The mouth, also referred to as the oral cavity is a very important tool in the digestive system of dogs. When a dog chews its food, it is broken down into smaller pieces where enzymes in the stomach and small intestines can digest it. This is why teeth are a crucial element in a dogs digestive process. A dogs front teeth and tongue allow him/her to pick up food while the back teeth function to grind the food into smaller particles.

In total, a dog has 42 teeth. They are comprised of the incisors and canines which are located in the front, and the premolars and molars which are located in the back. Each of these teeth have a part that is visible above the gum line called the crown as well as a part below the gum line called the root. Enamel covers the crown which is the hardest substance in the body. The dentin is below the enamel as well as the pulp which makes up most of the tooths blood vessels and nerves.

The root of a dogs tooth sits in the jaw bone. Some teeth have only one root and some teeth have more than one root. The tissue that surrounds a tooth at the gum line is called the gingiva. The gingiva in a normal dog is attached tightly to the jawbone underneath.

What are the Reasons for Plaque, Tartar and Gingivitis?

Just like us, food, saliva and bacteria remain on the teeth after eating. This is commonly referred to as plaque. While this is perfectly normal, it does need to be removed which can be done easily with brushing. Plaque releases toxins which can inflame the gum line. When this inflammation occurs, it is referred to as Gingivitis.

When plaque stays on the teeth for long enough, it will harden and turn into tartar or calculus. Tartar allows more bacteria and debris to accumulate. This makes inflammation of the gums worse. As gum inflammation gets worse, the gum recedes away from the tooth, the tooth becomes loose, bacteria and inflammation spread to the jawbone underneath the tooth, and eventually the tooth falls out. Tartar can accumulate above the gum line where it can be seen and also below the gum line where it cannot be seen.

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Written by Heather Fox using tags: dog dental care, dog fitness, dog health, Dogs, Pet Care, Pets, tooth care, veterinary care