In this article we will refer to the importance of the dog's oral hygiene, which most of the time goes unnoticed resulting in our dog suffering silently.
By the age of 5, it is proven that two out of three dogs will show signs of periodontal disease, for example generalized inflammation of the oral cavity which attacks the gums, bones and tissues surrounding the teeth resulting in teeth becoming weak, resulting in the teeth gaining mobility and eventually falling out. The cause of the disease is the microbial plaque that covers the dog's teeth. This in combination with saliva, oral germs and food debris, creates the tartar (stone) around the teeth. The tartar irritates the gums, the gums recede, and the root of the tooth is exposed. The germs on the plate dissolve the tissues of the gums and the alveolus resulting in the tooth gaining mobility.
Predisposing factors:
1) stone on teeth, the more the worse.
2) The breed. Some Breeds e.g. Beagle, Maltese, pekingese, have a predisposition to oral diseases. In general, small and hunting breeds have an increased chance of having oral issues.
3) Age. The older the dog, the higher the chance of the disease.
4) Health history and treatments. (Kidney failure, diabetes)
How to spot different oral diseases:
1) Reluctance to chew food or not eating at all
2) The presence of pain while chewing
3) Big quantities of saliva (more than normal)
4) Discoloration of teeth (brown teeth)
5) Intense red or swollen gums
6) Bad breath
7) Blood from nostrils, with or without sneezing
Your veterinarian will be able to tell you about the condition of your dog's mouth through a clinical examination and the use of x-rays. In many cases, diseases of the oral cavity in general can lead to heart, kidney and liver diseases due to the accumulation of toxins from the increased microbial load of the mouth.
Prevention:
1) Avoid giving soft foods
2) Providing special treatment in food or water to prevent the formation of tartar (ask your veterinarian)
3) Brushing the dog's teeth at regular intervals. At least 3-4 times a week. There are special toothbrushes and toothpastes for this purpose. Although it sounds difficult, there are many dog owners who can assure you that with proper puppy-adult dog training, brushing your dogs teeth can be very easy
4) Dental care. Your veterinarian is the most responsible for this issue and where he deems it necessary, he will recommend the appropriate treatment. That is, to remove the tartar from the teeth, the most effective way is to brush and polish the teethwith special dental equipment and a basic condition for the dog to be under general anesthesia (similarly in case of extraction of damaged teeth). Abroad, specialized veterinarians-dentists even proceed to fillings and denervation of teeth
Additionally, antibiotics and painkillers can help with abscesses and inflammation of the oral cavity, but in any case it would be good to consult your veterinarian.
Dr. Zachos Sergiou DVM