Unfortunately, the first signs that something is wrong with the mouth are very subtle. The argument "My dog ​​is still eating well!" is therefore very dangerous. Because eating is the last thing that stops! But problems start much earlier.

Early signs include bad breath. It's not normal for dogs to have a smelly mouth! Reddened gums, increased salivation, or tartar should also be taken seriously.

When the mouth really hurts, the desire to eat decreases. Many dogs no longer want to eat or only eat individual, soft parts of their food. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition and underweight. Shaking the head, scratching the mouth with the paw, or rubbing the muzzle can also be signs of toothache.

Tartar: One of the most common oral diseases is tartar. Tartar builds up on the teeth, causing bad breath and trapping bacteria in a protective shell around the teeth. The rough surface of tartar provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. These bacteria can trigger inflammation and spread via the bloodstream to distant organs, causing problems there. One consequence can be z.B. It could be an inflammation of the heart! Factors such as pH, saliva volume, or mineral concentration in saliva influence tartar formation.

Periodontitis: An inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria. The consequences are receding and swelling of the gums and tooth loss.

DANGERS OF DENTAL CARE

Products that are too hard: Chewable products such as animal bones or antlers are often advertised as dental care, but they pose significant risks. Because these products are very hard, they often lead to tooth fractures, especially in the molars. Ingesting bones can also cause injuries to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, or even intestinal obstruction.

Inorganic phosphates: Many dental care products contain so-called "inorganic phosphates," such as sodium hexametaphosphate. These additives are intended to protect against tartar and keep teeth clean. Unfortunately, there are now numerous studies on humans, cats, and dogs that show that inorganic phosphates, in particular, can negatively impact kidney health. Therefore, we strongly advise against the use of snacks containing added inorganic phosphates. Of course, we do not use these additives in our snacks, but instead rely on harmless ingredients such as cellulose, which acts as a natural "exfoliant" for the teeth.

Dental problems must be diagnosed by a (specialist) veterinarian and require a thorough examination and treatment. Dental cleaning is usually performed under general anesthesia. To truly address the root cause, dental x-rays are necessary and useful in most cases. A tooth may appear completely healthy on the surface, but deep down it's already churning.
It is not uncommon for several teeth to have to be extracted, especially in older dogs or dogs with misaligned jaws.

Dental care through brushing or a veterinary dental cleaning should be performed regularly. The best way to prevent tartar buildup, just like with humans, is to brush your dog's teeth. Not every dog ​​likes it, but with patience and a little time, you can get your pet used to having their teeth brushed. It's worth introducing brushing to your dog in a playful way from a young age. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth once a day, but even once a week helps and is better than nothing.

To clean your dog's teeth, you'll need a toothbrush and a special toothpaste for your four-legged friend. Our regular toothpaste is unsuitable for dogs. We recommend asking your veterinarian about the right products.
For very uncooperative dogs, there are also toothpastes that can be applied to the oral mucosa without having to brush the teeth afterwards. The enzymes contained in the cream ensure that plaque is removed.

In addition to brushing, your four-legged friend's teeth should be checked annually by a veterinarian. However, once tartar has formed, the only solution is manual removal using special devices during veterinary treatment.

A healthy, balanced diet also helps keep your dog's teeth healthy and, in the best case scenario, saves treatments such as tartar removal or tooth extraction.

In addition to these measures, we have another recommendation: dental care that is fun and tasty – our DENTALS!