Effective Solutions for Dog Halitosis: Symptoms & Treat

The Formation of Canine Dental Diseases

After a pet eats, food residue can remain in the gaps between their teeth, leading to bacterial growth and the formation of dental plaque. Over time, if the oral environment is not kept clean, the plaque can gradually turn yellow and harden into tartar. This tartar can separate teeth from the gums, causing a range of issues such as bad breath, receding gums, and exposed root canals.

Common Dental Diseases in Dogs

① Gingivitis: When bacteria invade the gums, they cause inflammation and swelling, damaging the gum tissue and leading to gingival inflammation. Affected animals may exhibit symptoms like bad breath, red and swollen gums, and bleeding, which can eventually lead to periodontal disease.

② Double Row of Teeth: Double rows of teeth occur when the milk teeth haven't fallen out yet, and the permanent teeth have already emerged. The permanent teeth fail to displace the milk teeth. This condition can lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, and the pet may also experience a decrease in appetite due to the pain caused by the double row of teeth.

③ Facial Fistula: When tartar, gingivitis, and periodontitis are severe, a large number of bacteria and toxins can slowly infect the teeth, causing root decay. The pus may have difficulty draining, leading to its accumulation at the root of the tooth. Over time, this can lead to the development of a facial fistula.

How to Prevent Canine Dental Diseases

Consistently brushing your dog's teeth with dental care products, and scheduling annual or semiannual oral examinations and comprehensive dental cleanings are essential. Additionally, it's best to avoid soft, sticky foods in their diet, as these can easily adhere to the animal's teeth and, over time, lead to decay and bacterial growth.

Many pet owners wonder if it's necessary to clean their dog's teeth if they have tartar, especially if their pet is eating and drinking normally. Dental calculus can be categorized into supragingival calculus (visible above the gumline) and subgingival calculus (hidden below the gumline). Supragingival calculus is often yellowish and has a certain degree of hardness, while subgingival calculus is firmly attached to the tooth surface, dense and hard. Dental calculus can also cause gingivitis, periodontal disease, and eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss, and in severe cases, even liver and kidney diseases. Once calculus forms, it is difficult to remove and requires ultrasonic scaling. Longterm use of oral and dental cleaning agents is also necessary to prevent recurrence.

Tip: Check out "How to Learn to Brush Your Dog's Teeth" for more tips on dog teeth brushing techniques.