Birdie

Is there such a thing as a dog with "bad teeth" in relation to tartar/plaque?? Like genetically? I know that dogs can have a bad bite or crooked teeth, but Desmond's teeth get really ugly fast. Is there any reason why his teeth would seem to gather more plaque than other dogs' teeth?

I don't get it, I brush his teeth every single night with a doggy toothbrush and standard doggy toothpaste... he gets fed a good quality dry food, he has bones and things to chew on, but his teeth still look gross! I mean, if I don't brush them for a few days it's really noticeable (to me). One time, he had to go a week without having his teeth brushed and his teeth were so much worse by the end of the week! They gather plaque so fast.
And then I have doggies at work who have PERFECT pearly whites and I am almost sure their parents do not brush their teeth. Obviously, I am not there to know whether or not they do brush their teeth, but I am assuming based on the rest of their health and their owners. I know lots of dog owners I talk to are like "you brush your dogs teeth?? That's so weird, I've never even heard of that". For some reason, lots of people evidently don't pay much attention to their pup's teeth. And their dogs STILL have better teeth than Des...

What's up with this?? I mean I take good care of his teeth and they still get all plaquey. It's only his furthest premolars, molars and canines that get the most plaque, so I pay extra attention to them when I brush. Is there anything you do in particular that helps your dogs teeth stay white that I could do for Desmond? It's not a huge problem or anything, it's just gross and ugly, and not very good for his teeth.

fjm

A vet told me that it can be down to the chemical balance of the saliva, which varies from one dog to another. I don't know how true that is, but I do know I wage constant warfare against plaque and tartar on my toy dogs' teeth! They get wiped every day - can't find a small enough toothbrush for brushing - PetZone gel rubbed on, PlaquOff on their food, raw bones regularly, and I have just sent for some Logic dental chews. And I am still only just holding it steady! I'll let you know if the Logic chews help.

Fluffyspoos

I'm not exactly sure why, but yes, I DO believe that teeth come in healthy and easily tarred varities. My parents boxer mix is almost 5, has never had a dental, and her teeth aren't brushed often at all, her breath has almost no smell and her teeth are still pearly white. A kicker? They feed her whatever dog food is cheapest at walmart (so pretty crappy food.)

Yeah I don't get it either.

puppylove

I've recently started all my dogs on raw knuckle bones. It's make a huge difference. Even Caspar's really awful teeth are beginning to look white.

I think it has to do with chemistry. Even some people are far more prone to plaque than others. I have observed that standard poodles tend to have much worse plaque build up than other breeds. Could length of muzzle be a factor?

Locket

Those knuckle bones are really incredible! Better than brushing in my opinion.

fracturedcircle

is this a good toothpaste: PETCO Natural Dog Toothpaste at PETCO

?

apoodleaday

Lacey has the same problem with her teeth. They're brushed and scraped regularly at work, but I still have them scaled every six months at my vet. She has a little tartar all the time :(
Fortunately my vet doesn't have to put her out each time. Lacey lets her hand scale and polish her teeth no problem.
I have two 10+ dogs that have never had dentals and still don't have any build up at all.

puppylove

I don't think the toothpaste is as important as the mechanical scrubbing. If they like it, use it. I don't remember offhand what brand I use but it's chicken flavor and they just love it. Toothbrushing time is one of everyone's favorite.

Spencer

Greyhounds as a breed are known for their terrible teeth... and I can attest to knowing many personally that have terrible teeth that get dirty quickly (both racing a non!) I half feel that poodles are like this as well... Tate's teeth have been icky from the first day I had him. I give him bones and have brushed his teeth and they still get tartar build up rather quickly. He is though, an oversize toy... not sure how it is with the standards.

Of course... The Queen from the pound has GREAT teeth and they're pearly white!

flyingduster

unfortunately I've noticed poodles tend to have crappy teeth. And yes, some are worse than others genetically; people are like that too! I have a friend that has to brush lots, go to the dentist at least twice a year or she has problems and has a number of fillings etc. Me? I brush daily of course, but I only see a dentist when I remember (every few years) and have never needed a filling. Dogs can be like that too! My foxy is 12 now and still has white teeth, she's NEVER had her teeth brushed, she used to be fed crap food too. Paris, if she hasn't had a bone for a couple of weeks then she starts getting plaque. I used to brush, now I just feed bones. lol!