German Shepherd Dental Health: Preventing Dental Problems and Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Your adult German shepherd’s mouth is packed with 42 adult teeth. Twenty of those impressive choppers are located in the top jaw and 22 are located in the bottom jaw. Their teeth are made up of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

Your dog uses all their teeth daily for a variety of important tasks. So, their teeth must stay strong and healthy throughout their life. The way they use their various teeth include:

German Shepherd Teeth and their Purpose

Incisors

The incisors are the 12 small teeth located in the front of the mouth. Dogs use them for scraping meat from bones, grooming themselves, and nibbling.

Canines

Their canines make up the 4 big ‘fangs’ located behind the incisors. Those teeth are used for biting, tearing, and locking on to something they’re holding between their powerful jaws, such as a ball or tug toy.

Pre-molars

The pre-molars include the 16 sharp teeth found behind the canines. Those teeth are used for chewing, shredding, and grinding.

Molars

The 10 molars are located farthest back in the jaw. There are 4 on the top and 6 on the bottom. Those powerful teeth are used to crush and break up food and such so that it can be chewed and swallowed.

Periodontal Disease is the Most Common Disease Seen in Dogs

Periodontal disease is the most common preventable disease seen in dogs so keeping your dog’s teeth healthy should be a top priority. It usually presents around 3 years of age but can happen at any age.

Oral care is very important for your dog’s overall health, well-being, quality of life, to avoid painful tooth and gum problems, and prevent additional diseases. You should notify your vet if you notice any of these problems with your dog’s mouth and teeth:

• Broken teeth
• Fractured roots
• Loss of teeth
• Infected teeth
• Abscesses
• Swelling of the gums/mouth
• Tissue changes, lumps, bumps
• Bad breath
• Discolored teeth
• Changes in biting, and chewing habits
• Dropping food or toys
• Chewing on one side
• Refusal to eat, pickiness
• Swelling
• Drooling
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Tarter
• Change in behavior or mood

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

To prevent dental disease from happening to your dog, there are some things you can do to help maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, including:

Annual Check-Ups

During your dog’s annual physical, your vet should examine your dog’s mouth and teeth. Your vet will let you know if your dog needs cleaning due to tarter build or if there are any other signs of dental disease.

Along with cleaning, your vet, or veterinary dentist, may take x-rays and need to fill, extract, or repair your dog’s teeth. This is also the time your vet will inspect your dog’s mouth for injury and other illnesses, such as cancer.

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, daily brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings. Although daily brushing is best, brushing your dog’s teeth even a few days a week can help eliminate the need for cleanings.

When brushing your dog’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Don’t use human toothpaste as it can be harmful when swallowed and even toxic if it contains xylitol. Baking soda also isn’t recommended because it can cause stomach upset.

Use Dental Wipes After Meals

Dental wipes don’t work as well as brushing but can be used to help remove food particles and the bacterial biofilm that covers your dog’s teeth. Wipes can help keep the surface of your dog’s teeth clean but they’re not as effective at getting in between teeth and crevices.

Feed Treats Designed to Improve Oral Health

Although brushing is best, the Veterinary Oral Health Council provides of list of yummy chews that carry their seal of approval for removing plaque and tarter. These chews can help prevent tarter build up plus dogs love them.

Water Additives to Prevent Bad Breath

Water additives that contain enzymatic ingredients can help break down tartar and prevent bad breath. But, they won’t replace the need to brush your dog’s teeth. Think of them like mouthwash for dogs. Sure, mouthwash can freshen your breath and rinse your teeth but it will never replace the job of your toothbrush.

Dental Care Dog Food

Dogs suffering from frequent plaque build-up may benefit from a dog food formulated with their dental care in mind. There are prescription and nonprescription diets on the market. These foods contain ingredients to reduce tarter to prevent their need for going under anesthesia for cleanings.

Chews and Bones

Chews and raw bones can help keep tarter from forming. Which ones you should will depend on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and how comfortable you are. Hard bones, such as weight-bearing bones and antlers can also cause broken teeth so be sure to monitor your dog to be sure they safely chew so that they don’t choke or break their teeth.

Brushing your dog’s teeth will take some time and training. But, it’s a healthy habit to start. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean will not only help keep their teeth white and pain-free, but it can also help prevent some nasty health problems associated with periodontal disease including kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.

The last thing you want is for your dog to become ill or old and require a dental procedure because they are in pain or have an infection. By keeping your dog’s teeth clean now, you may be able to prevent that scenario from ever happening.

We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends.

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