Dental Care FAQs

A: Not all dogs get gum disease, and those who do don’t all develop it at the same age. Small and toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers have lots of teeth close together in a small mouth, so they’re more likely to be affected. If you own a toy breed, make sure your vet checks their teeth regularly – at least once a year.

A: Most cases of bad breath in dogs are caused by gum disease – as plaque builds up, the bacteria in it give off a bad smell. But sometimes, bad breath can be due to other causes such as kidney failure or diabetes. So if you notice your dog developing bad breath, get it checked out by a vet.

A: A white-coloured paste made up of bacteria, plaque is the cause of gum disease and can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. Tartar (sometimes called calculus or scale) is hardened, calcified plaque stuck to the tooth. The rough surface of tartar makes an ideal place for more plaque to grow. Tartar can only be removed by scaling a dog’s teeth under general anaesthetic. Keeping your dog’s teeth free of tartar makes it easier to dislodge plaque – helping their teeth and gums stay healthier.

A: Dogs’ mouths aren’t as similar to ours as you might expect. Their saliva contains different substances, so they don’t experience the same tooth decay that we do if we eat too many sugary sweets. Gum disease is a real issue for dogs, so preventing plaque and tartar is key to keeping their gums healthy into old age.

A: It’s true that gum disease gets worse over time so older dogs tend to find it more of a problem. But gum disease often starts at a relatively young age in breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. And in any dog, once gum disease has started it can progress rapidly. So all dogs should have their teeth and gums looked after at home and examined at least once a year by the vet.

A: Yes, dogs can suffer from toothache. When dental disease, like fractured teeth and tooth decay, affects the nerves in the teeth or the socket this can cause pain. Inflamed or infected areas in the mouth are also very sore and advanced gum disease can be very painful. Dogs often try not to show that they’re in pain – so tooth and gum problems are not always obvious from a change in eating habits. Often there are no outward signs of mouth pain at all. If your dog is behaving differently or showing obvious signs of mouth pain the problem is probably severe and you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

A: Dogs have evolved a great deal since our ancestors first tamed wolves. Your dog is very different from a wild animal, and has different needs. And even wild animals get gum disease!

A: Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t always easy, especially your dog isn’t used to it. You need to introduce the procedure very gradually, making it part of his daily routine.

I’d start by simply getting your dog used to having his mouth inspected by you. Spend five minutes, twice a day just holding his head, and giving him treats when he’s well-behaved. Then, when he’s used to this, lift back his lips to look at this teeth.

Only introduce a brush when he’s comfortable with you doing this, and then only do a little bit of brushing at first. Brush for two or three seconds, praising your dog while you do. If your pet enjoys the procedure he’ll let you do it again.

You could also make an appointment to see a nurse at your local vet’s surgery – they can show you the correct technique.