How do  I know if my pet has bad teeth?

Dental problems can appear in many forms and at any age.

Many older dogs develop dental issues, but the problem is also seen in younger dogs. The degree of discomfort varies.

Typical signs of an oral issue often first show up as bad breath. Some dogs drool more than usual, refuse to chew hard items or eat dry food, and prefer only soft food.

A characteristic sign is that some dogs with bad teeth lick their lips excessively, smack their mouths, become quieter, or may even growl when someone tries to pet them on the head.

If the dog hasn’t been accustomed to having its mouth checked since puppyhood, it may be difficult for the owner to examine its teeth if dental issues are suspected.

How does the vet assess the teeth?

When the vet assesses the dog’s teeth, they lift the lips to expose the teeth. The vet checks for tartar buildup and whether the gums are red and inflamed, which can be a sign of periodontal disease.

For a comprehensive dental assessment, the dog must be sedated, and X-rays must be taken. This is because the condition of the roots cannot be seen from the outside.

An X-ray of the tooth, root, and surrounding structures is essential for appropriate treatment.

The vet also checks for “pockets” between the tooth and gum using a special instrument (a periodontal probe).

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove one or more teeth.

It’s not always obvious to owners when a dog has mouth pain. However, a diseased tooth root is very painful—even though the animal often learns to live with the discomfort, masking it from others.

At Artemis, we have the equipment to take X-rays of teeth for both dogs and cats.

How do dental problems arise?

A dog’s teeth accumulate plaque, just like humans. Plaque, primarily from food residues, is a thin film covering the teeth.

If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens over time and forms tartar. You can tell if a dog has plaque if the teeth turn yellowish-brown. If brushing doesn’t remove it, it has become tartar.

If tartar remains on the teeth for too long, it can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis). Removing plaque and tartar can clear up gingivitis.

If it progresses, it can spread to the gum pockets, which lack oxygen. Low oxygen levels allow “aggressive” bacteria to multiply, causing infections in the tooth roots, known as periodontal disease. Once periodontal disease occurs, it’s not enough to remove plaque and tartar, as the roots remain infected.

Owners often ask if we can remove some tartar without anesthesia, but this is rarely possible.

It’s very uncomfortable for a dog to have teeth cleaned without anesthesia in a mouth affected by inflammation.

What does a dental cleaning involve?

The dog is sedated and connected to anesthesia monitoring equipment.

We start by removing tartar with an ultrasonic scaler. Then each tooth is assessed with instruments to check for “pocket formation.”

Ideally, X-rays are taken of all teeth to see the condition of the roots. Changes can be hidden beneath otherwise healthy-looking gums.

Next, any pockets are thoroughly cleaned.

If necessary, teeth are removed.

Antibiotics are rarely needed, but animals should receive pain relief if teeth are removed.

The cleaning finishes with polishing the teeth.

The patient should then wake up calmly and comfortably.

What does a dental cleaning cost?

The cost of dental cleaning is often complex, depending on the condition of the dog’s mouth. As described above, the full extent is only known once the dog is sedated and the teeth are examined, often using X-rays as a diagnostic tool.

If the teeth are in very poor condition and many need to be removed, it’s rarely possible to do everything in one session. It can take a long time to remove some teeth, and the dog should not remain under anesthesia for too long. In such cases, a follow-up appointment may be necessary.

Older dogs often have poor dental health, so we often recommend a blood profile to assess whether the dog can safely undergo anesthesia. This test checks the main organ values, allowing us to tailor the anesthesia to specific needs.

How can I prevent dental problems?

A dental cleaning is a good time to begin daily dental care, which can help prevent future dental problems and tooth loss.

Toothbrushing

Plaque forms within 24 hours, so daily toothbrushing is the best way to prevent dental problems.

If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before, introduce it VERY slowly over several weeks. Take one small step at a time, rewarding with a treat.

1. Start by lifting the dog’s lips.
2. Rub the gums/teeth with a finger or a finger brush.
3. Focus on the canines and large upper molars, ONLY on the outside.
4. Introduce a soft toothbrush.
5. Finally, add toothpaste, which MUST be specifically for dogs.

Dog toothpaste should be safe to swallow, as dogs don’t “rinse and spit.” It should also be fluoride-free, as dogs rarely get cavities and can’t tolerate fluoride in their stomachs. Dog toothpaste is flavored to make it more acceptable. Start with toothpaste only when your dog is comfortable with brushing, as some may chew the brush if introduced too early.

The vet has special soft toothbrushes for dogs, which are good to start with if your dog isn’t used to brushing. You can also use a “finger sock” that traps plaque. If using a toothbrush is challenging, the finger sock is a good alternative.

If your dog can be introduced to an electric toothbrush from puppyhood, it’s a great option.

If you start by only brushing the upper canines and molars, that’s a great start. Plaque builds up mostly on the outside, so even limited brushing makes a difference.

Vet-aquadent

Vet-aquadent is a supplement to brushing. It’s a green liquid with xylitol and chlorhexidine, added to the dog’s drinking water daily. Each sip cleans the mouth and helps reduce plaque, while also freshening the dog’s breath.

Chew products

Giving the dog special chew bones occasionally is also helpful. Chewing helps reduce plaque—the longer they chew, the better for their teeth.

There are also specific dry foods for dental health (e.g., Prescription Diet t/d and Royal Canin Dental). These foods contain polysulfates that reduce plaque buildup. The kibbles are often larger, so the dog has to chew before swallowing, which helps clean the teeth.

Who gets dental problems?

Some dogs go through life with healthy teeth without any intervention, but that’s rare. Most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning. Often, this is when owners start thinking about preventive care.

It’s best to accustom the dog to toothbrushing from puppyhood, but it’s NEVER too late to start.

However, never start proper brushing until the puppy has finished teething, as the gums can be very sensitive during this time. During teething, gently introducing a finger in the mouth helps prepare for future dental care.

Some dogs are genetically predisposed to dental issues, so if your dog builds up tartar from a young age, preventive care becomes even more crucial. Many small breeds are prone to tartar buildup. Keep an eye on baby teeth to ensure they fall out properly, as double canine teeth are common in small breeds.

A dog that eats can’t have tooth pain?

Many people are surprised by the extent of dental issues. The dog is eating and wagging its tail, so it can’t be in pain, right? Dogs need to eat to survive. They will chew on the less painful side or simply swallow the food. So eating doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is pain-free.

Dental issues often develop gradually, making it hard for owners to notice a problem, as there’s no sudden behavior change.

Checklist!

– Teach your dog to allow mouth inspections.
– Gently rub the gums; start with a finger, then use a soft toothbrush, and eventually add dog toothpaste (usually after teething).
– Talk to your vet or veterinary nurse about preventive dental care.
– We take anesthesia seriously and ensure the dog feels no pain. If a tooth needs to be extracted, mild sedation is not enough to relieve pain.

In theory, daily dental care can help ensure a longer life for your dog. A healthy mouth means a pain-free dog, leading to a happier pet.

Are you unsure if your dog has dental problems?

Send us an email and book an appointment!

Email: info@artemis.dk