Talking About Tartar Buildup On Dog’s Teeth

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Ick! It’s gross, but you can’t hide from it – tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth can be a serious issue

It’s not pretty but we’ve got to talk about it – tartar buildup on dog’s teeth. It’s that nasty brown stain you see when your dog smiles, pants or yawns really wide. It doesn’t take long to form. In fact, just a couple of hours after your dog eats, tartar gets to work and that gummy gunk starts forming on teeth. It’s your job, as a pet parent, to take care of your dog’s dental health… and that means taking care of tartar before it becomes a problem.

How Tartar Works

Tartar is a devious little bugger! It doesn’t start out as tartar. It first makes an appearance as plaque, which begins to form hours after a dog eats. It combines with the salts that are found in saliva. As it builds up and hardens, that’s when plaque turns into tartar. Once tartar forms, dental problems and gum disease can’t be too far behind.

What’s The Big Deal?

Just like with our teeth, plaque and tartar can wreak on a dog’s mouth. All those bacteria growing are a ticking time bomb just waiting to go off. The aftermath could result in gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscesses or lost teeth.

Tartar likes to be pushy, too. As it builds up along the gum line, it will push the gums away from the teeth. This exposes the roots of the teeth, which are no longer covered by enamel. Because the roots are no longer protected, it leaves them open to sensitivities, causing your dog pain and discomfort.

But tartar isn’t content with just hanging around in your dog’s mouth. Nope, it needs to explore your dog’s body. Bacteria hitch a ride in the bloodstream and make its way to the heart and kidneys. And you know that the outcome will never be good in a situation like this!

Periodontal Disease and Your Dog

One of the most common diseases caused by an excess build-up of tartar is periodontal disease which is estimated to be experienced by 80% of all dogs at some degree by the age of 2. The disease presents in two different stages, depending on how long it is allowed to grow and develop. The first, known as gingivitis, involves inflammation in the gums. If this is left unmanaged and continues to get worst, it can then progress to the second stage, known as periodontitis, where the inflammation moves to the supporting structures of your dog’s teeth.

Some signs of periodontal disease include red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, tooth sensitivity, pain while eating, loose or missing teeth, bad breath, tooth discoloration, weight loss, excessive drooling, or favoring one side of the mouth while chewing. If the disease is allowed to spread to the supporting structures, it can trigger the breakdown and destruction of the roots of your dog’s teeth. Not only is this painful for your dog, but it can also lead to tooth loss when the roots degrade far enough.

Home Dental Checks

Often referred to as the ‘silent disease’, periodontal disease rarely presents with any obvious signs before the advanced stages. At this point, the disease is likely causing significant pain for your pup – something that most pet parents obviously want to avoid!

While a home dental check should never be viewed as a substitute for proper veterinary care, getting into the habit of routinely checking the condition of your dog’s teeth and gums will help you catch the early signs of a problem before it’s allowed to progress too far. Watch for any signs of sensitivity while handling your dog’s mouth, as well as any of the above signs. If you observe any signs of damage or plaque build up in your dog’s mouth, contact your veterinarian to discuss the next best steps!

What Can You Do About Plaque and Tartar?

Tartar doesn’t have to get the upper hand in your dog’s mouth. Here’s what you can do to keep tartar at bay:

    What are Dental Toys?

    What exactly are dental toys and what separates them from any other toy on the market? The truth is that there isn’t much of a different outside of the texture of the toy. Dog dental toys are durable toys designed to encourage your dog to chew. The exterior of the toy often features nubs, ridges, bristles, and other interesting textures that work to help loosen and remove plaque from your dog’s teeth while massaging their gums. Rope features can also be included due to the unique way that they scrape at your dog’s teeth as they are chomping down. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including those that are specifically designed for aggressive chewers.

    Many of these toys feature delicious flavors such as bacon, beef, or chicken to encourage your dog to continue chewing for as long as possible, while the toy works its magic. There are even options that incorporate ingredients like baking soda to help eliminate bacteria and freshen your dog’s breath. After all, no dog parent wants to get kisses form a dog with horrible breath!

    We’d like to hear about your experience with tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Please leave your comments in the section provided below.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Best Wheelchairs for Dogs

    To help you choose the best mobility aid for your four-legged best friend, we''ve rounded up the most popular and best-reviewed wheelchairs for dogs.?
    DIY Decorative Dog Dish Towels

    Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make your own dog dish towels. They do more than just dry dishes - they also make a fashion statement!
    Old English Sheepdog

    Old English Sheepdog is durable, loving companion. It is considered a ""happy"" breed that is able to make the best of new or unusual situations.
    Boston Marathon Bombing Service Dog is The Star Of a New Book

    A special service dog named Rescue is the star of a new book about how he came into the lives of two survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.
    Tibetan Spaltese

    The Tibetan Spaltese has a low-maintenance coat and moderate activity needs. This designer dog was developed by crossing the Tibetan Spaniel with a Maltese.
    Best Cat Pheromone Sprays

    If your cat suffers from stress or anxiety, it can result in unwanted behavior. Cat pheromone sprays could be the answer you''ve been looking for.?
    Family Dog Helps Man With Alzheimer’s Speak Again [Video]

    Is there any doubt that dogs have the power to heal? If there was any, just watch this video and it will be erased. It highlights how one special dog has hel…
    Pinny Poo

    The feisty Pinny Poo brings together the protective nature of the Miniature Pinscher and the playful personality of the Miniature Poodle.
    How To Protect Your Dog During Firework Celebrations

    For dogs, fireworks aren''t cause for celebration. When the light show starts, they take cover! Here''s how to protect your dog during the Fourth of July.
    Two-Faced Kitty Pulls an About-Face With Copycat Face-ade!

    Now here''s a look you don''t see everyday. This adorable little two-faced cat has scientists wondering if she is a true ''Chimera.''
    Palm Cockatoo

    Without any doubt whatsoever, the Palm cockatoo is one of the most unique and sought-after parrots- one bird can cost up to $16,000.
    Grouper

    Grouper are a large family of saltwater fish characterized by their stout bodies and over-sized mouths. They are hardy, colorful and fascinating species.
    English Springer Spaniel

    As a classic hunting and retrieval dog, the English Springer Spaniel is friendly around the home and obedient enough to make a great outdoor dog.
    10 Best Bowls For Bernedoodles

    Finding the right bowl for your dog can be challenging because they vary so much in size, so we''ve compiled a list of the 10 best bowls for Bernedoodles.
    French Spaniel

    The French Spaniel is a unique dog because it technically fills the role of a setter but is classified as a spaniel. An intelligent and active hunting breed.