Dental disease in dogs: does your dog need a check-up?

Are your dog’s teeth sparkly clean? Or are they one of the 1 in 8 dogs in the UK that have dental disease? If you’re not sure, then a dental check-up is needed.

It’s definitely worth being proactive about your pet’s oral care. Dental problems can have a huge impact on your dog’s quality of life, as well as putting them at risk of other health issues.

We know that it can be tricky to keep on top of your dog’s oral hygiene, but we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of dental disease, including preventative oral care, warning signs, and how we can help you and your pet.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition in pets. It starts when a slimy layer of bacteria, saliva, and food particles begins to coat your pet’s teeth. This is called plaque, and it is usually colourless, making it tricky to see. However, over time this can mineralise and harden into a grey-brown substance called tartar. This is visible, covering the normal, shiny white tooth enamel.

The bacteria in this tartar and plaque contribute to gum inflammation, known as gingivitis. If this is left untreated, the disease could progress further to periodontitis. When this happens, the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth can become damaged. Over time, this will lead to tooth loosening and tooth loss. Dental abscesses can also occur secondary to dental disease or because of tooth fractures, and affected dogs may have painful facial swelling.

What causes dental disease?

There are several reasons why your pet may develop dental disease. These include:

• Genetics. Some animals seem more prone to dental disease than others.
• Lack of at-home oral care.
• Diet. Nutrition may affect oral health.
• Trauma.
• Tooth alignment. Overcrowded teeth can be trickier to keep clean and are more likely to trap food. This is a very common issue in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs. Retained deciduous (milk) teeth can also cause similar issues for some pets.
• Advancing age. We see more dental disease in older patients.

What are the warning signs of dental disease?

There are several indications that your pet might have dental disease. Your pet may show just one, or perhaps several, of the following signs:

• A hard grey-brown tartar on the surface of the teeth
• Red, inflamed gums that may sometimes bleed if touched
• Loose, missing, or broken teeth
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Increased drooling
• Pawing or rubbing at the face
• Changes in eating habits, such as reduced appetite, avoiding hard chews, or dropping food when eating
• Reacting when having their mouth examined or handled
• Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or becoming withdrawn
• Weight loss

It is important to note that dogs are very good at hiding signs of discomfort. Very few dogs with dental disease go off their food, and most will continue to eat despite their pain. That is why regularly checking your pet’s mouth at home and attending routine vet appointments is crucial.

Should my dog have a dental check-up?

Yes. All dogs should have regular dental check-ups so that any emerging issues can be spotted quickly. Most dogs have their teeth checked during their annual vaccinations, but our veterinary team can perform a dental check at any time. If you have concerns, don’t put it off.

One of the leading causes of chronic pain in dogs is untreated dental disease, so we must take good care of our dogs’ teeth. In addition to causing issues in the mouth, dental disease can have negative effects elsewhere in the body. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and end up at other sites. This could cause secondary problems in places like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

By spotting signs of dental disease earlier, we can manage your pet’s health more effectively.

How is dental disease treated?

If your pet’s dental check-up confirms your pet has dental disease, then advice will be given on at-home oral care techniques, or a dental procedure may be recommended.

If your pet needs to come into the practice for dental treatment, then this will usually involve the following:

• A general anaesthetic. Your pet will need to be anaesthetised for a more detailed examination and for us to be able to carry out treatment effectively. It is impossible to fully assess a patient’s mouth while they are conscious. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests, supporting your pet’s blood pressure with intravenous fluids during their surgery, and continuous monitoring while they are asleep, help to support your dog through their anaesthetic. While we know pet owners often worry about this, it’s certainly not uncommon for us to successfully anaesthetise senior animals. Many of our patients requiring dental treatment are actually older pets. Our team at Lanes Vets is always happy to discuss anaesthetic benefits and risks with you in more detail.
• Examination. While your pet is anaesthetised, a detailed examination of your pet’s mouth can be performed. This will allow us to assess for issues like gum recession, gingivitis, lumps, and tooth abnormalities. The examination may also include taking dental radiographs (X-rays) to assess structures below the gum line which are not visible, like the tooth roots and jawbone.
• Professional cleaning. We will remove tartar and plaque from your pet’s teeth. This procedure would be stressful and uncomfortable if carried out in conscious patients, but anaesthetising pets allows us to perform a thorough and professional clean. Conscious teeth cleaning procedures are not recommended, as they can’t tackle plaque and tartar below the gumline.
• Dental extractions. Depending on examination findings, your pet may require tooth extractions. This is performed to remove painful or diseased teeth that can’t otherwise be saved. Some pets may need multiple extractions, whereas others may just have one or two problem teeth. In some cases, dental surgery may need to be staged, meaning that a couple of dental surgeries are needed at different times.
• Advanced dental treatments. We are pleased to be able to offer some advanced dentistry procedures led by our postgraduate certificate holder Jo Daniels BVetMed PGCert(Dent) MRCVS, at our Cottam branch. This includes complicated extractions and oral surgery for mass removal or oronasal fistula repair. Occasionally, cases may need to go to a referral hospital to a specialist in veterinary dentistry.

Our team will discuss their findings and treatment recommendations with you.

How can I prevent dental disease in my pet?

As well as regular dental check-ups and veterinary treatment, at-home oral care is an important part of keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.

Daily teeth brushing

Daily teeth brushing is the top thing you can do to look after your dog’s teeth. Training should begin early, but it’s never too late in life to start. Don’t expect your pet to accept a toothbrush straight away. You will need to do some gradual positive association training, which could take several weeks depending on your pet’s personality and previous experiences. Keep training sessions short and remain patient throughout. Our team are always happy to talk to you about this in more detail.

Dental diets and treats

Some dental chews have been proven to improve oral hygiene, and there are also diets formulated to prevent tartar buildup as well. While not as good as teeth brushing, these can be a useful aid when managing your pet’s oral hygiene.

Just remember, bones, antlers, and other hard chew items are not recommended, as they can cause painful dental fractures. Don’t give your pet anything that is too hard to dent with your fingernail.

Chew toys

Chewing has been proven to have a positive impact on the oral microbiome in dogs. Again, don’t give your pet anything too hard and check toys regularly for wear and tear.

Water additives and supplements

Water additives and other supplements are available as a useful aid, although they are best used alongside teeth brushing. Speak to us for our recommendations on these products.

Summary

Dental disease in dogs can progress quickly and quietly, and could seriously affect your pet’s quality of life. This is why regular dental check-ups are so important.

At Lanes Vets, we’re passionate about your dog’s oral care. If you have any concerns about your pet’s oral hygiene or you’ve noticed something abnormal, contact us for an appointment.