Identifying common problems in your dogs mouth

A common issue seen in dogs by veterinarians is when foreign objects such as sticks, rawhide, or pieces of mulch become lodged in their mouth. This can cause symptoms such as excessive drooling and gagging, but some dog owners may not realize their pet is in discomfort as the dog may continue to eat and drink as usual. If left untreated, this can lead to infection, which may result in bad breath. To prevent this, it is recommended that dog owners regularly check inside their pet's mouth for any foreign objects stuck in their teeth, gums, or roof of the mouth. It is best to start working with the dog at a young age to acclimate them to mouth handling, and a quick inspection with a flashlight can help identify any problems, sometimes even while the dog is panting.

Certain breeds of large dogs such as Great Danes and Mastiffs are more susceptible to mouth injuries like cuts and broken teeth because they are given things to chew on that are too hard, such as antlers and real bones. Despite their tough exterior, their teeth and mouths are fragile.

Additionally, dogs can sustain injuries when they put their noses where they don't belong, like when they become too curious in certain situations and encounter other animals like porcupines or insects. These injuries can include bee stings, cat scratches, and snake bites, among others. Animals use their faces to explore their surroundings since they don't have hands.

Minor injuries like superficial cuts and bee stings can often be treated with a veterinarian-directed dosage of Benadryl to alleviate swelling, but more serious injuries like broken teeth or snake bites require immediate veterinary attention. If a dog has a significant laceration to the lips, tongue, or gums, which is evident by bloody saliva and reluctance to eat or drink, it is essential to seek veterinary treatment.

Dogs can develop oral warts on their lips, gums, and tongue due to the canine oral papillomavirus. Although they are unsightly, they typically don't pose a significant problem because they eventually fall off on their own. In rare cases, oral warts can become severe, causing bleeding and taking months to resolve, and may require veterinary removal.

Oral warts are commonly seen in puppies as they are usually exposed to the virus at a young age. However, dogs do not typically get it again as their immune system fights off any reoccurrence. Although they are not painful, oral warts are contagious, and dogs spread the virus by licking each other's faces. Therefore, dogs with oral warts should be kept away from other dogs until the warts disappear or are removed.

Gingivitis, which is gum inflammation, is a prevalent oral issue in dogs caused by the buildup of food particles and bacteria along their gum line, resulting in plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar can irritate and inflame the gums, causing bad breath and inflammation. Regular visits to the vet and teeth brushing can help prevent gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal disease if left untreated.

Periodontal disease involves inflammation of the deep supporting structures of a tooth, including gum tissue that attaches the tooth to the dog's jawbone. Tartar buildup from gingivitis can cause the gums to separate from the teeth over time. Bacteria can then form in the space under the teeth and lead to bone loss if not treated by a veterinarian.

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the supporting structures of a dog's teeth, including the gum tissue that connects the tooth to the jaw bone. It is often caused by the buildup of tartar under the gums, which causes them to pull away from the teeth, creating space where bacteria can thrive. If left untreated, this can lead to bone loss, tissue damage, and pus formation between the gum and teeth. Small dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, are particularly susceptible to periodontal disease due to their small mouths with the same number of teeth as larger breeds. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, drooling, inflamed or bleeding gums, and tooth loss. Regular teeth brushing at home or by a vet can help prevent the disease, and early stages can be reversed through regular dental care. Late stages, however, can lead to serious health problems, including damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidney, and heart.

Tumors can occur in a dog's mouth and they can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. They can develop in different locations in the mouth, with the gum tissue at the back of the throat being the most common site. Even non-cancerous tumors may need to be removed because they can displace teeth and cause alignment issues. Indicators of a possible tumor may include excessive drooling or licking in an attempt to remove an irritant.

It is important for dog owners to regularly inspect their dog's mouth for any signs of issues, including tumors. However, this does not necessarily require forcefully opening the dog's mouth. Simply lifting the top lip and pulling down the bottom lip can be sufficient to identify potential problems.