Posted on April 26, 2009 by: WayCoolDogs

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Dogs who usually end up in rescues and shelters typically will have severe teeth problems as just one of a long-line of issues. We have had older dogs arrive here with teeth so bad and due to their age, could not be operated on. Totally abscessed and ill to the point of bones, these dogs have not been able to eat adequately for a long time which forces them to go down physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

When the puppies are born, they are born without teeth until they are about four weeks of age — some even later. When the 28 baby teeth do come in, it is about the same time as when their mother will wean them.

If the mother is in a situation where she cannot get away from her puppies during this age, it has been known to have her turn on her puppies as their little teeth hurt when still trying to nurse her — which in turn will cause them harm!  But when they reach four to seven months of age, these baby teeth eventually will fall out while being replaced with 42 permanent teeth.

Like people, dogs need their teeth brushed. If you are going to do it yourself instead of taking your dog to a vet, buy a soft toothbrush that comes in a range of sizes to fit its mouth — small, medium and large. They can be purchased at a pet supply store and the soft human brushes can be used. Also, do not use people toothpaste as it has been known to upset the dog’s stomach. Instead, use a special dog toothpaste. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian.

PROFESSIONALS & THOSE WHO CLEAN DOG’S TEETH

There are three types of individuals who clean dog’s teeth: veterinary dentists; vet technicians; and “anesthesia-free” practitioners. Oh, and yourself! A lot depends on the type of dog owner is involve — those who not realize their dog’s teeth need to be cleaned;  those who follow a traditional path of blood work, anesthesia, IV catheters, and running fluids; and those who run a steady routine of “anesthesia – free” care from dental practitioners.

To be quite truthful, a lot depends on the type of situation involved and the condition of the dog. Certain teeth diseases of eldery dogs can do some pretty serious harm to their organs — kidneys, liver and the heart — if left untreated.  A regular cleaning may not be enough as other things need to be checked over also, in addition to getting the teeth cleaned and bad teeth removed. The worse shape the animal as it with teeth diseases, the more apt it will be sent home with pain medication and antibiotics after the procedure is done. But regardless, plaque will develop on their teeth about 24 hours after the cleaning, so start brushing!!

WORN DOWN TEETH IN OLDER DOGS

Worn down teeth in the older dogs are pretty common, believe it or not. They will appear rather oddly-shaped and darker in color.  In fact, I’ve had  dogs arrive which had them worn down to their gum line and you basically wonder how they ever got that far in life. But the  teeth that the dogs seem to have the most problems with all the time are the canine teeth and incisors — with the  canine teeth the small teeth in front and the incisors appearing rather fang-like.

Dogs basically chew on things. All the time. Reason? That’s because of who they are. And over time, the tooth (in order to defend itself) will begin to lay down “additional dentin” in order to care for or harden the area that becomes injured. The dentin will appear like a light tan or brown stain on their teeth protecting the “pulp” inside the tooth which helps the tooth stay alive. The only time this will not be true is if the dentin has not had time to repair itself,  upon which the tooth will begin to decay.

This is an early condition, and if the gums are not affected the teeth are typically left alone  even if the worn down teeth appear like they are fractured.  But at times when the tooth or teeth has become injured it may need to be pulled or root canal  done by the vet. Not too different from people, other than they suffer a lot more as their teeth are usually never cared for by their owners or breeders.

DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY FOR DOG’S TEETH

When a dog’s teeth becomes seriously worn down, they will require a “dental radiograph” even if the teeth appear fine with no discomfort or infection. They are important to simply rule out any problems on the inside.

The teeth that appear fine have been worn down for many reasons–purities from itching and chewing on animal hair or tennis balls will affect the teeth of a dog like scouring pads. Eventually, this will all cause the teeth to wear down to the gum-line over the years.

(above: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/doggydental2)

(below: http://www.dogs4dogs.com/vet)

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