A: Dental disease is the mot common cause of "dog breath." Bits of food and bacteria form soft deposits called plaque on the teeth, which eventually hardens into tartar. Tarter irritates the gums and gives bacteria access to the tooth roots, which leads to infection, pain and tooth loss, as well a bad breath. The bacteria can even wind up in the bloodstream and infect a dog's heart valves or kidneys.
To assess the general condition of your dog's teeth check along the base of the upper canines (fangs) and the first large teeth in the back. Do you see yellowish, brownish, or garish gunk on the teeth? That's tartar. Does the gum line look red rather than pink? That's gingivitis. Are there sores or crusts on his or her lips? All of these are signs of dental disease. They symptoms of dental disease aren't restricted to the mouth. Infection from an abscessed upper canine tooth may break through the dogs nasal passages and produce a yellowish or white discharge from the nose.
If your dog has tartar on their teeth or signs of an infection, make an appointment with your vet. Once tartar has hardened it's almost impossible to remove at home. A dental cleaning under anesthesia is required. Vets clean a dog's teeth using the same types of instruments your dental hygienist uses on your teeth. The vet also checks for gum recession, infections, loose teeth, and growths in the dog's mouth. Loose teeth are often removed, but a veterinary dental specialist sometimes can do a root canal instead to save a tooth.
Once your dog's teeth have been professionally cleaned, you should start brushing them every day. I know, seems impossible, but it could help keep your K9 pain free and healthy!
Happy brushing!
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