Dental Disease in Dogs
Dental disease in dogs goes beyond bad breath. Your dog can also be affected by serious oral health threats that can have an impact on more than just her mouth. Dental disease in dogs is a serious matter because it has the potential to lead to other serious health problems that can affect everything from their hearts to their kidneys.
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The Facts
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As with humans, dogs can also develop dental disease. Dental disease in dogs ranges from mild to severe. Monitor your dog's oral health and talk to your veterinarian if you notice any problems---dental disease can lead to other health issues. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest a course of treatment to keep your pet in good health. Things to watch out for include periodontal disease, endodontic disease and oral tumors.
Periodontal Disease
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Your dog can experience a buildup of plaque on his teeth. If that plaque reaches below the gumline, the bacteria it contains will secrete toxins. Those toxins inflame the surrounding gum tissue. This inflammation leads to tender gums and lessens the attachment of his teeth to gums and bone. If left untreated, this form of dental disease can lead to tooth loss, jaw fractures and heart disease.
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Oral Tumors
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Oral tumors are a common dental disease in dogs. The majority of tumors are benign. If your dog develops an epulis, or benign tumor, no treatment will be needed. Malignant tumors are less common. If your dog develops one that is fast growing, it could displace teeth, leading to tooth loss. It might also metastasize, spreading throughout her body and leading to cancer in other areas.
Endodontic Disease
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Endodontic disease is the inflammation of the blood vessels and nerve tissue that make up the inside of your dog's teeth. The disease is usually triggered by some kind of trauma that damages your dog's tooth. This can include a fracture that occurs while she chews on a rock or a fully broken tooth caused by being hit by a car. Endodontic disease can lead to the death of a tooth. Worse, as with periodontal disease, this dental problem can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing other health issues for your dog.
Other Forms of Dental disease
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Other forms of dental disease in dogs include cavities. They occur less often in dogs than in humans, but if your dog has one that progresses far enough, he could lose a tooth. If your young puppy has small, rough brown teeth, he might have enamel hypoplasia. This condition results in the enamel that protects his teeth failing to develop fully. Some dogs eat just fine with this condition; others will require a veterinarian's intervention to strengthen their teeth.
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