Unhealthy dog teeth usually happen because of poor oral hygiene. In fact, this poor practice can lead to periodontal disease, a condition that causes tooth loss. The good thing is that regular dental checkups can help prevent this issue and keep your dog’s mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. So how will you know if your dog’s teeth are unhealthy? Find out in this article the common signs and symptoms of oral health problems in the dog, including some tips to prevent dog dental diseases.
How To Know If A Dog Has A Dental Disease?
Signs of oral health problems in dogs come in various forms. Knowing some of these warning indications is the initial phase to give your dog the dental care he needs. You can check out the following common signs of dental disease, and if in doubt, always take your pet directly to the vet.
Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis is not normal as most pet owners think. This issue can indicate that a dog has some type of dental disease. Though dog habits such as eating strange things can at times be
the culprit of halitosis. Still, it is frequently a more significant problem when plaque buildup leads to an aggregation of bacteria that causes awful breath, leading to dental disease.
In any case, you can try giving your dog products that can help improve their dental health. In fact, there are so many dog dental treats and chews that are designed to freshen breath and strengthen teeth.
Discoloration or Plaque and Tartar Build-up
Similar to healthy human teeth, your canine’s teeth should be pearly white in shading. Teeth with yellow or brown discolorations are an indication that your pet’s teeth have an accumulation of plaque and tartar that can lead to various dental problems.
Your vet will probably suggest a scale and polish treatment. This eliminates the current issue and gives you a new beginning before you start cleaning your dog’s teeth at home and executing a standard daily routine.
Gum Inflammation (Gum Disease)
The presence of red or inflamed gums is a significant sign that your dog has an advanced dental condition. Like humans, periodontal disease can be very painful to your pet and cause bleeding in their gums. If left untreated, severe periodontal disease can lead to early tooth loss or a more painful disease known as tooth root abscess. That is why preventing and treating gum disease is crucial. Hence, if you notice bleeding or swollen gums, ask for a medical opinion right away to prevent worsening the condition.
Loss of Appetite or Difficulty Eating
Most dogs love their food. Hence, changes in their appetite are usually a sign that something is not good. Suppose your dog stops looking forward to mealtimes, struggles to eat dry food, or prefers to chew on one side. Then, this can indicate that their oral disease is causing discomfort and is influencing your dog’s appetite. Remember that any indications of a loss of appetite are a warning sign that you should take your pet to the vet.
Discomfort, Bumps, or Bleeding Around The Mouth
Dental disease in dogs can result in discomfort and bleeding around the mouth. This can add to the development of oral tumors like epulis. In fact, these might be difficult to spot except if they are in the front of the mouth. If you notice a lump anywhere on your pet, visit this Source: Riverlands Dental Richmond NSWfor a quick consultation as these might be threatening.
Swelling Under The Eye
Dental disease in dogs can produce various issues that may even extend beyond the mouth. Fractured teeth or infections can lead to tooth-root abscesses and swelling under your puppy’s eyes. To get a treatment plan appropriate for your dog’s condition, make sure to visit your dog’s vet once you notice this issue.
Pawing at The Mouth
Since dogs cannot verbally communicate to people, understanding their body language or observing their behaviors is necessary. Suppose you see your dog pawing at their mouth, scouring their muzzle, or chattering their teeth. Then, this could imply your dog is experiencing discomfort, pain, or irritation in their mouth because of an underlying dental disease.
How To Prevent Dental Disease In Dogs
Like in humans, poor dental hygiene is usually the culprit to most dental problems in dogs. Hence, if you clean your dog’s teeth daily, you can prevent or slow the advancement of oral disease. 
Remember that this healthy cleaning habit in your dog requires both at-home brushing and regular professional veterinary dental cleanings.
For best outcomes, daily tooth brushing should begin when your pet is younger. Younger doggies can easily adjust to dental cleaning at home. As your dog ages and fosters dental problems, there might be pain related to brushing that hinders you from cleaning their mouth correctly.
In addition, keep in mind that most dogs develop some tooth and gum disease by the time they are 3 years old. Therefore professional cleanings should start at 1 year old to prevent the oral disease from happening.
References:
Tooth abscess.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
What to do about brown spots on your teeth.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321480
Dog Eye Infections: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-eye-infections/
