When dogs eat, a film of mucus called plaque forms on the teeth. If this is not removed, it hardens and turns into tartar, or calculus. If the tarter is allowed to stay on the teeth, the gums become inflamed - this is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible - it can be treated and prevented with thorough plaque removal and continued plaque control. If gingivitis is untreated it leads to periodontitis. Periodontal disease is more severe and is irreversible. Periodontal disease causes red, swollen, tender gums, receding and bleeding gums, oral pain and bad breath. If this disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs.
The gums have a rich blood supply. When an infection occurs in the gums and tooth sockets it is easy for the bacteria to get into the bloodstream. A blood-borne infection beginning in the gums and lodging in the valves of the heart often causes serious permanent damage. Please read the article by Randy Walker, DVM for more in depth information on the significance of this problem.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 % of dogs, and 70 % of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Any pet owner should be aware of the warning signs of bad teeth:
- Bad breath
- A change in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- A yellow brown crust of tartar around the gumline
- Pain or bleeding when the pet eats or when you touch the gums
If any of these signs are present please visit your veterinarian! As with anything else prevention is your main goal. Follow just three important steps and you may be able to prevent dental problems altogether.
- Visit your Veterinarian for a dental evaluation.
- <2i> Begin a dental care routine at home.
- 3i> Get regular veterinary dental checkups
Since this article is aimed primarily at Greyhounds, I will mention a few routine ways to help with your hound's teeth. Feeding dry food and hard dog biscuits can help to keep the plaque from building up; rawhide chews are also good for this. I will mention a warning here - be careful with some of the so-called doggie treats on the market today. Some of these can cause more harm than good! Some people also give their greyhounds raw carrots to gnaw on. This way the hounds clean their teeth, massage their gums, and get their vitamins all at once!
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