Dental health is key to the general health of any dog. Pain or discomfort in the mouth can restrict a dog’s ability to feed, bacterial infections in the mouth can spread to the digestive system and ulcers can cause infections in the nasal cavity. Like all dogs, the Maltese is prone to dental health problems. Small breeds such as the Maltese have small mouths with teeth very close together, so dental problems are marginally more prone to gum disease.
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Drooling
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Excessive drooling can be caused by localized numbness in the mouth. Oral numbness can be caused by blisters and ulcers that prevent the dog from controlling saliva production properly. Dogs do drool in normal circumstances, some more than others, but owners should be aware of what is normal for their dog and monitor their dog if excessive drooling persists.
Bad Breath
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Halitosis can be caused by oral health problems or digestive problems. Dogs rarely have pleasant breath, but noticeably foul-smelling odors emitted from a dog’s mouth should be cause for concern. An abundance of bacteria in the mouth can cause bad breath, as can the presence of rotting food that may be trapped between teeth or inside cavities.
Lack of Appetite
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Reluctance or refusal to eat should always be a cause for concern for a dog owner. If your Maltese dog is showing obvious discomfort or is picking at his food, it may be that the dog is experiencing pain from a gum infection such as gingivitis, has a broken tooth or has an ulcer.
Swelling
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Swelling around the mouth is a definite sign of a dental health problem. The teeth, gums and oral cavity are all prone to infection because of the warm, wet conditions and the presence of bacteria. Ulcers or infections are two possible causes for oral swelling.
Discoloration of Gums
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The gums should be a light pink color, with little discoloration. If the gums are bright pink, red or particularly light in color, this can be a sign of infection. The color of the gums also indicate other, more general health problems, so always consult your veterinarian.
Discoloration of Teeth
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Healthy dogs have slightly discolored teeth compared to humans. A mild yellowing of the teeth, especially in old age, is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, black or dark brown patches on the teeth are a sign of decay.
Lethargy
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The mouth is part of the digestive system, so dental problems can become generalized fairly easily if left untreated. Dogs that are displaying a lack of energy, especially in combination with any other symptoms, may be in the advanced stages of dental disease.
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