How to Deal with Dog Tooth Damage

Dog teeth problems are very common, and most dogs will experience some dental issues by the time they are three (3) years of age. Most dog teeth problems can be traced to lack of brushing, a diet of only wet and soft foods and the lack of veterinary care. Just like people, dogs should have yearly checkups addressing potential dog tooth damage.

Dogs experience dental issues that can vary in type and severity.

Veterinarians report that most dog tooth damage happens when teeth decay and break, or they become loose and fall out from unattended gum disease.

Other common dog dental issues come from a trauma such as a fall or being hit by a car.

Some dogs chew hard objects like rocks or wire fences, wearing their teeth down and exposing roots.

How to Treat Dog Tooth Damage

If your dog’s tooth becomes knocked out by blunt trauma, as long as the tooth is healthy and the root is intact, it can be re-implanted in his mouth.

Immediately submerge your dog’s tooth in a small amount of milk to preserve the root and tissue and get your dog to his veterinary.

Abscessed teeth, broken teeth, and a dog experiencing severe tooth decay all require immediate veterinary attention.

Tooth damage and gum wounds are painful for your dog.

To ease his pain, and help control the bleeding, offer him some cool water. If he won’t drink try ice chips or shaved ice.

Ambesol can also be used on a dog’s gums to help quell tooth pain, and buffered aspirin is beneficial if first approved by your dog’s veterinarian.

Follow Up Care For Dog Tooth Damage

While his mouth is healing feed your dog only soft foods.

If he is reticent to eat due to soreness, try mixing ground turkey and rice for the first few days feedings.

Many dogs enjoy meat blended baby foods, and the main concern is that he eats.

A dog recovering from any medical issue needs to stay nourished and hydrated.

Many veterinarians recommend using an antiseptic rinse following any dog tooth damage.

Most pet supply stores carry Nolvadent.

Nolvadent works well to not only stave off infection but also aids in healing.

Depending on the size of your dog, use a needle-less syringe or turkey baster, to direct the healing rinse right onto the tooth and surrounding area.

Canine Dental Care and Dog Health

Healthy oral hygiene is imperative to a dog’s well being.

Poor teeth conditions and gum disease will negatively affect a dog’s overall organ health, can cause consistent infection and fever and eating disorders will develop.

Continued tooth damage can actually result in the death of a dog because of the many negative side effects.

How to Avoid Dog Teeth Problems

The most effective way to ward off degenerative tooth damage, and even prevent it all together, is to brush your dog’s teeth often.

Dogs with long noses are more prone to tooth decay because of the way food lodges between their cheeks and gums and remains there for an extended period.

Dogs will usually fidget and fuss when trying to brush their teeth, but if you make it a pleasant experience he’ll soon learn to relax.

Prior to a teeth brushing session massage, pet, and caress your dog.

Following this dental chore, let him know he is going to get a treat or something else he really enjoys, like a walk or ball play.

Once he associates the teeth brushing experience with something enjoyable you’ll find it goes much smoother and becomes more productive.

Never use human toothpaste for your dog.

They react negatively to the foaming and it can be harmful if ingested. Toothpaste for dogs can be purchased at any pet supply store, and it comes in a variety of flavors designed to be appealing to your dog.

A child-sized toothbrush will work just fine, and they are usually priced less than those designed for dogs.

Just as with people, the best way to address a dog’s oral health is with prevention.

Begin brushing your dog’s teeth when he is a puppy, but remember, it is never too late to practice healthy oral hygiene with your dog.