Just like in humans, tartar and plaque are really common in our furry friends. These yellowish, rough deposits show up mainly on the corner and front teeth and can lead to serious gum inflammation. Older dogs, small breeds, and dogs with crooked teeth are especially at risk because their teeth don't clean themselves as well.
Tartar is caused by a combination of several factors. First, bacteria, food debris, dead cells from the oral mucosa, and saliva components form a coating, also known as plaque, which adheres to the teeth but can still be removed by brushing. The mineral salts from saliva cause this coating to harden into actual tartar, which can no longer be removed by simple brushing. Bacteria accumulate on the rough surface of the tartar, which can lead to serious gum inflammation. Furthermore, misaligned teeth, a diet high in sugar, teeth that are too close together, an incorrect composition of saliva, and insufficient saliva can promote the formation of tartar.
Visible tartar appears as yellow-brownish deposits, primarily on the canine and incisor teeth. Affected animals usually have bad breath, which is caused by the foul-smelling metabolic products of the bacteria that live on and in the tartar and feed on food residues.
However, tartar can also occur below the gums in the gum pockets, where it is not visible to the owner. In this case, the only noticeable symptoms are initially bad breath and possibly visible redness of the gums. However, this type of tartar irritates the gums and is the main cause of gum inflammation and exposed tooth necks. If left untreated, the disease progresses and can lead to serious irreversible and painful damage to the entire periodontium (periodontitis), including the jawbone and the entire body. At this stage, animals may show significantly disturbed eating behavior, loss of appetite, unilateral nasal discharge, and head tilt. As soon as you suspect that your dog is suffering from tartar, take them to your veterinarian to avoid unnoticed consequential damage.
Your veterinarian will perform a general clinical examination and a special examination of the oral cavity. This involves a thorough inspection of the entire oral cavity and teeth, in some cases using special instruments, so that the extent and severity of tartar build-up can be determined. If there is suspicion of potential damage to the jaw, teeth, or tooth roots, an X-ray examination of the skull may be performed.
Once tartar has formed, it cannot dissolve on its own and must be removed. Minor tartar buildup, primarily on the incisors and canines, can be removed manually by a veterinarian using a special instrument. The animal does not need to be anesthetized for this procedure.
However, if the entire dentition is affected and there is extensive tartar build-up, removal with a special ultrasonic device is recommended. This involves transmitting ultrasonic waves to a small chisel, which breaks off the tartar from the tooth while simultaneously rinsing with water. The animals must be placed under light anesthesia for this procedure. The advantage of this method is that teeth located far back in the mouth can be easily reached and cleaned of tartar. Tartar located below the gums can also be easily removed in this way. The tooth surface is then smoothed with a polish so that bacteria and food debris are less likely to accumulate in the future.
Tartar pockets are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with a special disinfectant solution. Depending on the extent of the tartar and any consequential damage, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Your veterinary practice will draw up a detailed treatment plan for your individual case.
With timely treatment of tartar, the prognosis is generally good. However, if it is not detected and treated for a long time, consequential damage to the teeth and gums can develop, and the pathogens can even spread throughout the entire body via the bloodstream. This leads to a significant worsening of the prognosis.
Tartar can be successfully prevented through species-appropriate feeding and regular dental care, with brushing being the most effective method. Schedule at least one appointment per year to have your dog's teeth examined by a veterinarian and have a professional teeth cleaning performed. For dogs that are more susceptible, a six-month interval is recommended. This allows minor changes to be detected and treated at an early stage.
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