodles, and mini Dachshunds–just to name a few!), there are many large teeth in that small mouth! Some teeth are cramped and rotated, and spacing between the teeth is decreased, making it a hospitable place for the plaque biofilm to nestle onto the tooth surface and below the gumline and set up inflammation.

–   Retained baby teeth – At the age of 4-6 months, dogs will typically lose all of their baby teeth and grow a full set of adult teeth. This is similar to the process that occurs as human children grow up! Occasionally, your dog’s baby teeth decide to just move over a bit instead of falling out. This allows the corresponding adult tooth to erupt and grow in right next to it while the baby tooth is still there. In an already crowded mouth, this creates even more of an issue requiring attention.

–   Short tooth roots and tiny bones – Again, small breed dogs are most severely affected by dental disease because they have disproportionately large teeth with short roots in comparison to larger breed dogs. They also have tiny jawbones to begin with!

Advanced periodontal disease can overcome and eat away the tooth structures causing teeth to loosen or even fall out! It is also common for the disease to weaken the jaw and predispose these little guys to jaw fractures during dental procedures, and even during everyday activities like eating and play.

–   Malocclusion – Through selective breeding over the years, humans have created cute and unusual-looking features in some dog breeds that we have come to love and recognize. Who doesn’t love the short snout of a Pug, or the underbite of a Bulldog? While these features create the breed appearance we seek, things like the chewing surface of the teeth are altered away from what nature intended. Underbites can result in the teeth hitting each other, or the roof of the mouth, at awkward and damaging locations. Since the same number of teeth are crammed into such a short snout, this also creates a situation where teeth are too close together (allowing food material to become more easily trapped between the teeth), and sometimes even rotated in order to accommodate them all. Needless to say, when teeth are rotated and not in an orderly line, a dog’s natural chewing motion is affected. 

Knowing that dogs are predisposed to having oral issues, preventive care is key! Our veterinarians recommend a combination of daily home care, annual veterinary examinations, and dental cleanings while under anesthesia to preserve the health of your dog’s mouth for years to come.

Dental Care at Home

There are several tenets of home doggie dental care and maintenance that pet parents can incorporate into their daily routine that will prolong the health of the teeth and gums. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has created a list of products recommended to achieve positive long-term effects and keep your buddy comfortable.

Dental Diets 

Where over-the-counter hard kibbles have minimal effect on the breakdown of tartar from chewing, some prescription dental diets (like Hill’s T/D, and Purina Pro Plan DH) have been scientifically proven to help scrub the tooth surface and gumline through chewing action, inhibiting plaque and tartar from building as quickly.

Dental Chews, Gels, and Water Additives 

Not all dental chew items are created equal! Veterinarians often see broken teeth from chewing antlers, hooves, bones, and some toys that are too hard for a dog’s teeth. Veterinarians advise not to give your dog anything to chew that is so hard that it cannot be indented with your fingernail or hurts your knee if you knock on it. Finding an appropriate product (refer to the VOHC list for dogs) that your dog likes to chew daily will help manually remove plaque and tartar through chewing action while giving your pup a fun activity and treat. The VOHC list also includes water additives and dental gel products that also will work to prevent plaque buildup.

AskVet Tip: Be sure to observe your dog with any new chew treats to ensure that they do not swallow them whole! That defeats the purpose and can also cause dangerous intestinal blockages. 

Daily Tooth Brushing 

It is easiest for pup and parent to train dogs to love having their teeth brushed when they are young puppies. However, if you have an older pup, don’t fret–it will just take a little more time and patience! Creating a normal routine including lots of treats and praise can make tooth brushing an easy and effective way to practice dental health at home:

• Select a pet toothbrush or finger brush to start out and see what you both find to be more comfortable. Next, choose a good quality pet enzymatic toothpaste that is flavored by something your dog finds delicious, like chicken, beef, or peanut butter. Although chicken-flavored dog toothpaste might sound strange, pet toothpaste is designed to break down plaque and is safe when it is swallowed. It is important to not use human toothpaste on pets, as they can cause stomach upset.                                          
• Find a nice comfortable place where your dog is either lying down, sitting, or in your lap; nice and relaxed is key! Go very slowly when just starting out, and initially just start to pet with your hand around your dog’s mouth to get them used to your fingers moving their lips. If your dog demonstrates any aggression, do not continue and consult your vet for further guidance. If your dog is a bit confused or acts suspicious, showering your pup with treats to create a positive experience can quickly dispel any discomfort. Once your dog accepts your hands near their lips and mouth, you can start to introduce the toothpaste and brush tool. To start, letting them lick some toothpaste off the bush is also a great way to get them to associate these items as positive things. 

AskVet Tip: If your dog does not like the feel of the brushing tools in their mouth, a chicken broth-soaked finger or a broth-soaked-gauze-wrapped finger is a good way to start too! Once they are more accepting of the feel, try the finger brush again, or just stick with gauze! 

• Once you are both ready and comfortable, begin to lift the lips and massage the toothpaste with the brush tool onto the outsides of the teeth in a circular or back and forth motion. Only the outsides of the teeth need to be brushed but do be sure to go far back into the mouth to get those large molars where much of the plaque will be lurking. When just starting out, brushing sessions will likely be short, but over time can lengthen as the dog becomes accustomed to the feel. Spending a few minutes massaging all outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth will do wonders to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

AskVet Tip: Be sure that toothbrushing is a positive experience full of praise and treats! The more you practice with your pet at home, the more comfortable they will also be for oral exams by the veterinarian too!

Annual Veterinary Exams and Dental Cleaning

Home care can do wonders to keep your dog’s mouth healthy, but unfortunately, it is not quite enough to keep the dentist away completely. We recommend annual veterinary wellness visits that include an oral assessment and recommendations for scheduling a dog teeth cleaning under anesthesia when your veterinarian advises you it is necessary for your pup. The greatest benefit of your home care efforts is achieved after all of the diseased teeth are treated appropriately and a full professional cleaning restores the surfaces of the teeth and gums for you to maintain. 

What about “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings offered at groomers and pet stores? As you now know after reading about some of the complicated problems that occur inside of a dog’s mouth, it is clear that the best way to clean a dog’s teeth is to have a nice relaxed anesthetized dog so they are not stressed and struggling. Only then can the full mouth and all sides of the pet’s teeth truly be examined, all issues with the disease-causing plaque above and below the gumline be addressed, and infections detected and treated appropriately. Anything less, and you are just removing some of the superficial yellow stuff but leaving behind the issues that will continue to wreak havoc on those sensitive tooth structures. In fact, non-anesthetic dentistry for pets has been outlawed in Canada as a deceptive business practice–since it is considered a cosmetic procedure only and does not do anything to help the dog’s overall health.

Promoting Dental Health Through Home and Veterinary Care

Dogs, especially small breeds, are living longer than ever and we have more tools at our fingertips to be sure that their lives are healthy and comfortable. Pet parents and veterinarians working together to promote healthy teeth and gums will ensure that dental issues are not a pain in the mouth for your dog! 

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required! 

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!