My dog has tartar – what now?
Tartar is an issue that every dog owner will have to deal with sooner or later. Dental diseases are, with a share of 80% of animals over 5 years old, the most common disease in dogs.
Our Pets Deli veterinarian Rebecca explains everything important about the development, prevention, and treatment of tartar.
How do I recognize tartar?
To recognize tartar, you just need to take a look inside your furry friend's mouth. Normally, our four-legged friends' teeth are just like ours: white. The following symptoms indicate tartar:
yellowish-brown hard deposits on the teeth
unpleasant bad breath
red, swollen, and sensitive gums indicate a gum inflammation (gingivitis)
reduced food intake due to pain from the inflammation or
avoiding hard food (e.g. dry food)
swollen lymph nodes
with prolonged untreated inflammation, bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and damage other organs
Your dog has pretty bad breath? Our →Denta Powder can help your four-legged friend with bad breath.
Where does tartar come from?
Before tartar develops, there is what is called plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm, formed by food residues, saliva, and shed cells on the teeth. This plaque provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which multiply rapidly.
Through the mineralization of plaque, tartar is ultimately formedtartar, which, unlike plaque, is hard and difficult to remove. Due to the bacteria in plaque gum inflammations develop, which, just like in humans, can be quite painful. As the disease progresses, the bacteria migrate into the area between the tooth and gum and can then also damage the periodontium, the periodontium, damage. This can in turn lead to irreversible damage where in the worst case, teeth have to be removed.
If tartar and inflammation of the periodontium (periodontitis) remain untreated for a long time, it is possible that the inflammatory cells from the mouth enter the bloodstream and other organs can be affected and damaged as a result.
Do all dogs get tartar?
As you have already learned, diseases of the oral cavity and especially tartar are among the most common diseases in dogs. Almost every dog will have to deal with tartar at some point in their life.
But why do some dogs need a professional dental cleaning as early as two years old, while others only need it in old age? There are certain genetic predispositions that promote early tartar formation. In addition, small dogs are more prone to tartar formation than large ones. Dental misalignments can also contribute to early tartar formation. The theory that wet food promotes tartar and dry food prevents it has not yet been scientifically confirmed.
How can I prevent tartar in my dog?
You've now heard a lot about tartar being an unavoidable topic for every four-legged friend. But is there something you can do to prevent the problem? The answer is: Yes, you can.
Here are two important tips you can implement at home to prevent tartar:
Brushing teeth
Yes, you read that right – dogs should also have their teeth brushed. As you've learned, tartar forms through the mineralization of plaque. If you remove this plaque daily by brushing, you can prevent tartar. There are special toothpastes and toothbrushes for dogs. Please never use human toothpaste for your dog. These are not suitable for dogs.
Brushing your four-legged friend's teeth takes some practice. Most dogs don't like it when you suddenly try to brush their teeth. Be patient and take your time to get your dog used to it slowly. If you have a puppy, start dental training early.
Dental care products
Here you are spoiled for choice. There are a variety of chew bones, sticks, and toothbrushes or treats. We also have some helpful →Denta Snacks for your furry friend. Thanks to their special shape, texture, and ingredients, they can reduce tartar formation in dogs.
Of course, these products are not miracle cures. They won't completely free your dog's teeth from tartar, but they do have a certain preventive effect and are therefore recommended for your four-legged friend. However, keep in mind that these dental care products are still treats with a lot of energy. Therefore, you should include these dental care products in your dog's daily ration to help your dog maintain their ideal weight.
When does my dog need dental treatment?
During veterinary routine check-ups you should always have the teeth examined as well. This way, your veterinarian can alert you in time if a veterinary dental treatment is necessary. At the latest, when tartar gets out of hand and the gums as well as the periodontium are inflamed, it's time for a professional dental treatment.
Even if your dog is very well-behaved and sits still while you brush their teeth, a thorough dental examination and treatment always requires a general anesthesia. The risk of injury for both your dog and the treating persons would be too high without anesthesia.
What happens during a dental treatment?
During a dental cleaning, all teeth are examined in detail and tartar is removed. The equipment used is similar to what you know from your own dentist. It is often also necessary to take X-rays to help assess the entire tooth including the root and decide whether teeth need to be extracted.
Is it bad if my dog has teeth pulled?
Many dog owners worry when their dog has to have one or more teeth pulled. Don't worry: Your four-legged friend will manage just fine with a few teeth less. Especially in older dogs, it is possible that an annual dental treatment and extraction of teeth is necessary. Our →Joint-Fit wet food is still a real treat for your senior dog.
Don't forget, if teeth are irreversibly damaged due to tartar and the resulting inflammation of the gums and periodontium including the tooth root, they must be extracted. These damaged teeth are of no use to your dog anymore and only cause pain and further inflammation.
In particularly severely affected dogs, it can over the years happen that eventually all teeth have to be removed. Even dogs can get used to this. Of course, dry food won't be crunched anymore, but well-soaked dry food or wet food is still perfectly possible.
Trust the veterinarian's opinion on when a dental treatment needs to be performed. Together, you will find a way to keep your dog's teeth healthy for as long as possible.
