Rotten Teeth in Dogs: Warning Signs of Rotten Teeth in Dogs

Rotten Teeth in Dogs: Warning Signs of Rotten Teeth in Dogs – Have you been wondering, “Are my dog’s teeth rotting?” It might be hard to be certain when pets’ mouths are normally slobbery and stinky, however here are some ways to be your own dog dentist. Search for these warning signs, and, if you are uncertain, come in for a pet tooth cleansing at your local vet.

How to Tell If a Dog’s Teeth Are Rotten

What do rotten dog teeth look like? These are six warning signs to search for as you are examining your dog’s teeth:

• • Tartar (Plaque): A buildup of hardened dental plaque is known as tartar or dental calculus. This mineral deposit may, however might not always, be yellow, orange or brown. Typically, you will see it along the gum line or on the insides of the teeth.

• • Cavities (Holes): Sometimes dental caries or cavities are visible as holes in your dog’s teeth. They are often dark spots on the surface of the tooth or big, dark holes.

• • Discoloration (Brown Teeth): Yellow or brown discoloration of the teeth along the gum line is a good indication of tartar and plaque buildup.

• • Gingivitis (Swollen Gums): Red and swollen gums will surround the teeth. The inflamed gums will often have plaque at the base of the teeth as well.

• • Severe Periodontitis (Retreating Gums): On a long enough timeline, gingivitis will become periodontitis, which means that the gum line will look like it is pulling away from the teeth. This will form pockets that might bleed or form puss. If your dog’s gums are bleeding, it might be an indication of this.

• • Bad Breath: Whereas stinky breath might also be an indication of other complications like digestive, kidney and liver issues, bad breath is typically linked with poor dental hygiene, as in humans.

Other Important Dog Tooth Abscess Symptoms

If you are having hassle looking into your pet’s mouth, here are some other warning signs to look out for:

• • Head Shyness: Your pet not letting you touch one side of its face, its mouth or its whole head could be a sign of several kinds of pain. It might indicate rotten teeth.

• • Difficulty Eating and Chewing: Gingerly picking up food, eating on one side of the mouth and careful eating could be a sign of tooth pain.

• • Drooling and Dribbling: An unusual or new quantity of drool could be a warning sign.

• • Ropey Saliva: Ropey or bloody saliva might occur as a results of dental problems.

• • More Frequent Sneezing: Severe periodontitis might even cause bone loss between the nasal and oral cavity, leading to nasal discharge.

• • Blood on Chew Toys or in Dishes: If you find that ropey or bloody saliva on toys or in your dog’s water dish, it might be time for a dental checkup.

How to Tell If Rotten Dog Teeth Are Falling Out

Outside of a tooth or piece of tooth falling into your hand, sometimes it could be a little hard to tell if your dog has lost teeth. Often, a dog will bleed from the mouth into its water bowl. Also, you could be able to see where a tooth has fallen out of: Check for those inflamed gums in one a part of the mouth. Also, if the dog has a severe tooth abscess, a piece of the tooth can have cracked off.

A dog’s teeth falling out typically occurs for 2 reasons: trauma to the area or periodontitis. Plaque buildup in the end results in swollen gums (gingivitis) and then later lead to periodontitis, where the gums will pull away from the teeth, exposing them to bacteria and later tooth loss and decay. If you see signs of gingivitis, it is time to bring your dog in.

Worries That Are not Necessarily Warning Signs

Sometimes, worried pet owners exclaim, “My dog has rotten teeth! What do I do?!” when there is nothing to worry about. These things may seem alarming, however might actually be fine:

• • Black Gums: If your dog has black gums however no bad breath, it might be something that the pet was born with, like a freckle. Some breeds, like Chows, are preferred for having black gums. If they are not accompanied by bleeding, bad smell, and plaque buildup, it is likely okay!

• • Snaggleteeth: If a dog has a protruding snaggletooth, however plaque hasn’t yet constructed up around or behind it, it does not necessarily need to be pulled out. It might need to be brushed and checked more often than normal teeth, although. Our dog teeth cleansing in Jacksonville, FL, and nearby cities in North Florida might help you stay on top of the issue.

How to Prevent Dog Tooth Issues

Preventing gingivitis and periodontitis will help slow the pace of severe tooth loss in a dog’s old age.

• • Brushing your dog’s teeth (with special toothpaste) might help prevent the situation worsening.

• • Perform preventative care by visiting your local vet for a pet teeth cleansing. (Jacksonville, FL, pet owners can connect with us for local care.)

• • Provide soft, teeth-friendly toys for your dog to gnaw on, like tennis balls and rubbery toys.

• • Be choosey about your dog’s food and treats. Specialty food and dental treats might help prevent severe problems.

If you are unsure whether your dog’s teeth are rotten, feel free to connect with us. We can serve as your dog’s dentist in Florida and help with most forms of preventative pet dental care.