Dental Care for Maltese – What you need to know

Small breeds such as the Maltese are particularly prone to dental problems, and often require an enhanced dental care regime. Poor dental health has the potential to affect not only the health of your dog's teeth and gums but can also affect their overall health. Buildup of plaque and bacteria can lead to gingivitis, bad breath and in serious cases can affect the health of the underlying bone. Bacteria can also enter the blood stream,leading to other conditions such as heart disease. The Maltese is more susceptible to losing its teeth earlier than other breeds, and so preventing tooth decay and infection is an important consideration for this breed.

Dental care not only means care of the teeth themselves but also the gums. There are some signs that your dog may be suffering from dental health problems, such as bad breath or halitosis. Halitosis is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth. It can also be caused by an abscess, ulcer or by infections in or around the mouth. If you notice that your pet is drooling more often than usual,this may be a symptom of mouth ulcers, blisters, or poor dental health. There may also be swelling in the mouth or around the gums. As bacteria builds up on the tooth, it can form plaque on the gum line. This can lead to a reddening of the gums, and so checking the color of your pet's gums can help you to identify any signs of gum disease. The color of your dog's teeth can help to identify any plaquebuildup with dark brown areas a sign of decay. If plaque is left untreated it may lead to periodontal disease that can destroy bones surrounding the tooth. When periodontal disease exists, it may lead to pain in the teeth. If you notice that your pet's appetite is reduced, this may be a sign they are suffering from periodontal disease. Your pet may also be lethargic and generally unwell.

One of the best ways to prevent dental problems is by learning to effectively brush your dog's teeth. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth twice a day. There are many dog-specific toothpaste options available, including mouthwashes and sprays. Dental chews are also available in specific formulas to help clean your dog's teeth as they chew, although it is very important to avoid Rawhide,as there is a potential for your dog to choke on these. You should also ensure that your pet receives regular checkups from the veterinarian and periodic teeth cleaning. Monitoring what they eat, making changes to their diet and ensuring that your dog drinks plenty of water during the day can also help to manage your Maltese's dental health.