The most common form of dental disease in dogs is plaque build up and the subsequent decay of the teeth underneath. Plaque is produced by the action of bacteria feeding on food deposits left on the teeth, and can build up into significant deposits which then trap more food matter, leading to a vicious cycle of disease. The build up of plaque can then contribute to tooth decay as the plaque damages the teeth and gums making it easier for bacteria to attack the tooth root. Tooth decay then leads to the classic symptoms of advanced dental disease in dogs – pain, halitosis and poor appetite – and can also lead to more serious problems in other parts of the body as bacteria from the rotting teeth enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other organs.
So dental disease is obviously something we should be helping protect our pets from, but what is the best approach? Well in dogs, regular brushing using a specific pet brush and toothpaste is the best approach, along with other measures such as feeding dental hygiene chews, using mouthwashes and feeding a predominantly dry diet. It’s also another reason to visit your vet regularly so your dog’s teeth can have a professional check up at least once a year.
If your dog has dental disease then the best treatment approach is usually a dental procedure carried out under a general anaesthetic, where the vet will scale and polish the teeth and remove any rotten ones. Just watch out on the price for these procedures as it’s well worth shopping around for good deals. The chain of practices I work with offer some really good prices if you’re in the Birmingham or Essex area – see www.petvaccinationclinic.co.uk or www.yourvets.co.uk for more information.
