Tartar in dogs – the silent danger in their mouths

What is tartar in dogs?

It starts very innocently with a coating on the teeth, called plaque. The main cause is bacteria that thrive on food residues. When mineral salts from the dog’s saliva accumulate in the plaque, tartar forms. Tartar is a hard, rough deposit on the teeth, which begins near the gums and in the spaces between the teeth because these areas provide the best environment for growth. This hard layer on the teeth is difficult to remove and slowly continues to grow if nothing is done. The rough surface of the tartar accelerates this gradual process. Canine, incisor, and molar teeth are most commonly affected. Over time, tartar becomes an issue for nearly every dog at some point. The breed and individual constitution determine how severely your dog is affected. Small dog breeds are particularly prone to tartar.

Why do dogs get tartar?

Dogs have a kind of self-cleaning mechanism for their mouths: abrasion from chewing, licking their teeth, and active saliva flow. In this way, most food residues and deposits are removed “by themselves.” However, if the teeth are too crowded, crooked, or there are too many teeth, this mechanism no longer works properly. Malocclusions are often found in dogs with short snouts—for example, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, or Shih Tzus. Plaque finds an ideal breeding ground in gaps between teeth or in between teeth to develop into tartar. Another cause can be soft food. When dogs eat only canned food and hardly have to chew, their teeth cannot be cleaned through chewing. Additionally, wet food gets stuck between the teeth more easily and forms a coating on the teeth. But tartar can also form with dry food. Some foods and treats contain sugar. Like children, dogs love the sweetener. But it is just as unhealthy for the animal as it is for humans, as the result is plaque and cavities. It may seem strange at first: too little exercise can also lead to tartar. When the dog is active, it pants and produces more saliva, which contributes significantly to oral hygiene. If the animal drinks too little, the mouth becomes dry. This makes it easier for bacteria to multiply and form plaque. Possible causes of tartar:

• genetic basis
• Wet food/dry food
• Sugar
• too little exercise
• too little water

How can you recognize tartar in dogs?

If you want to know whether your dog has tartar, especially take a close look at the canine, incisor, and molar teeth. The upper jaw is often more affected. Check for:

• Tooth color
• Gums
• Smell
• Chewing problems

Healthy teeth are white. Here and there, slight discolorations may appear, which is normal. But if you see a thick, brown layer that cannot be removed by brushing, this is a clear sign of tartar. Tartar first forms near the gums, so this is another valuable indicator. The gums should be pink. After exertion or stress, they may appear darker. If the animal has tartar, the gums at the edges are usually red and irritated. They may bleed from even the slightest touch. If the tartar is already advanced, a strong odor develops and the dog’s breath smells very bad. This comes from the plaque on the teeth and the gum inflammation. If the teeth are in very poor condition, chewing causes pain. Therefore, an affected animal often avoids hard food or may refuse to eat altogether. If your dog rubs its paws on its mouth or rubs its muzzle on furniture, this is also a sign of dental problems. Pay attention to:

• yellowish, soft deposits on the teeth
• brown, hard deposits
• strong odor from the mouth
• red, irritated, or bleeding gums
• altered eating habits
• Abscesses in the mouth
• Rubbing their paws on their mouths or their snouts on furniture

What are the consequences of tartar in dogs?

Seemingly harmless tartar is a precursor to serious diseases such as painful gum inflammations. Swelling in the face or around the nose can also occur. If left untreated, tartar can develop into periodontitis. The gums recede, exposing the tooth roots, which then become vulnerable to attack. This process continues to progress. Slowly, bacteria destroy the teeth and the supporting structures (periodontitis). They can reach the tooth root or even infect the jawbone. At this stage, the teeth are often beyond saving and must be removed if they haven’t already fallen out. Once the infection reaches the bone, it may spread throughout the entire body and affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Older dogs are especially at risk and can suffer from serious illnesses as a result.

When should you take your dog to the vet for tartar removal?

A visit to your trusted veterinarian is recommended if you observe symptoms that may indicate tartar. Better sooner than later. Although it is a gradual process, you should not underestimate tartar, as it reduces your pet’s well-being and health. If your dog is prone to tartar, you can discuss with the vet how best to prevent it and how often you should come in for professional tartar removal. The general rule is: the earlier the dental treatment, the longer the teeth remain in good condition.

