Why Your Dog's Teeth Are So Important
Posted on: 23 October 2019
Australians love dogs, and for millions of people across the country, they are an important part of the household. Their innocent, carefree nature means that you never like seeing them in pain, so of course you want to do anything you can to help them. What many people don't realise is that their dogs could be suffering in silence without showing any external signs of pain. That is why check-ups are so important but not just with your vet; you should also keep veterinary dentistry in mind as some of the most common forms of dog health problems originate in the mouth.
Puppies Teething
Just like young children, puppies can have problems with their teeth growing in properly. They also have a set of baby teeth that will fall out, so it is important during this period you check their mouth every now and then to be sure that everything looks normal. A trip to the vet dentist during this period is also advised even if you don't notice anything wrong. If you do notice swelling or your puppy flinches when you try to check, then that is a major red flag. Veterinary dentistry can help ensure your puppy transitions smoothly into their adult teeth and can adjust any problems that may be occurring.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common diseases not just in your dog's oral health but in their overall health, with about 80% of dogs estimated to be suffering from it. A lot of this is due to their owners mistakenly assuming that some of the symptoms are just naturally how dogs look or behave. Bad breath, brown teeth or shrinking gums are all common signs of gum disease, and if left untreated, it can really damage the entire set of teeth and even the jaw as well. In extreme cases, dogs can even die from gum disease or related issues, so it is vital if you suspect them of it that you get some veterinary dentistry treatment.
Crooked Teeth
You may wrongly assume that all dogs' teeth are crooked in some form or another. After all, they are animals, so they are supposed to look a little rough, right? In fact, most dogs are supposed to have relatively straight and symmetrical teeth so that they can eat well. If your dog has crooked teeth, this can have an impact on their diet and overall health, so it is important you have some checks every now and then with your vet dentist. Remember, your dog's mouth acts almost like a hand for them, so if they cannot use it to pick items up or move stuff around, it can really ruin their overall health and activity. Veterinary dentistry has some amazing techniques to straighten your dog's teeth and give them a better quality of life.
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