Dental Health for Dogs

~ by Vet. Fernando Riera S.

Both animals and humans may suffer from oral/dental diseases, such as cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, as well as oral masses and halitosis (bad breath), among others.

Taking care of the oral cavity is very important to avoid plaque growth; it’s yellow and hard, and it contains bacteria. In a mineralized extract, this bacteria mass reacts with the gums, which swell and cause gingivitis. Periodontitis is a more advanced state, where the gums recede and the roots of the teeth are exposed, resulting in bone resorption, pain, bleeding, and loss of teeth.

Bad breath in pets have several causes; it’s necessary to discard infected teeth, foreign objects stuck between the teeth (pieces of wooden sticks or bones), abscesses, plaque, etc. 

To keep an oral cavity healthy, the animal must be taken to the vet, who will recommend a professional cleaning in case there are traces of germs. Once they appear, they cannot be removed by brushing, and a procedure involving anesthesia or a sedative (depending on the patient) will be performed using special Cavitron® equipment. 

To avoid plaque formation, brush the dog’s teeth twice a week using dog toothbrushes and paste, since toothpaste for humans may cause the dog to experience diarrhea or vomiting. 

Dogs that are fed dry food are less prone to developing plaque in comparison to dogs that eat wet food (canned or homemade). Pets that chew bones or similar objects have healthier mouths. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, French poodles, and Yorkshires tend to experience more germ deposits. 

Now, be patient and start brushing your pets’ teeth; at first, it may be difficult, but your pet will get used to it.

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