Keeping your dogs’ teeth clean and in good health is so important for their overall health and long-term wellbeing.
What is the difference between Plaque & Tartar? Plaque is a build-up of saliva, food, and bacteria that forms on the teeth, eventually turning into a brown hard substance, known as tartar. Tartar causes damage to the teeth and gums and can lead to gingivitis. The resulting bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Health dangers of a build-up of plaque, tartare, and gum disease. The bacteria that`s formed in an unhealthy mouth can travel via the bloodstream to the heart and circulatory system. This bacteria can cause heart and bowel disease and affect the immune system. There is also the added risk and expense of dogs having to receive a general anaesthetic for teeth cleaning, which is something we want to avoid if possible, particularly when caring for elderly dogs or those with other underlying health complications.
The Dental Hygiene blend has been made to improve oral health, loosen hardened tartar, prevent or greatly slow down the build-up of tartar and plaque, and assist in the maintenance of teeth and gums which is particularly useful in elderly dogs, that perhaps can no longer have a general anaesthetic.
The link to buy Hedgerow Hounds Dental Hygiene Blend is https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/dental-hygiene
There is also a blog all about dental hygiene blend here https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/news/dental-hygiene-formula
Other ways to speed up tartar removal and prevent further build-up.
Feeding abrasive size-appropriate recreational raw bones and natural chews.
Toothbrushing or cleaning with a lint cloth
Signs of tooth pain, gum disease, or mouth infection:
Eating less, hesitancy to eat, favouring soft food over hard, dropping food and much slower eating than normal.
Bad breath, red swollen gums, discoloured teeth.
Inability or reluctance to open their mouth.
Blood on gums, bedding, or toys.
Scratching at their face or swelling and heat along the tooth line.
70% of dogs over 3 years of age have some form of dental disease. Small breeds such as toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles, Schnauzers, and the Brachycephalic breeds are particularly prone and in larger breeds, the Greyhound is predisposed to tooth and gum disease.