Common issues to arise for a dog and their teeth?

Loose Teeth

Just like us humans, dogs can get loose teeth too. This can mean a couple of things. Firstly, if your dog is a puppy, then this is rarely something to worry about. Puppies get loose teeth just like people, and these teeth will fall out and new, stronger ones will go in their place. But in adult dogs, this problem usually means something a little more. This could mean some kind of gum disease or trauma to the mouth and should be looked after by an animal care professional right away. If things like this are left alone, it can result in widespread infection, rot, and sometimes even death.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is essentially gum disease for dogs. You will be able to tell if your dog has this disease pretty easily. First of all, their gums could be bleeding or eject puss from them. If you notice this, or if you notice that your dog’s gums have become inflamed, be sure to seek medical advice from your vet. You can easily avoid this happening by making sure you take good care of your dog’s teeth before this happens. Clean them, make sure there is no buildup of plaque and have them checked by a vet every 6 months.

Tooth Root Abscess

In case of some really bad periodontal disease, dogs can often be susceptible to tooth root abscesses. This comes about through either the aforementioned periodontal disease, a crack or bad chip to the teeth or other gum damage. Once the root of the tooth becomes exposed to bacteria, the dog can find themselves in severe discomfort. If you’re looking for tell-tale sign this is the case, your dog’s face will swell and you will also notice a lack of appetite, coming from the inability to really chew anything on one or both sides of their face. If you notice anything like this it is best practice to head straight to the vet. They will X-ray the dog’s jaw and identify the culprit 100%.

Halitosis

This is an issue that arises in both pets and humans. Halitosis basically means ‘bad breath’ and in dogs is extremely common. But this could easily be the first clue to more serious dental problems. On its own, Halitosis comes from a buildup of bacteria and plaque that hasn’t been cleaned. This can cause your dog some serious problems. The teeth will often become stained yellow and brown, and this is a sign your dog will need veterinary attention. To avoid this happening, try and keep your dog’s teeth clean with a good scrub with a toothbrush.

These are just the main things you need to look for in dental health for your dog. If you can be aware that these problems exist, it makes it much easier to nip in the bud early, making for a much simpler, and cheaper, life. If you're not comfortable diagnosing and treating your dog, then you should always seek the assistance of a medical professional.