Why Dogs Don’t Get Dental Caries
Dental caries are very rare in dogs (but they CAN get caries)! Though I bet you brush your teeth more often than you do your dog’s. Then why are caries that rare in our canine companions?
It’s because of a biochemical difference in our saliva. Human saliva contains an enzyme, amylase, that breaks down starch into glucose molecules. Digestion of this complex carbohydrate, therefore, already starts in the mouth.
This is not the case in your dog, as there is no amylase in dog saliva. So starch just passes on and gets broken down later. No glucose molecules are formed in the dog’s mouth.
This beautiful mechanism is disturbed when you give your dog candy with glucose in it. Regular cookies, a bit of ice cream, am, or just unsuitable dog treats that have glucose as one of the ingredients.
Now, suppose you don’t give your dog anything with glucose, then there is still a need to regularly brush his teeth or give him the right rawhide, nylon, or rubber chewing toy, or safe bones. Teeth need exercise!
His gums need to stay in good condition. You want to prevent the buildup of material adhering to the teeth (plaque and tartar), as this is an environment that supports bacterial growth. It can result in foul breath and periodontitis. When you notice your dog has bad breath, it’s usually too late. Tartar (which consists of inorganic minerals) is hard, a nd you can’t just brush it off. It needs to be removed using special instruments (that a veterinary dentist uses).
Prevention
Prevention, as always, is much better (and cheaper). You can find special dog toothpaste in the pet specialty shops. It comes in different flavors.
When your dog is not too fond of getting his teeth cleaned, start very gently. Perhaps with water only in the beginning. Only rub the outside and reward him (with a glucose-free dog treat or with nice words) when he cooperates. Don’t make it into a fight; start with small steps.