The most effective home remedy for tooth decay is daily brushing, especially on the chewing surfaces in the back of the mouth. You can try certain tartar-removing chew toys and dental treats, too.
If you detect symptoms of periodontal disease in your pet, such as reduced appetite (which can be an indication of tooth pain), abnormal chewing, drooling, dropping food from the mouth, bad breath or other symptoms be sure to contact your vet right away to schedule a dental appointment for your pet.
Teeth brushing
One of the most effective ways to remove tartar from your dog's teeth is brushing their teeth daily with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Remember that brushing their teeth now and then won't help you solve the problem. You have to be diligent and persistent.
According to numerous studies, between 80 and 89% of dogs have signs of dental disease by the time they reach 3 years of age. While you may think of dental disease as being primarily a cosmetic issue, the truth is that dental disease can also be painful for pets.
Here at Intermountain Pet Hospital, we talk often about how to keeping your pet's dental health in check can help improve their quality of life and stop them from living in pain. But pet dental health is about much more than just staving off a toothache: left untreated, dental disease in dogs is deadly.
The Dangers of Rotten Dog Teeth
Dental disease puts dogs at risk for the development of heart disease. It causes elevated liver enzymes which may impact how your dog can tolerate medications. Rotten teeth also weaken the jaw bone around them leading to future dental loss and putting your dog at risk for a jaw fracture.
Plaque and tartar on dog's teeth
If the plaque isn't removed, it hardens to form tartar (a brown, rough deposit on the teeth) within a few days when the plaque mixes with minerals in your dog's saliva. If the tartar is not removed it can make the gum disease progress more quickly.
Typically, you'll see it along the gum line or on the insides of the teeth. Additionally, black tartar on dogs teeth can also be a sign of dental issues. Cavities (Holes): Sometimes dental caries or cavities are visible as holes in your dog's teeth. They can be dark spots on the surface of the tooth or big, dark holes.
If you notice black or brown spots on your dog's teeth, you're probably looking at plaque and tartar build up. Plaque and tartar like to live along the gumline and in tiny crevasses. Again, this stuff builds up quickly!
The more severe your pet's dental disease and the more inflammation present, the more likely it is for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel throughout your pet's body. If this happens, your pet can develop an infection or other disease that then impacts their health and can be risky or expensive to treat.
Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.
The ballpark cost for a simple cat or dog tooth removal can be as little as $600. As a more advanced procedure is required or if it's a tooth with a strong, healthy root that needs removal, the price can substantially increase to over $2500.
As carrots are a lovely, crunchy vegetable, if you give them to your dog in large pieces they will have to bite into them rather than swallowing them whole. This chewing mechanism helps clean your dog's teeth and gums by removing residual food pieces and help clear plaque from tooth surfaces.
Anesthesia-free dentistry is a service that is commonly offered at pet stores and grooming facilities. It involves scaling (scraping) the tartar from the teeth of a dog or cat that is awake, without the use of anesthesia.
Left untreated, black tartar under the gum line can progress into gum disease. The risk of gingivitis and periodontitis are both raised by the presence of plaque and tartar. Gum disease also increases the risk for chronic health conditions.
Can You Remove Black Tartar Yourself? Black tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. If you have black tartar already, see your dentist for a specialty cleaning, then follow up regularly to help prevent black tartar from forming on your teeth and gumlines again.
While tartar on teeth is primarily an aesthetic problem, it's vital to treat it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you put your oral health at risk. If you notice black at the base of the tooth, it could be a sign of early tooth decay.
Dogs can get cavities, too, just like humans. They often appear as dark spots on the tooth's surface or as big, dark holes, indicating an advanced cavity.
Use coconut oil to prevent tartar buildup on your dog's teeth. Fight plaque and tartar with the antibacterial properties of coconut oil. Put 1 tbsp (14 mL) of coconut oil on a soft-bristled “doggy toothbrush.” Brush your dog's teeth in a circular motion for about 2 minutes.
Dogs with a purple or tan colored tooth most likely have dead teeth, most of the time these patients will not show any outward signs. Most clients are surprised to learn that, with a few exceptions, it is very important to treat dead teeth.
That destruction (periodontal disease) is painful for your dog, and it can lead to serious issues. Our veterinarians will recommend pulling teeth if we believe it's absolutely necessary for your dog's long-term health and wellbeing. This means your dog: Is losing gum tissue, bone tissue and/or roots.
If your vet is concerned about your dog's teeth and gums, and treatment is required, they may want to place your dog under general anaesthetic. This will allow them to remove any accumulated plaque and tartar and carry out surgery on badly affected teeth, gums, bones and tissue.
Stage 1: Tartar begins building up and gums begin to redden. Stage 2: Gums continue to be swollen and bone loss begins to develop. Stage 3: Bone loss continues to occur. Stage 4: Severe bone loss can lead to loss of teeth and bloody gums.
But when dogs experience pain while eating, they may eat much less or stop eating entirely. If your dog suddenly refuses to eat or seems disinterested, this can indicate a dental problem. If your dog suddenly has bad breath, it could indicate an infection caused by an abscessed tooth or other gum infection.