Dogs have 28 deciduous (a.k.a. temporary, “baby,” or “milk”) teeth and 42 permanent teeth. Temporary teeth begin to appear when a puppy is about four weeks of age, and are lost gradually between 14 and 30 weeks. During this time, your dog may eat slightly less and chew or gnaw more. Hard rubber or rawhide toys made especially for dogs are a good investment to help prevent household damage.

Common signs of dental problems in dogs include:

• Loss of appetite
• Red, swollen, and bleeding gums
• Drooling
• Blood in the saliva
• Yellow-brown tartar at the gum line
• Broken teeth
• Foul breathe

Signs of dental problems are often subtle and may go undetected for months, even years. Regular dental examinations by a veterinarian are recommended in addition to regular cleanings at home.

One of the most common dental problems dogs experience is plaque build-up that can cause a hardened calculus to form on the tooth surface. If left unchecked, this build-up can lead to an inflammation of the gums and tooth socket. Without the proper treatment, inflammation can lead to infection and even tooth loss. To prevent plaque build-up, give your dog regular dental examinations and cleanings from the start.

Dogs sometimes suffer from broken teeth, often a result of biting on sticks or rocks. A cracked or broken tooth can be painful if nerve tissue becomes exposed. From there, infection can occur, with further threat of the infection spreading to the bloodstream. For these reasons, prompt veterinary attention is recommended for broken teeth.

Dry, crunchy foods such as Purina® Dog Chow® brand dog food and Purina® brand dog biscuits can be helpful in keeping teeth clean. As your pet chews, particles from the dry food scrape against the teeth, acting like a toothbrush to help remove plaque. Still, there is no substitute for regular dental care.

When cleaning your dog’s teeth, never use toothpaste made for humans, as it can cause digestive upset. Instead, make a paste out of water and baking soda, or have your veterinarian recommend a product. Dip a gauze pad or baby’s toothbrush in the paste and gently wipe the outer surface of your dog’s teeth.

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