Common Dental Problems in Dogs

Your dog's oral hygiene is essential to their overall bodily health. Here, our San Mateo vets discuss common dental problems in dogs and how to prevent them.

Dental Care for Dogs

Like humans, dogs need daily dental care in order to maintain the health of their teeth and gums. However, most dogs don't receive the dental healthcare they require to keep their teeth and gums healthy. 

It is common for dogs to have some form of gum (periodontal) disease before the age of 3. This early onset of dental disease can have serious negative consequences for their long-term health. 

The best way to maintain your dog's oral health is to combine at-home dental care with an annual professional dental exam. 

How can I tell if my dog has a dental issue?

It's not always easy to detect early signs of dental health issues in dogs. That said, if you notice any of the following, it's time to book an appointment with your vet:

Common Dog Dental Issues 

1. Periodontal Disease 

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a condition that occurs when there is an excessive amount of plaque build-up on your pup's teeth. If plaque (a thin, sticky film of bacteria) isn't regularly removed, it can harden into a substance called calculus or tartar that becomes more difficult to remove. 

Tartar buildup causes pockets to form between your dog's teeth and gum line where infection can develop. If gum disease isn't treated eventually your dog's teeth can become loose and fall out.

2. Oral Infections 

With periodontal disease, the open space around the tooth roots can become filled with bacteria, leading to an infection. This infection can cause a good deal of pain for your dog and can result in a tooth root abscess. 

Besides the negative oral health impacts a tooth infection has, it can also negatively affect your dog's overall body health.  Just as in humans, there have been links found between periodontal disease and heart disease in dogs. This is due to bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth, damaging heart function, and causing issues with other organs. These health issues are in addition to the more obvious problem of pain caused by eroded gums, and missing or damaged teeth.

3. Tooth Fractures 

We all know dogs love to chew! However, as a pet parent, you should be aware that chewing on certain items, such as bones or very hard plastic can cause your pup's teeth to fracture or break. Tooth fractures are also more likely when your dog is chewing on an object that is too big for their mouth. 

When selecting chew toys be sure to pick something that is an appropriate size and material for your dog. Speak to your vet about what they would recommend. 

4. Retained Baby Teeth 

All puppies have baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth). In most situations, these teeth will fall out by the time your dog reaches 6 months of age. However, in some cases, some of the teeth will remain. This can cause over-crowding which can result in extra plaque buildup and make it more difficult to keep your pup's mouth clean.

Typically, your vet will recommend these teeth be removed under anesthetic to prevent future issues. Many vets will do this when the dog is already under anesthesia for a spay or neuter.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.

If you've noticed symptoms of dental disease in your dog, contact our San Mateo vets to book an exam today.