Gingivitis has been diagnosed in dogs as young as three, but a dental hygiene regimen, including regular home brushing, can prevent its development. Canine teeth are designed to rip and shred food and suited for a carnivorous diet. The greatest threat to a dog's dental health is gingivitis. Dogs do not normally get cavities, but are prone to developing a brown substance called calculus around their gums. Calculus, laden with bacteria, can eventually cause canine gums to recede, exposing the root.
Teeth can loosen in their sockets, opening up the possibility of infection.
Although antibiotics can suppress gum infection, only tartar removal can prevent infection from reoccurring. Infection can travel throughout the mouth, causing pharyngitis, and, in advanced cases, can enter the blood stream, even causing kidney and heart disease. Tartar control biscuits, bones, and chew-eez can help reduce tartar buildup above the gumline, but only regular brushing can reach the crtical areas below the gumline. Owners should brush their dog's teeth at least twice a week. Brushing a dog's teeth is easier than brushing your own.