Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth (temporary) and 42 permanent teeth. Deciduous or "milk" teeth begin to appear when a puppy is about four weeks of age, and are lost gradually between 14 and 30 weeks of age. During this time, puppies may eat slightly less and chew more. Hard rubber or rawhide toys made especially for dogs are a good investment to help prevent household damage during this time. Common signs of dental problems in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Red, swollen and bleeding gums
- Drooling
- Blood in the saliva
- Yellow-brown tartar at the gum line
- Broken teeth
- Foul breath
Dogs sometimes suffer from broken teeth, often a result of biting on sticks or rocks. A cracked or broken tooth can be painful if the nerve tissue is exposed; if it becomes infected, there is the danger of the infection spreading through the bloodstream. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended.
Dental Problems
To ensure your dog's dental health, they require dental care on a regular basis. Otherwise they may develop problems.
Dental problems may also result from injury, foreign bodies such as porcupine quills or foxtail, malnutrition or systemic diseases which infect the mouth as well as other parts of the body.
Occasionally a puppy or kitten will retain some deciduous (baby) teeth after the permanent teeth have appeared. This may damage the soft tissues of the mouth and may even accelerate wear of permanent teeth. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine whether or not removal is necessary.
However, the most common dental problems dogs experience is buildup from plaque and calculus. Food, bacteria and saliva may accumulate and adhere to the tooth surface, forming a soft plaque. If plaque buildup continues, solutions of chalk-like materials form a hardened dental calculus on the tooth surface. Calculus is seen more frequently in older pets fed large quantities of soft foods. If left unchecked, plaque and calculus buildup can eventually cause inflammation of both the gums (gingivitis) and the membrane lining of the tooth socket (periodontitis). Without proper treatment, the teeth may become infected and fall out. The infection resulting from these conditions may spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys or valves of the heart.
Dental problems can be minimized or even prevented through regular cleaning and scaling under anesthesia, done by a veterinarian.
Unfortunately, signs of dental problems are often subtle and may go undetected for months, or even years. Regular dental examinations by a veterinarian are recommended. Your dog's yearly physical examination is a good opportunity for a dental checkup.
Additionally, dry, crunchy foods such as Purina® Dog Chow® brand dog food, Purina® Biscuits® brand dog snack and Purina® Cat Chow® brand cat food can be helpful in keeping teeth clean. As the pet chews, particles from the dry food scrape against the teeth, acting like a toothbrush to help remove plaque. Still, there is no substitute for regular dental care.
If possible, accustom a young puppy or kitten to having its teeth cleaned on a regular basis at home. Gently rub the pet's teeth with a soft cloth or a child's soft toothbrush dipped in a solution of baking soda and water. Do not use toothpaste formulated for humans. Because pets swallow rather than spit out the preparation, this can cause stomach upset.
Dog Health: Dental Care
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