How to Check Your Dog's Oral Health

Dental disease is tragically common in dogs, and it isn't just limited to occasional cavities and bad breath. Severe cases of dental decay can lead to extreme pain, life-threatening infections, and overwhelming vet bills. I knew one dog, a Yorkshire terrier, who needed to be euthanized because his oral infections had become so extensive as to be untreatable. This doesn't need to happen. The ASPCA recommends catching these conditions early by examining your dog's teeth weekly. Here are some tips for examining your dog's teeth.

1. Sniff your dog's breath. Lean in close and lift your dog's lip a little. Dog breath is never minty-fresh, but if your dog's breath odor is foul enough to make you wince and gag, it's time for a trip to the vet. Very bad breath in dogs is a sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or other disorders of the mouth. Mild halitosis can usually be treated by brushing your dog's teeth, but, if that doesn't solve the problem, he needs medical attention.

2. Examine his teeth. Your dog's teeth should be visibly clean. Although some yellowing is normal, especially as your pet ages, the teeth should not have any brownish tartar. If your dog's teeth have streaks or spots of brown or black, it's a sign that you haven't been properly maintaining his dental hygiene-- and that he needs to be seen by a vet for a thorough cleaning.

3. Check out your pooch's gums. Inspect your dog's gums, both generally and locally. If any areas are red, bleeding, or inflamed, he may have gingivitis, or excessive tartar may be built up near his gum line. If the inflammation is mild, brush his teeth and check again next week. If it is severe, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. Gingivitis can be very uncomfortable and can lead to appetite loss and other problems, so get your pooch's gums checked if you notice symptoms.

4. Feel around. If your dog will tolerate it, feel inside his mouth-- his lips, gums, and teeth-- for signs of problems. If you notice any masses, swollen spots, lumps, or sores, report them to your vet-- they could be abscesses or cancerous growths. Your dog's teeth should not be loose when you push on them, and your dog should not cry out in pain when you touch any part of his mouth. Again, it's important to seek treatment any time your pet is showing signs of a serious condition, early treatment could save his teeth or even his life.