80% of ARISTOPERROS have dental problems when they reach middle age. However, the percentage of ARISTOPADRES who are aware of their dogs' dental problems is very low, approximately 30%. Today we want to talk to you about this because it is a topic that is highly relevant to the health and well-being of our furry friends, since dogs do practically everything with their mouths. Therefore, it is important to combat the lack of awareness surrounding this issue to guarantee them good health and quality of life.
Let's look at the different dental problems an ARISTOPERRO can have, from least to most serious:
1.Dental plaque
Dental plaque is defined as the soft, thin film of food debris, saliva, and dead cells that builds up on the teeth. It is the perfect environment for the growth of various bacteria.
Daily tooth brushing at home can help eliminate the constant buildup of plaque. To do this, we recommend having a dental hygiene set, such as this one from Trixie. However, in certain breeds, especially small dogs, reaching the molars and premolars to brush them is quite difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to give them extra help with dental sticks or snacks, such as those you will find at ARISTOSHOP from Greenies.
2.Tartar
Tartar (also called dental calculus) is a hard, stone-like material, ranging in color from creamy yellow to black, resulting from the mineralization of dental plaque.
Tartar cannot be removed by brushing. It must be removed using the special equipment used by veterinary clinics (and dentists), usually while the dog is under general anesthesia. However, there are already dental hygiene toys that can improve the situation day by day.
3.Gingivitis
This refers to inflammation of the edge of the gingival tissue, also called the gums. It is characterized by redness, inflammation, and bleeding. It does not cause tissue destruction and is usually reversible through good oral care and prevention.
The gingival pocket is the narrow space between the inner wall of the gum and the tooth. When gingivitis appears, the bacteria present in these pockets change for the worse, accumulating in these pockets, releasing toxins, and destroying the gums.
The gums respond to plaque with an aggressive inflammatory response that causes inflammation, bleeding (due to infiltration by new blood vessels), and loss of connective tissue.
More than 80% of pets aged three or older have gingivitis. It appears earlier in small-breed dogs and, in general, affects dogs before cats.
4.Periodontal diseases
These are a group of diseases that affect the tissues supporting the teeth, specifically the gums and jawbones. It begins with the formation of invisible pockets between the teeth and gums that harbor bacteria. If left untreated, this disease has serious harmful consequences for the dog.
According to the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs. In fact, most dogs suffer from some degree of periodontal disease by the age of three.
The symptoms of oral disease in dogs are:
- Halitosis, that is, bad breath. This can be masked with dental water, but it is itself a symptom.
- Dental pain and tooth loss
- Inflamed, swollen gums that may bleed when the dog chews snacks or toys.
- Diseases in other vital organs
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment with your veterinarian.
The 4 stages of progression of periodontal disease are:
1.- Plaque buildup and maturation
2.- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
3.- Damage to the connective tissue and partial loss of support (periodontitis)
4.- Complete bone loss, the teeth must be extracted. This has consequent negative effects on the dog's life, both for eating and playing, as well as for interacting with its surroundings.
Many owners may not realize the importance of dental care for their dog's health and well-being. But as ARISTOPADRES, our role is important because dogs cannot brush their teeth the way we do.
