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Dental care for dogs – necessary or excessive?

A dog's dental health is often underestimated – yet it affects not only the mouth and teeth, but also their overall health. Tartar, inflammation, and periodontitis can put a strain on the heart, liver, kidneys, and even the intestines.

On this page, you'll learn why dental care is important for dogs, which methods are effective, and when professional help is needed.

Why dental care is so important

Grund

Untreated dental problems not only lead to pain and bad breath, but can also cause chronic inflammation. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and reach internal organs, increasing the risk of heart, liver, and kidney disease.

Regular dental care is therefore an important part of preventative healthcare.

Common dental problems in dogs

Häufige Zahnprobleme

Tartar & Plaque

Plaque is a soft bacterial film that forms on teeth daily. If it is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar. This tartar primarily accumulates at the gum line and can cause inflammation there. Possible consequences: - Bad breath - Gum inflammation - Receding gums - Loosening or loss of teeth

Gingivitis & Periodontitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by tartar and bacteria. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis – a chronic disease of the tooth-supporting structures that is irreversible. Typical warning signs: - red or swollen gums - bleeding gums - bad breath - sensitive or painful teeth

Pain & behavior changes

Toothaches in dogs often go unnoticed for a long time because they are good at compensating for discomfort. Instead of obvious pain reactions, subtle behavioral changes are frequently observed. Possible signs: - Refusal to eat or cautious chewing - Withdrawal, reduced playfulness - Irritability or aggression when the head is touched - Increased licking or smacking

Methoden

Dental care methods

Mechanical cleaning

  • Brushing teeth with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Most effective method

Chews and dental care products

  • only provide support

  • are not a substitute for brushing your teeth

Professional dental cleaning

  • is performed under anesthesia at the veterinarian's office

  • Recommended for conditions such as heavy tartar buildup

Was hilft?

What really helps – and what doesn't?

Helpful

  • Regular tooth brushing

  • Early habituation

  • Veterinary checkups

Insufficient

  • Dental care snacks alone

  • Home remedies

  • "Self-cleaning" dry food promises

Handlungsbedarf

When should you take action?

If you can spot:

  • Bad breath

  • Visible tartar

  • Red or frequently bleeding gums

  • Changes in eating habits

Wenn du unsicher bist, lieber die Zähne deines Hundes frühzeitig von einem Tierarzt kontrollieren kassen.

Support & Training

Unterstützung & Training

Many dogs find dental care unpleasant or stressful. With targeted training, your dog can learn to calmly tolerate having their mouth touched.

Sources

Quellen

  • American Veterinary Dental College. (2019). AVDC Consensus Report on Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats.

 

  • DeBowes, J., et al. (2002). The prevalence of periodontal disease in dogs and its systemic implications. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 19(2), 1–4.

 

  • Kato, T., et al. (2018). "Association between periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review." Journal of Periodontal Research, 53(2), 192–200.

 

  • Lund, E. M., Armstrong, P. J., Kirkness, C. M., & Close, D. M. (1998). Prevalence and nature of dental disease in 1,188 dogs and 1,356 cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 213(8), 1131–1135.

 

  • Niemiec, B. A. (2012). Small Animal Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease: A Colour Handbook. Elsevier Health Sciences.

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