Why is Dog Teeth Cleaning Important for Your Pet’s Overall Health?

It is a well-known fact that periodontal disease can cause sore red gums and discomfort in the mouth. However, dental disease can lead to many other health problems, as it can harm the other organs in the body.

Teeth cleaning is crucial for your pup’s health because gum disease can damage the teeth and harm the health of the kidneys, heart, and liver. You want to learn the correct way to brush your dog’s teeth and avoid these health problems.

If your pup suffers from dental disease, you want to get them to the vet for professional teeth cleaning. Within the first stage of periodontal disease, you have the chance to reverse it. Read this article and find out why dog teeth cleaning is important for your pet’s overall health.

At Southcentral Veterinary Services, we strongly recommend routine annual teeth cleanings and dental check-ups for dog owners in Bowling Green, KY and the surrounding areas. By scheduling annual cleanings, we can get out in front of any potential diseases or dental problems before they get out of hand. Give us a call to schedule your dog’s next dental visit!

What is Periodontal Disease in Dogs?

Periodontal disease in dogs occurs when inflammation of tissues surrounds the tooth. It starts with the culmination of plaque in areas of the mouth. This disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that harms the following:

• Gums
• Bones
• Supporting structures of the teeth

Periodontal disease is very progressive and is sometimes not found until the later stages of the disease. The best course is to start caring for your dog’s oral health early.

If the periodontal disease goes untreated, it can lead to a host of complications, not only in the mouth but to other organs in the body. Practicing good dental hygiene on your dog will help eradicate many diseases and other problems.

What Are the Indicators of Gum Disease in Dogs?

Checking your dog’s mouth is an excellent habit to get into. You want to look for any signs of discolored gums and teeth sensitivity. The following are some of the symptoms of gum disease in dogs:

• Bad breath
• Gum inflammation
• Black or pigmented gums
• Not wanting to eat
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Pain during chewing

When checking your dog’s gums, they should be light pink. If you see the above symptoms of gum disease in your dog, take them to see the vet as soon as possible.

Can You Reverse Periodontal Disease in Dogs?

Periodontal disease is only reversible when it is in its first stage. There is no destruction to the bone or teeth yet during this time. However, there are serious symptoms when there is inflammation of the gums. These include:

• Red or enlarged gums
• Gums bleeding while brushing
• Bad breath
• Dirty teeth

Periodontal disease is reversible in this stage if your pup gets the dental care they need. Gum disease requires attention and professional dental cleaning. Some of the procedures for cleaning your pup’s teeth include:

• Scaling the teeth above and underneath the gum lining to eliminate plaque and tartar
• Polishing the teeth
• Mouth X-rays to determine how developed the disease is
• Checking around each tooth for any atypical pocketing

In the beginning stage of periodontal disease in dogs, you can help your pup by giving their teeth a proper daily brushing. This brushing requires patience and effort on your part. You may need a veterinarian to show you how to brush your dog’s teeth.

 How Do I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?

We all know the correct way to brush and take care of our human teeth. However, with dogs, it is a little bit different. You want to brush their teeth when they are calm. You need to ease into it and give your dog a chance to become acclimated with the process.

Purchase a Dog Toothbrush

You can get a dog toothbrush at a pet store or get one online. Dog toothbrushes feature a more extended, curved handle that facilitates a more manageable time brushing the back teeth.

You should only use toothpaste that is specifically formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Gently Touch Toothbrush onto the Teeth

Touch the top teeth and then the bottom teeth as softly as possible. Hold your pup’s head in place and be gentle. If your dog behaves, give them a pet. Come to think of it, even if they do not behave, pet them to reassure them that the process will be safe for them.

Begin to Brush the Top and Bottom of Teeth

Place the toothpaste on the toothbrush and begin to brush the top of the teeth. Hold your dog’s upper lip up and be gentle and reassuring. Take your time and make sure your pup does not feel nervous. Then, start to brush the bottom of the teeth.

Bring the bottom lip down and brush the teeth. Brush the front teeth first, then move along to the sides and back of teeth. Brush in a small circular motion.

Go to the Bottom Teeth and Brush Accordingly  

Brush both the outside and inside of the teeth. It may be challenging but teach your dog to trust you while performing this task. Make sure to keep your pup’s head steady and keep them calm.

Reward Your Pup for Being Tolerant of the Process

Make this a positive experience for your pup. Offer your dog lots of pets and love. They have just been cooperative of a very tedious task. Keep practicing daily!

Many dental products can help your dog with their oral health, and there are a ton of great choices out there. You should always consult with your veterinarian before trying out a new product on your dog.

Other Health Problems Caused by Dental Disease in Dogs

There are many health problems connected with dental disease in dogs. Some of these ailments are dangerous to dogs and can even be fatal. The following health problems can occur if you are not diligent about your pup’s oral health:

Infection in the Heart Valves Can Cause Heart Issues

Bacteria from your dog’s mouth can become lodged in the heart valves. Bacterial endocarditis is a severe condition that can permanently damage the heart tissue and trigger heart disease or even heart failure.

Enlargement of Liver is Caused by Infection

If the liver is functioning correctly, it will help to clear out waste and clean the blood. When there are bacteria in the mouth, they can be swallowed and cause infection in the liver, fatal.

Bacteria Can Lead to Blood Infection

Bacteria can flow from the mouth into the bloodstream and cause infection. This infection goes where the blood does and can travel outside the blood-brain barrier.

Weight Loss Caused is Caused by Inadequate Nutrition

Dogs need adequate nutrition for their bodies, and when they are having a difficult time chewing, they might not eat. They can be in so much pain that they lose their appetite, precipitating organ failure.

Dental Disease Can Cause Bone Infection

If their dental disease is significant enough, it can cause bone infections and a broken jaw in your pup. Bone infection is excruciating for dogs, and it can cause serious health complications. The bone under the teeth is prone to disease, and when the bone breaks, it is complicated to heal or fix.

Routine Teeth Cleaning for Your Dog is Crucial to Their Overall Health

You can prevent periodontal disease if you are serious about your pup’s dental health. It is essential to know that if you are not diligent about taking care of your pup’s teeth, it can cause many health complications that can result in serious problems and even death.

You should know the symptoms of gum disease in dogs. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to deliver the best possible care to your pup regarding their dental health and overall health in general.