How to determine if your dog has dental disease

Dogs really do not develop cavities very often.  However, they do develop dental issues that may lead to pain, infection and tooth loss. Dental disease in dogs starts with gingivitis.  Plaque develops, which leads to tartar and periodontal ligament damage, which can lead to tooth loss, and more importantly, pain.Gingivitis – inflamed gums (gingiva).  Healthy canine gums are a beautiful pink color (or maybe black if you are a beautiful Chow Chow or Chow mix), diseased gums are red (if they started out pink, that is) and often swollen, especially at the gum line – the area where the gums meet the teeth.Plaque – mouth slimeTartar – calcified mouth slime, synonym = calculusPeriodontal Ligament – the connective tissue around the perimeter of every tooth.  A healthy periodontal ligament will hold the tooth root tight in the mouth and come up almost to the gum line.  Plaque can break down the periodontal ligament, causing pain and making the tooth loose.Gingival Sulcus – measurement in millimeters (tiny!) of the distance between the gum line and the start of the periodontal ligament.  During a dental cleaning the depth of the gingival sulcus of every tooth is measured around the entire tooth.  A deep gingival sulcus is an indication that the periodontal ligament of that tooth may be unhealthy.How to Determine if Your Dog Has Dental DiseaseHe does.  Every dog develops dental disease over time.  Baby teeth are lost between four and six months of age and adult teeth erupt.  Dental disease is visibly apparent by the time most dogs are young adults.  Small dogs and Greyhounds develop dental disease more rapidly than other dogs.If your dog is comfortable with a mouth check, gently pull the corners of his lips back until you can see his great big upper tooth.Carnassial Tooth – the largest tooth in the mouth of a canine.  Each dog has two carnassial teeth on the top (the fourth premolar on each side, “P4,” right in front of the last two teeth, the smaller two molars) and two carnassial teeth on the bottom (the first molar on each side, “M1,” right in front of the smaller second and third molars).  The top carnassial teeth tend to develop the most tartar of all of the teeth.Check the gums and the outer surface of all of the top and bottom teeth on both sides.  Plaque is clear, and may be difficult to see.  Tartar is easy to see.  It is that hardened, rough brown or yellow material on the surface of the teeth, concentrated most heavily at the gumline.  A quick check of the upper carnassial teeth will give you a good indication of the severity of your pet’s disease.If your dog is especially tolerant of your oral exam, gently feel along the gum lines for any painful areas.Do Not Get Bit!Even the most patient dog is not going to love having his mouth checked, but especially not if it hurts!  Go slowly and skip the exam all together if you think your dog is not as excited about his oral health as you and I are.Less Invasive Oral Health CheckGet down really close to your dog’s face, especially if he is panting and smell his breath!Post courtesy of "Life with Dogs"