WHY IS TOO MUCH PLATE HARMFUL IN A DOG

We all understand that too much plaque can harm our teeth. But did you know that dogs with plaque can also suffer from the same medical conditions?

What is plaque in dogs?

Plaque is an adherent layer that builds up on both human and canine teeth. This sticky layer is made up of bacteria that are made from food debris.. If it is not removed regularly, bacteria can multiply. The more bacteria that develop on a dog's teeth, the greater the risk of dental disease.

How plaque builds up in a dog?

Dog's plaque begins to build up after a meal. This chemical reaction is started by the bacteria found in the dog's mouth, food and saliva. When all three meet, a reaction begins and plaque builds up.

Certain foods accelerate the build-up of plaque in a dog's mouth. For example, bacteria love carbohydrates from sugar, which means that giving your dog sweet food can build up more plaque in its mouth. Eventually the plaque will harden and your dog will have tartar.

Signs of too much plaque in your dog

There are a number of different symptoms to look out for when examining your dog's mouth. Does your dog have any of the following symptoms?

• Gingivitis

• Teeth discoloration

• Loss of teeth

• Bad breath

• Purulent discharge in the mouth

If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, contact your vet and seek advice before trying to remove the plaque from your dog's teeth yourself.

Why plaque is undesirable in dogs?

A large build-up of plaque can put your dog's health at risk. This is because when the plaque hardens, it turns into tartar. A dog with tartar can suffer from a number of health conditions. These are among others:

• Dog gingivitis

  - This gum disease is a common problem in dogs' teeth . In the early stages of gingivitis, a dog will develop bad breath. Yellow tartar will also appear on your dog's teeth. If left untreated, a dog's gums may begin to swell. The final stages of a dog's gingivitis can lead to a variety of gum disease including tooth loss.
• Periodontal disease in a dog

  - Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis in dogs. This condition causes the gums to recede. When this happens, the gum reveals a space called a "pocket". This "pocket" can then become infected, and if left untreated, the gum and the tissue that supports the tooth are damaged.

• Abscesses

  - An abscess is a build-up of pus around one or more teeth. This pus makes the gum around a dog's tooth swollen and red. The more oil

• in the mouth, the more pain the dog experiences. So it's important to open your dog's mouth regularly and check his teeth.

Are certain breeds more prone to dental disease?

In short - some breeds of dogs are more prone to dental disease. Small breed dogs
and miniature dogs are more likely to have dental problems. This is because small breed dogs are at greater risk of tooth crowding.

This crowding can damage the teeth in a dog's mouth and lead to more plaque build-up and dental disease. Another problem is that they quickly build up plaque.. Excessive scale formation can lead to a number of serious problems
with a dog's teeth.

Dental care is important for any breed of dog. If you're looking for advice, check out our dental advice.