Why Do Dogs Have Plaque Build Up?

When bacteria and plaque proliferate inside your buddy̵7;s mouth it̵7;s not only a smelly turn off, but it can also progress into full-blow periodontal disease. Unfortunately, if left alone dogs can rapidly accumulate plaque. It̵7;s important to understand how plaque buildup occurs in order to prevent it in the future.

  1. Too Much Canned Food

    • No matter how much your buddy begs for the canned stuff, resist his pleas. A good quality dry dog food not only nourishes his body but also cleans his teeth and prevents plaque buildup. When dogs crunch their kibble, the crunching provides abrasive action against the surface of their teeth, scraping away plaque as they eat. Dogs who primarily eat wet or canned food don̵7;t get this extra cleaning action, and are doing their teeth a massive disservice.

    Skipping Daily Brushing

    • Daily brushing can help remove plaque before it accumulates and hardens into tartar. A child-size toothbrush, finger wrapped in gauze or even a fancy canine toothbrush are the best tools for the job. Make sure to use a toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, small circular motions and have your buddy open wide. If started young enough, many dogs tolerate daily tooth brushing quite well.

    Infrequent Dental Care

    • Veterinarians recommend routine dental care for every dog regardless of breed, size or sex. Yearly dental exams allow your vet to examine your buddy̵7;s teeth and gums and address any problems before they become severe.

    Poor Chewing Behavior

    • Much like crunching on dry food, chewing on dental toys and treats attacks plaque buildup. Gnawing on chew toys helps gently remove soft tartar and massage your buddy̵7;s gums while the saliva produced rinses away bacteria. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a variety of canine-safe chew toys.

    Genetics

    • Certain canine breeds are predisposed to plaque buildup. These include brachycephalic or ̶0;squished face̶1; dogs such as Boston terriers and bulldogs as well as smaller breeds like Yorkshire terriers. Both in the case of dogs with shortened snouts and small breeds, the mouth and jaw are smaller. This leads to overcrowded teeth. When teeth are overcrowded, it̵7;s much more difficult for cleansing mechanisms to remove the majority of bacteria and plaque from the entire tooth surface. In some cases extractions can help with an overcrowded mouth, but often extra vigilant dental care is the best solution for breeds predisposed to dental disease.