The dental health of our dogs is often underestimated in everyday life. Yet tartar is one of the most common problems in small animal medicine — and one whose consequences reach far beyond the mouth. In this guide you will learn how tartar develops, how to recognise it, and how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
How Tartar Develops
Tartar, also known as calculus, forms when dental plaque hardens. This plaque consists of bacteria, saliva and food residue. If it is not removed regularly, it mineralises and turns into hard tartar. Several factors encourage this process: poor oral hygiene, a diet high in carbohydrates or soft food, too little exercise and fluid intake, and a genetic predisposition. Small breeds with closely spaced teeth are particularly susceptible, as are older dogs, in whom plaque accumulates over the years.
Why Tartar Is Dangerous
Beneath the hard layer of tartar, bacteria multiply unchecked. The first consequence is inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which, left untreated, can progress to periodontitis — with receding gums and tooth loss. More seriously still, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver.
Typical signs to watch for:
- Yellowish or brownish deposits near the gum line
- Noticeably bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Pain when chewing or reluctance to play
- Loss of appetite or blood in the saliva
Oral health is not a cosmetic matter: it is directly linked to your dog’s overall health and life expectancy.
Professional Cleaning — Only Under Anaesthesia
Once tartar has formed, it can no longer be removed by brushing. At that point a professional dental cleaning at the vet becomes necessary. This is always carried out under general anaesthesia — for good reason. Only then can the areas below the gum line and at the back of the mouth be cleaned thoroughly, without causing the animal stress, fear or pain. Cleaning a conscious dog would be neither thorough nor in keeping with animal welfare.
Before the procedure we assess whether the dog is fit for anaesthesia, often with a blood test. The tartar is then removed above and below the gum line, the teeth are polished and the mouth is rinsed. An annual check-up is generally advisable, though the exact interval depends on your dog’s breed, age and oral hygiene.
Prevention Is Key
The good news: tartar can largely be prevented. Daily tooth brushing with a special canine toothbrush and toothpaste is the most effective measure. Get your dog used to it slowly and reward them along the way. In addition, chew-active snacks and chews help to remove plaque mechanically, as do a balanced, low-sugar diet and plenty of exercise and water.
Such measures do not replace professional cleaning, but they significantly extend the intervals between them. With a little consistency in daily life, you protect your dog’s teeth — and with them their wellbeing for many years.