Clean as a Hound’s Tooth: Your Guide to Canine Oral Health

clean as a hound's tooth your guide to canine oral health Puppies have 28 Dogs have 42 temporary teeth. permanent teeth. 28 42 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw These puppy teeth erupt These begin to emerge at about four to six weeks. at about three to seven months. Dogs have 6 permanent teeth that have 3 roots each and 14 teeth that have 2 roots each. Puppies should lose a puppy tooth before the corresponding adult tooth emerges. * If a puppy tooth is still in place when an adult tooth begins to show, it is called a retained deciduous tooth. * If this occurs, see your veterinarian so the dog's occlusion is not affected. Studies show that by age three, 80% of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include: * Yellow and brown buildup of tartar along the gumline * Red inflamed gums * Persistent bad breath Dental disease is one of the most common problems veterinarians see in pets. * By the time your dog turns three, there will likely be some early evidence of periodontal disease. * It worsens as dogs grow older if effective preventive measures aren't taken. Practicing good dental hygiene at home-in addition to regular dental cleanings by a veterinarian-is the most efficient and cost-effective way to keep your dog: Healthy Pain-free Comfortable causes of canine dental problems Broken teeth and roots Cysts or tumors in the mouth Periodontal disease Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and bite) Abscesses or infected teeth Broken (fractured) jaw Palate defects such as cleft palate An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs and become life threatening. take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms: Red swollen gums Bad breath, and brownish teeth similar to a rotten egg odor Swelling of the face Tartar build-up Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face Bleeding and/or mouth from the mouth Reluctance to eat hard foods- for example, picking them up and then spitting them out * Veterinarians use special instruments and ultrasonic or hand scalers to remove plaque and tartar that can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. O Plaque is the build-up of bacteria, saliva and food on teeth. Plaque becomes problematic if it mineralizes, which forms tartar- a hard coating that builds up on the teeth and under the gums. Tartar above the gumline is easier to see and remove. Plaque and tartar below the gumline can lead to infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jawbone. This is especially important for small dogs because they are more likely to develop periodontal disease than larger dogs. If an exam reveals dental disease, your veterinarian may take X-rays to determine the severity and best course of action. slow and steady: how to brush your dog's teeth O Start slow * Don't try to brush your dog's teeth on the first try. * Use water and a small rag, a piece of gauze or your finger for the first few times. e Toothpaste train ë Place a little dog toothpaste on your finger. * Let your dog lick the paste from your hand. * Do this several days in a row. 8 Finger brush * Place a little dog toothpaste on your dog's large canine teeth in front. * Do this for several days so your dog gets used to having something placed against the teeth and gums. * Follow each session with a healthy treat and praise. 4 Introduce a toothbrush ë Place some dog toothpaste on a dog toothbrush. * Allow your dog to lick it from the brush. * Do this for several days so your dog gets used to the texture of the toothbrush. * Follow each session with a healthy treat and praise. 6 Brush * Gently hold back your dog's lips. * With the toothbrush held at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, brush the outside of each tooth, GOOD JOB! moving the brush gently back and forth. * Talk to your dog in a soothing voice and always follow brushing sessions with a healthy treat and praise. * Brush just a few teeth the first time. * Gradually lengthen the session each time until you can comfortably brush all the teeth. 9 Choose treats that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, as they are proven to reduce plaque and tartar. important brushing tips * Never use human toothpaste Human toothpaste is created to be spit out. Since dogs do not spit HUMAN TOOTHPASTE out toothpaste the way humans do, the ingredients can make your dog sick. Use a toothbrush designed for dogs They are smaller, soft and have a different shape than human toothbrushes. Brush two times per week While daily brushing is ideal, brushing at least twice a week improves dogs' breath and helps keep teeth and gums healthy. tips for fresh breath and a happy, healthy dog O Help freshen breath with doggie dental chews, gels, rinses, treats and foods approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council or that are proven to reduce plaque and tartar. * They can all help, but do not replace regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings. Supervise your dog when playing with toys or chewing on bones. Both can break apart. Remove any small, broken pieces. 2 Wipe your dog's mouth. * Saliva, food and bacteria can accumulate in the small creases of dogs' mouths and can lead to infection. * Clean the skin folds in your dog's mouth once a day with a clean washcloth and warm water or an antibacterial oral rinse containing chlorhexidene. your dog's dental care shouldn't stop at a yearly veterinary checkup Learn how brush your dog's teeth and notice signs of dental problems to keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Sources ....... • avma.org/News/PressRoom/Pages/ • drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm? Pet-Dental-Health-Month-release.asp aid=997 • avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/ • drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm? Pet-Dental-Care.aspx dept_id=&aid%3D285 • community.petco.com/t5/Blog/ • petco.com/Content/ArticleList/Article/1 How-to-Brush-Your-Dog-s-Teeth/ 2/1/7709/Top-Ten-Tips-For-Getting- ba-p/54644 Rid-of-Dog-Breath.aspx • drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm? • vohc.org/perio.htm BROUGHT TO YOU BY DESIGNED BY petco GHERGICH&Co. DOG TOOTHPASTE