Teeth are living structures fitted to the jaw bones by the periodontal ligament.They are divided into 4 categories depending on their function.

INCISORS - Front cutting teeth.

CANINES - Four, strong pointy teeth.

PREMOLARS - Grinding teeth found just in front of the molars.

MOLARS - Back grinding teeth.

DENTAL CARE FOR PETS

By Dr David E. Clarke BVSC FAVD MACVSC MRCVS

Fellow American Academy of Veterinary Dentistry

KEEP YOUR DOGS' TEETH HEALTHY AND CLEAN

The care of teeth is a subject of great importance, as the condition of your dogs mouth, teeth and gums has a considerable bearing on the dogs' general health. The puppy cannot attain full physical health, happiness and usefulness unless all tissues and body organs are free from disease.

Puppy Teeth

The teeth are formed from the foods we feed the bitch both during and after pregnancy. Their quality depends almost entirely upon the bitches health.

Pups may experience pain and inflammation when teething, but generally the effects are mild. Allowing the new teeth to gnaw into raw lamb or veal strips of help with occasional soreness. This inflammation is transitory and rarely requires treatment. Problems with baby teeth include broken or poorly positioned teeth. Broken teeth allow an infection to travel to the permanent tooth bud, possibly damaging the adult tooth. Where as poorly positioned teeth may cause soft tissue damage or undershot and overshot jaws. A general rule for broken teeth is extraction.

Teething

The baby teeth should he replaced by adult teeth. But in some cases, fails and the baby and adult teeth are retained alongside one another. This condition may lead to advanced gum disease, as well as causing incorrect or uneven bite. If baby teeth are retained, these teeth should be removed to avoid problems. If the adult teeth are in the correct position then keeping them clean is most important. If they are crooked or the bite is uneven then orthodontic treatment may be required to provide a pain free and functional bite.

Chewing

Puppies should be encouraged to use their teeth as soon as they come through the gums. I recommend articles that are soft and require chewing as being ideal. Many of the artificial bones and chew toys must be looked at with some caution. They quite often break teeth or become caught over the roof of the mouth. Caution must be exercised in choosing the size of the bones. Lamb, because it is soft, is usually the best. Beef bones are generally far too large and hard for dogs to chew on, resulting in broken teeth, the bone being caught over the roof of the mouth or in the throat, or causing intestinal obstructions, constipation or diarrhoea. Feeding of smoked beef bones and cow hooves should be discouraged as they are the number one cause of broken teeth.

Broken teeth involving the exposed nerve can be treated with a root canal technique. Treatment depends on the type of break, when it occurred and the age of the dog. Decision about restoration of fracture sites is made on an individual case by case basis.

Overshot and Undershot Mouths

An overshot mouth occurs when the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. An undershot mouth occurs when the upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw. Sometimes orthodontics may be required to prevent gum and tooth damage.

Permanent Teeth

The normal dog mouth has clean plaque free teeth which are straight with firm glistening coral pink gums. There should be no bad breath.

Teeth Cleaning

So how do we keep the teeth clean?

Tooth brushing is still the best way to clean the teeth. It is important to first establish a fun and pleasant routine. Start by handling your puppies when you are both relaxed. After a few days gently use your finger as a toothbrush and flavour your finger with meat broth or tuna water. After a week or so start using a toothbrush soaked in meat broth or tuna water. Brushing, is best performed in a back and forth motion. Slowly increase the number of teeth cleaned and the duration of the exercise. We have many puppies who now run to us when they see the toothbrush, thinking they are getting a meat broth meal. Start using, an animal toothbrush and paste and your dogs' teeth should remain clean and healthy for life. While brushing, be patient and give lots of praise, this will make the new adventure pleasant for both of you. Your veterinarian will be able to give advise on special dog toothbrushes and paste.

Remember, human pastes cannot he used on dogs, as the detergents and high fluoride levels may have side effects.