Dental care

Canine Dental Problems

Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth and 42 permanent teeth, 6 upper and lower incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars and 10 molars. The healthy mouth should have clean unstained teeth with a healthy pink gum margin around the tooth.

The permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Some animals can have a non sequential eruption which results in deciduous teeth being retained within the mouth when the permanent teeth erupt leading to overcrowding (picture on left). Yorkshire Terriers are particularly prone to having retained deciduous incisors. Such teeth are best removed as they later result in a higher incidence of periodontal disease.

Excessive wear of teeth due to stone chewing or similar activities, results in exposure of the brown dentine within the tooth (picture on right), or the development of stress fractures which can lead to death and discolouration of the dental tissue if the tooth pulp is involved. Abscessation is a common sequel of this problem.

Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in dogs. The breed, diet and level of oral hygiene all contribute to the problem. A gingivitis (gum inflammation) develops around the tooth, possibly secondary to tartar formation on the tooth, the bone holding the tooth can weaken leading ultimately to tooth loss. Infection around the tooth socket at this stage leads to a condition called pyorrhoea which further exacerbates the problem. The treatment is to remove any tartar build up by ultrasonic scaling and polishing, and to extract any diseased or damaged teeth. The indications that the animal is needing dental work are bad breath (halitosis), gingivitis and gum bleeding, gum recession and pain on opening the mouth or while chewing.

Steps can be taken to prevent or reduce the amount of dental disease. Feeding is important, a diet based purely on soft food (canned meat) allows the build up of tartar. Dried, hard food or treats can aid in breaking tartar off the tooth. Brushing is probably the most effective way of maintaining good oral hygiene. Special dog or cat toothpaste has to be used, human forms are not suitable.