My dog is losing his teeth: why? Is this a serious problem?

Teeth loss is normal in puppies since they are baby teeth that will gradually be replaced by permanent teeth. In adult dogs, on the other hand, it indicates a problem that requires consultation with the veterinarian. The most common reason for dog tooth loss is poor oral hygiene which can have serious consequences for the animal.
Let’s do a check in.

Tooth loss in adult dogs: the main causes

In the majority of cases, when an adult dog loses its teeth, it is because of periodontal disease due to poor oral hygiene, and this affects a large part of dogs as young as 2 years old. This is how dental plaque builds up to form tartar, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
The dog with scaled teeth quite quickly presents with gingivitis, which can be seen with bleeding and inflammation of the gums. If the owner is not careful, periodontal disease sets in, causing, depending on its level of severity, the following symptoms:

• Pain that is sometimes difficult for the dog to bear,
• Bad breath,
• A loosening of the supporting tissue of the teeth,
• Difficulty chewing,
• Loosening of teeth,
• An infection of the jaw,
• A state of prostration,
• Behavior changes,
• Loss of teeth.

At the same time, different organs can be affected by the spread of infection from the dog’s mouth. When he suffers from periodontal disease, he can therefore present many other symptoms which, for the master, apparently have no connection with this oral problem when in reality it is quite the opposite. It is therefore at the first signs such as the presence of tartar or bleeding gums that you must react if you want your dog to keep his teeth and not become seriously ill.

Prevent tooth loss in adult dogs

As soon as the dog loses a tooth, it must be considered as a serious matter since it is mainly due to periodontitis which can lead, in the medium term, to serious repercussions on the general health of the animal. It is important to be aware that there is a real link between periodontal disease and:

• Infections in the liver,
• Lung diseases,
• Cardiovascular pathologies.

Still, it could be avoided. In fact, prevention involves a balanced diet capable of providing the animal’s body with everything it needs to function normally. A dog that receives poor quality food on a daily basis cannot stay healthy for very long. Vitamins, minerals and trace elements are also essential for them to maintain healthy teeth and so that their organs are not affected by disease one day or another.

Brush your dog’s teeth

Good oral hygiene is absolutely essential in dogs and humans alike. The owner should brush his dog’s teeth several times a week so that tartar does not set in. In order for him to easily get used to brushing his teeth, it should start as early as possible, that is, when the animal is still just a puppy.

Either a finger cot or a soft toothbrush is used, and the use of dog toothpaste is essential. On the other hand, toothpaste for humans must be banned. Their components are unsuitable for canines, some being toxic to these animals, such as fluoride. In addition, they produce foam, but since the dog is unable to rinse his mouth, the foaming agents can also be harmful to his health. It is therefore essential to buy:

• Or propolis powder, a natural solution that represents a good alternative to toothpaste. It cleans teeth, fights bad breath, helps fight against tartar deposit and dental plaque.
• Or a toothpaste formulated for his pet, whose safety is guaranteed, because it is obvious that the dog will not be able to do other than swallow it.

They can be obtained from the veterinarian, drugstore, pet store or online stores renowned for the quality of their products.

Give your dog an anti-tartar bone

To fight against dental plaque, you can offer your little companion a tartar-resistant chewing bone. He will be able to take care of his teeth in a fun way, but this solution only represents a complement to tooth brushing which remains absolutely fundamental.

Have your dog’s teeth checked and descaled

If he does not want his dog to end up completely toothless one day, a handler should make sure to make one or two appointments per year with the usual veterinarian or a veterinarian specializing in dentistry so that a check can be made. The practitioner checks the health of the gums, makes sure the dog has no cavities and performs scaling as soon as necessary. This complete oral exam can detect the first signs of periodontitis and therefore treat the dog before it loses its teeth.