Just like humans, dogs attract certain bacteria and food particles that form plaque on their teeth and around the gum-line. As they grow older, owners will notice their bad breath and be able to see discoloration, especially on the molars. If this plaque remains, the minerals as well as the saliva work with the plaque to form tartar, which then sticks to the tooth. Shortly after that, mineralized plaque and tartar will then irritate the gums, which then causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This is why routine dog teeth cleaning in Rockville MD is so critical.
Pet owners will see their pet’s gums bleeding and should take steps to eliminate this. If it is not treated, the issue will build up and start separating the teeth from the gums. This forms pockets where more bacteria can grow. Once this happens there is little to do. The loss of teeth and infection, which includes abscesses, are very painful for any dog. Imagine how you would feel!
There are many factors that contribute to plaque formation. Periodontal disease can be caused by the dog’s diet, breed, tooth alignment, age, grooming habits, or home care. Chewing kibbles will not prevent tartar, although some dental chews remove some of the plaque. Small dogs are more likely to have periodontal disease as their teeth are tighter, which results in more plaque accumulating with less space for normal cleansing.
Licking their hair is a part of the grooming process for any pet, which is why dog teeth cleaning in Rockville MD is crucial. The hair licked tends to collect between teeth and increases the development of tartar. In addition, dogs that have dry mouth are more prone to have tartar buildup, because their oral cavity is dry. Also, note that this info applies to cleaning too. Control and treatment of periodontal disease is important, not only to preserve gums and healthy teeth, but also to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the dog’s body. Feeding the dog nutritious dry food will help reduce plaque, just like raw soup bones given as a treat. Never give a dog baked bones.