Tartar
Tartar is not just an aesthetic problem, it can also affect your dog's health. In this article, you'll find out what tartar is, how it forms, how you can prevent and treat it and what consequences it can have.
What is tartar?
Tartar is a hard, yellowish or brown deposit that forms on your dog's teeth. It consists of minerals, saliva, bacteria and food debris. Tartar can build up both on the surface and at the root of the teeth.
How does tartar form?
Tartar is formed from plaque, a soft, sticky coating that constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that convert sugar from food into acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel and promotes tooth decay. If plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar.
How can you prevent tartar?
The best prevention against tartar is good dental care for your dog. This includes
- Daily brushing with a special dog toothbrush and paste. You should teach your dog this from puppyhood so that he gets used to it.
- Regular dental check-ups by a vet. They can also give you tips on how to improve your dog's dental health.
- Feeding high-quality dry food or special chews that support the mechanical cleaning of the teeth.
- Avoiding sugary or sticky treats that promote plaque formation.
How can you treat tartar?
If tartar has formed despite good dental care, you should have it removed as soon as possible. This is because tartar can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or the periodontium (periodontitis). This can cause pain, bleeding, bad breath and tooth loss. In addition, bacteria from the oral cavity can spread via the blood to other organs such as the heart or kidneys and cause damage there.
Tartar is removed by the vet under anesthesia. The tartar is scraped off with a special device or removed using ultrasound. The teeth are then polished to smooth the surface and make it more difficult for plaque to adhere again.
Tartar is a common problem in dogs that should not be underestimated. With good dental care, you can save your dog a lot of suffering and improve his quality of life.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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