Removing tartar in dogs: at the vet or at home?

In addition to treatment by a veterinarian, there are now options for removing tartar yourself. Let's take a look.

Removing tartar yourself

Tartar can be removed from a dog’s teeth using a tartar scraper. However, the risk should not be underestimated, as you are scraping and scratching over the tooth. This means you can easily slip and injure the mucous membrane, gums, or tooth enamel. Additionally, microscopic grooves can form on the tooth, creating a perfect breeding ground for new tartar. Special tooth gels for dogs remove or dissolve plaque within weeks. The procedure must be carried out over an extended period. The gel is applied directly to the tartar using a finger or a finger toothbrush. It is possible that your dog may show an intolerance or allergic reaction to one or more ingredients.

Professional tartar removal at the veterinarian

When we need tartar removed, we go to the dentist. So, the safest option is to take your dog to the vet. The vet is highly knowledgeable and has the right tools to optimally remove tartar. If the tartar is already advanced, a dental antibiotic may be necessary before the actual removal. Without it, life-threatening bacteria could enter the bloodstream. If needed, the vet will also assess the entire jaw in advance using dental X-rays. Once everything is clarified, the procedure can begin.

The dog is put under light general anesthesia to ensure it remains still, as the vet uses very fine instruments, and even a small movement could cause injury. For older dogs or animals with anesthesia risks, a preliminary exam is recommended. This will determine whether tartar removal is possible at all.

First, the vet assesses the dog’s current condition: the dental and periodontal status. Then, the tartar is removed using scalers, tartar removal forceps, and curettes. Scalers with pointed ends and forceps are used on the crown of the tooth, while curettes with blunt ends are used on the root surface. Any remaining deposits on the crown are removed using an ultrasonic scaler. Finally, the vet polishes the teeth to smooth out any enamel lesions. Afterwards, the dog is gently brought out of anesthesia.

The cost of professional tartar removal depends on the individual vet and the severity of the tartar buildup.

How often should tartar removal be repeated in dogs?

Various factors influence how often you need to have tartar removed from your dog’s teeth. The most important one is prevention. If you actively prevent tartar buildup, you may be able to avoid some visits to the vet. However, it's likely that you won't be able to completely prevent tartar throughout your dog’s life. Every dog is different. Influencing factors include, for example:

• Dog breed
• Age
• Teeth condition
• Self-cleaning power of the dentition
• Saliva composition
• Microbial flora in the mouth area

If your dog is prone to tartar buildup, you will likely need to schedule an annual visit to the veterinarian.

Prevent plaque and tartar with dental care for dogs

You have several ways to effectively prevent tartar. These options complement each other, allowing you to give your dog a better quality of life through good dental care.

Healthy food and chew toys

The wrong food – whether wet or dry food – can be responsible for tartar buildup. Therefore, it’s important to determine the exact cause. If it's the food, switch to healthier options. In addition, chew toys and natural snacks can help with dental cleaning. Make sure that the toys are of high quality and not made of harmful materials that could break down while chewing. These toxins can be absorbed through the mucous membranes. Chew snacks are not only a great way to keep your dog occupied — they also help clean the teeth. Firm, twisted snacks are particularly effective. Before giving the snack, you can apply some tooth gel to the tartar, which helps loosen it so it can be scraped off while chewing. Note: Grains, starch, and sugar have no place in dog food or snacks. Carbohydrates break down into sugar molecules and increase tartar buildup.

Dental care for dogs with a toothbrush

Although dogs can't brush their teeth themselves with a toothbrush, they can get used to regular dental care. Ideally, you should familiarize your dog with dental hygiene while it is still a puppy. With an older dog, you’ll need to be a bit more patient. However, some dogs may never get used to it. Get a special dog toothbrush and gently clean the teeth using a toothpaste suitable for dogs. If your dog is sensitive, use a finger toothbrush or a dental cloth. You don’t have to open the mouth completely. Usually, lifting the lips and cleaning the outer surfaces is enough. You should brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week, ideally daily. If your dog suffers from a thyroid condition, please consult your veterinarian before adding dental care products.