Why Dental Cleanings Are Essential to Your Dog's Health
Perhaps this isn’t the conversation you want to discuss at the dinner table, but tartar buildup on your pup’s teeth is a serious topic that is well worth all pet parents' attention. You may have noticed its effects on your dog’s teeth – the yellow-ish brown-ish staining as they yawn or smile. This is the result of tartar buildup, which starts its journey on the teeth as plaque. Plaque begins to form hours after a dog eats, and as it combines with the salts found in dog saliva, it hardens, and turns into tartar. Think of tartar as a giant welcome sign to dental health issues and gum disease; opening the door to pain, illness and expensive medical bills.
Why removing tartar is important to your dog’s overall health
Tartar on our teeth pose the same problems as it does in a dog's mouth – Harmful bacteria begin to grow, and it's only a matter of time before it invites serious health issues to follow. Dental complications, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscesses or lost teeth, are all consequential results that form when plaque and tartar are left in the mouth. Aside from poor oral health, it can also lead to some seriously stinky dog breath!
The oral cavity and teeth are not where issues end, either – as tartar builds up along the gum line, it pushes the gums away from the teeth, exposing their roots (which are no longer covered by enamel) and leaves them open to sensitivities, causing your pup pain and discomfort. Tartar also likes to explore. After hanging out in a pooch's mouth, it'll explore their body – Bacteria hitch a ride in the bloodstream and make their way to organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, which you know will not result in a good outcome for your pup’s overall health. It’s some seriously scary stuff!
how to prevent tartar and remove it
Don't let tartar get the upper hand in your dog's mouth. There are a few things you can do to rid it or minimize its presence, many of which you can do at home:
Brush your dog’s teeth on a daily or weekly basis. We have organic dog-safe toothpaste and brushing kits for purchase at the boutique, or you can easily find some in most pet stores.
Give your dog dental treats, such as Honest Kitchen's Beams and rubber toys to chew on. Or, get the real deal—real, raw bones help scrape off soft plaque deposits on dog’s teeth.
Happy Dog offers anesthesia-free dental cleaning and scaling for your dog's teeth. Consider having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months to keep their mouth in optimal health.
While brushing your dog's teeth at home, keep an eye out for the warning signs of gum disease, such as:
Bad breath
A brownish colored stain of tartar around the gum line
Red and swollen gums
Pain (flinching) or bleeding when you touch their gums or mouth
Aside from practicing dental care at home, consult with your vet to perform an oral health check during your annual visit. It's typically complimentary, and your vet professional will be able to assess and recommend any additional care needed to stop the buildup of tartar.