Think of how much you hate to go to the dentist. Remembering the sound of that dentist's drill may motivate you to brush and floss regularly. Now think about your dog and his teeth. He can't brush or floss, but he is just as liable to have tooth decay and gum disease as you are. He must rely on you to see to it that his teeth stay as clean as possible. If not, your dog may experience serious pain and his teeth may become loose and even fall out.
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Plaque and Tartar
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Plaque is a whitish, sticky substance made up of food remnants, saliva and bacteria that stays on your dog's teeth after eating. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque. However, if plaque is not kept from building up on your dog's teeth, it will harden and become tartar (calculus). Tartar--which forms mainly along or under the gum line--provides an encouraging environment for more plaque to prosper and causes teeth discoloration, gum irritation and the possibility of gum disease. Once tartar has formed, only your veterinarian can remove it.
Gum Disease
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If your dog's teeth are not kept free of plaque and tartar, he may develop gum disease. The earliest stage, gingivitis, will make his gums sore and irritated and cause bad breath. If not treated, this will progress to periodontitis, and eventually advanced periodontitis, where the root structure and bones supporting your dog's teeth begin to die. This will cause his teeth to become loose and eventually fall out or require extraction.
Check for Signs
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Check your dog's mouth regularly to watch for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Look for discolored teeth, bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, unusual drooling, or signs of pain or sensitivity, such as flinching, whining or jerking away when you touch his mouth. To get a good look inside his mouth, pull his cheek gently away from his teeth in the direction of his ear. If you find any of these signs, a visit to the veterinarian for a thorough dental check is in order.
Brush Your Dog's Teeth
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Brushing your dog's teeth daily (or at least three times a week) will go a long way to preventing loose teeth due to decay and gum disease. This practice works best if you begin when your dog is a puppy, but even adult dogs can learn to tolerate this procedure. A soft-bristled toothbrush will work best for your dog---child-sized for puppies or small dogs; adult-sized for larger breeds. Rubber finger toothbrushes are also available, as well as beef-, cheese-, and chicken-flavored toothpastes. If you decide to incorporate a chew bone or toy designed especially for teeth cleaning, consult your veterinarian about which one best suits your dog.
Ask Your Vet
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Have your veterinarian check your dog's teeth at his annual or semi-annual wellness exam. If, despite every precaution you have taken, your dog has loose teeth or other signs of periodontal disease, your vet will offer options for resolving the problem. If a tooth is too far gone, the vet will probably extract it, but will, if at all possible, attempt to retain all your dog's teeth and insure his dental health. Infection in the teeth, mouth and gums can spread to other organs of the body and may lead to heart problems. Your dog may need to be sedated or anesthetized for the vet to clean all the plaque and tartar from his teeth and under his gums.
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