Plaque

How does plaque form in dogs?

Plaque forms on your dog's teeth after every meal. It is caused by a chemical reaction that is triggered when bacteria present in the mouth, food and saliva come together. As soon as these three components come together, the reaction begins and plaque accumulates.

Certain foods are more conducive to the formation of plaque on dogs' teeth than others. For example, bacteria love carbohydrates from sugar, which means that sugary foods can increase plaque formation in their mouths.

If plaque is not removed, it hardens and turns into a substance called tartar. Tartar, also called calculus, is rough and porous and can form above and below the gum line.

How do I recognize too much plaque on my dog's teeth?

There are a few signs you should look out for when examining your dog's mouth. Does your dog's mouth show any of the following symptoms?

• Inflamed gums.
• Discolored teeth.
• Tooth loss.
• Bad breath.
• Pus in the mouth.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet and ask for advice before attempting to remove plaque from your dog's teeth.

Why is plaque undesirable in dogs?

A high build-up of plaque can be a real problem for your dog. This is because tartar causes two types of damage to the teeth and gums.

Firstly, tartar forms a rough surface that acts as a place for bacteria to grow and multiply in the mouth. Bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which often leads to painful bleeding. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which leads to further inflammation, pain and tooth loss (see handout "Dental Disease in Dogs" for more information).

Secondly, the bacteria on the tartar can be absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in various organs, including the liver and kidneys, leading to infection and reduced organ function.

How can I prevent plaque and tartar build-up on my dog's teeth?

After your dog's teeth have been professionally cleaned and polished by your veterinarian, home dental care is necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. You can reduce plaque build-up by carrying out the following activities:

• Feed your dog a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) accepted dental diet that slows plaque and tartar buildup by mechanical or chemical means. By limiting plaque buildup, the development of tartar is greatly reduced.
• Brush or wipe your dog's teeth daily. This is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Do not use human toothpaste as it contains ingredients that can cause stomach upset if swallowed.
• Use a VOHC accepted water additive to reduce the bacteria count in the mouth, which will lead to improved breath.
• Offer your dog chew toys and dental snacks specifically designed to reduce or remove light tartar. Never let your dog chew on bones, horse hooves, antlers, ice cubes or nylon toys that can break teeth.

How do I know if the product I'm using to prevent tartar is actually working?

The Veterinary Oral Health Council only accepts dental care products that are safe and have been proven through rigorous scientific studies to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.