How clean is your dog’s mouth? Find Out Why Oral Hygiene is Important for your Dog, thanks to writer Carolette Alcoran who has been researching this topic…
Why Oral Hygiene is Important for your Dog
Like many dog owners, you probably haven’t been paying too much attention to your dog’s oral health.
If you find that your dog is often restless, it could be that they are suffering from oral hygiene issues. Your pup may also be experiencing toothaches or have infected gums. They may also be dealing with the intense pain and discomfort that comes from poor oral hygiene, thus becoming less active. Not paying attention to your pet’s periodontal health can cause several other severe conditions.
Let me show you why maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is important as well as what the consequences are if you ignore it.
The consequences of improper oral hygiene of your dog
Not taking care of your dog’s oral hygiene increases the risk for several periodontal diseases including the following:
Bad Breath, Inviting Infections
Just like humans, dogs also develop bad breath when their oral hygiene is ignored. It is the result of the buildup of bacteria in your dog’s oral cavity that feeds on the food stuck between their teeth.
If you do not want to feel repulsed by the bad breath your dog has when approaching you for an affectionate hug, be sure to take care of your pup’s oral hygiene.
Bad breath can occur due to several oral conditions such as:
- Periodontitis: an inflammation of the gums, bones, and other delicate tissues around the teeth.
- Gingivitis: an inflammation of the gums
- Plaque: the buildup of bacteria and dead epithelial cells on the tooth enamel.
- Pyorrhea: an inflammation and pus formation in the gums and tooth sockets.
Makes Teeth Loose, Weak, and Prone to Fall Off Prematurely
The dog’s oral cavity is the perfect incubator for bacteria to grow because it offers a warm and moist environment, as well as significant nutrients for it to feed on. These bacteria can eat into his teeth and make their roots weak. Though the process may occur slowly over a period of time, it’s irreversible!
As a result, your dog will slowly begin losing teeth one after the other at a much earlier age than expected. It is up to you to stop this from happening by ensuring that your dog has a healthy mouth.
Damages Gums and Causes Gingivitis
Gingivitis, or the inflammation of the gums, is a common mouth problem in dogs. Gingivitis occurs due to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles found along the gum line. It results in the formation of plaque, and when combined with minerals and saliva, this plaque hardens to form tartar, also called calculus.
The calculus, in turn, causes irritation and inflammation of the gums. The common signs of gingivitis include:
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- A reluctance to eat normally
Increases the Risk of Oral Warts
Improper oral hygiene provides a perfect opportunity for the viruses to attack the tissues and cause warts. Oral warts occur on the lips, gums, and tongue of dogs due to a virus called papillomavirus.
These warts appear as fleshy, cauliflower-like outgrowths, and your dog may not be able to eat well because of this. This can lead to other problems such as:
- Weakness and fatigue
- A low immunity
- Nutrient deficiencies
The widespread consequences of poor oral hygiene and oral warts can be avoided by taking care of your dog’s oral hygiene on a regular basis.
Poses Risk of Overlooking Foreign Bodies Embedded in Teeth
Many complications associated with the oral health of dogs arise from a foreign body that is embedded in the mouth. This is more common in the dogs who tend to be outdoors a lot and are involved in activities like holding sticks and plant materials in their mouth. It may also happen indoors when the splinters from wooden furniture are gnawed on by your pet.
If you let the foreign body stay in your pup’s mouth, it can lead to several complications such as:
- Severe pain, making your pet extremely restless and violent.
- Pus formation in the gums and oral tissues.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Stinky breath.
Unless you take regular care of your dog’s teeth, you may not even know that they have something stuck in their mouth until it is too late.
Damages Vital Organs Leading to Systemic Illnesses
You will be surprised to learn that dental diseases, besides being a persistent source of pain, can also affect the health of other vital organs.
It can increase your pet’s risk of systemic diseases such as:
- Kidney failure
- Cardiac problems
- A low immunity
Making oral care a part of your dog’s grooming sessions will avoid these illnesses.
Tips on dental care in ‘Keeping Dog Care Simple in 7 Easy Steps
You May Miss the Retained Baby Teeth
Maintaining the oral hygiene of your pets does not mean just brushing their teeth. It also involves regularly taking them to a veterinarian. An expert vet would be able to detect any retained baby that your pet may have. Retained baby teeth are common in small breeds of dogs.
If these teeth don’t fall off normally and are allowed to remain in their mouth, they can cause excess crowding. An extra tooth can make it difficult for the permanent tooth to erupt. Another reason why you should take your pet to a vet regularly.
Vet checks are essential for oral hygiene
Every day veterinarians treat dogs for routine vaccinations and other minor afflictions. However, these routine visits often reveal the poor oral health of the dog, and that’s when the alarm bells start ringing.
Displaying the dog’s loose teeth, sore gums, and rotting tooth sockets can be surprising and shocking for the owners. This can be avoided by paying good attention to the oral hygiene of dogs.
Remember, your pet’s oral hygiene is as important as diet, physical activity, and vaccinations. If you want your dog to be your active companion and a great friend, take care of their oral hygiene.
More about canine oral hygiene:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/c_multi_periodontal_disease
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_multi_papillomatosis
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/c_dg_retained_baby_teeth
About the author:
Carolette Alcoran is a pet enthusiast and a blogger of Fast Dog. She specializes in writing articles related to dog’s issues and health. Her baby girl is named Pixie (a Shih Tzu).
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