Many of us would argue that few smells are more pleasant than puppy breath. But dog breath… well, that’s a different story. You might be surprised to learn that bad breath is not the norm for dogs and that it could, in fact, be a sign of dental problems, which may affect not only your desire for their kisses and love but also their health and welfare! In this article, we focus on periodontal disease, one of the main causes of bad breath, to enlighten us all on the importance of routine dental care for our four-legged friends.
Did you know?
Approximately 70% of pets experience periodontal disease by the age of three.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is one of the most common disorders experienced by dogs, and bad breath is a major indicator that a dog is struggling with this condition. So, what exactly is it? Periodontal disease is a plaque-induced disease of the periodontium, the specialised tissues that surround and support the teeth, keeping them firmly attached to the jaw bones. This disease is typically designated into four stages:
Stage 1: Gingivitis.
This stage is caused by plaque build-up on the teeth and along the gum line. This plaque contains bacteria which release toxins and can cause gum irritation, inflammation, and reddening. Common symptoms are bad breath, swollen gums and occasionally a red line seen in the gums at the base of the teeth. At this stage, the condition is still reversible through appropriate homecare and medical treatment.
Stages 2: Early periodontitis
If no treatment is received, gingivitis will develop into early periodontitis. This is when the inflammation and bacterial infection progress below the gum line, compromising the bone and soft tissue that hold the teeth in place. With the progression of the infection, you might notice more swelling and redness, and your dog might experience mild pain, specifically when eating. Once the disease has progressed past the first stage of gingivitis, the damage is irreversible and may require invasive treatment by your veterinarian under anaesthetic.
Stage 3: Moderate periodontitis
This is the next stage of disease as the infection causes further damage to the tissues supporting the teeth and reaches the roots of the teeth and surrounding bone. At this stage, you might notice loose teeth, and also abscesses may form. This is accompanied by worsened breath, bleeding gums, and your dog not wanting to eat or play with toys.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis
This is the ultimate and most severe stage of the disease, and by this stage, there is widespread supportive tissue damage. This results in teeth becoming loose and falling out, which leaves severely painful ulcers and infections in the mouth. Dogs may exhibit difficulty eating and weight loss, and in very severe cases, the bacterial infection from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing general health issues.
Did you know?
Sometimes, dogs may not exhibit pain symptoms associated with periodontal disease. This is likely associated with their pack mentality, whereby dogs that show weakness in the wild can be abandoned by their packs. Therefore, even dogs with severe periodontitis may show little sign of pain externally.
Prevention and treatment
How can you ensure good oral health for your dog? By providing effective homecare, as well as periodic vet checks and applying treatment where necessary. As in most cases, prevention is better than cure, so the main goal of dental care is to prevent disease. If disease has set in, do not fear it as it may not be reversible, but it can be managed.
Methods of dental homecare
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Active | Toothbrushing | The best method for controlling plaque build-up and preventing disease | Its benefits depend on how well and frequently you do it. |
| Textiles and wipes | Beneficial while training for brushing | Does not clean below gum-line. | |
| Dog toothpaste | Flavour can aid with your dog’s willingness to have their teeth brushed | Buy the right brand to ensure that toothpaste does not wear their enamel. | |
| Passive | Chew toys and bones | May assist with plaque removal | Risk of dental damage, fractures and upset tummies. |
| Dental diets e.g. Oral care dry food | May aid in control of plaque | No evidence that it will improve existing periodontal disease. | |
| Special dental chews | Limit plaque formation, and as they are treats owners are more likely to use them | Benefits can be dependent on breed and size, and if fed in excess could cause weight gain! | |
Did you know?
Research suggests that dogs with healthy teeth need active methods of dental homecare at least three times per week. If your dog has signs of dental decay, they require this care daily.
So, what should you do to help ensure your dog’s oral hygiene?
- Regularly inspect your dog’s teeth and gums. Look out for the warning signs such as bad breath, redness, swelling and plaque. If you identify irregularities, consult your veterinarian immediately.
- When you take your dog to the vet for their annual vaccines or check-up, ask your vet to perform a quick dental examination so you can identify any early signs of periodontal disease.
- Begin a regular dental home care routine, brushing their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
- You can also give your dog dental treats (just read the label to ensure they don’t overindulge) and safe chew toys.
- Know your dog’s breed and whether they are predisposed to periodontal disease. Some breeds, such as smaller dog breeds, short-muzzled breeds, toy breeds, Dachshunds, Collies, Greyhounds and Whippets, are more susceptible to dental disease and may require additional professional cleaning to maintain their oral health.
Final thoughts
Periodontal disease is a common yet often overlooked issue in our dogs. Thankfully, there are lots of options available for treatment and management to ensure your dog remains comfortable, healthy and happy – oh, and with lovely doggy breath
