Taking good care of your Maltipoo’s teeth is one of the most crucial tasks you have to do daily. At this time, we are going to share some common maltipoo teeth problems. Also, we are going to explain why dental care is important for your maltipoo.
Some Common Maltipoo teeth problems
As tiny breeds, Maltipoos are more susceptible to some dental and health problems. In the text below, we are going to share some common Maltipoo teeth problems.
- Tooth trauma
The dogs explore their environment through their mouth. Maltipoos are no exception. Because you cannot monitor everything that your Maltipoo chomps, they are likely to experience tooth trauma at several points. Stiff items like the soles of your shoes or the edge of the sofa will be able to chip or cause trauma to your teacup’s teeth. Also, rough play can lead to tooth trauma. Chipped daggers are able to range from a small chip up to a large slab fracture. Both require the attention of a veterinarian.
The harm is that the chipped tooth will expose nerves. Of course, this will hurt until the nerve itself dies. But this does not cut the suffering. Because there is still an opening to your Maltipoo’s tooth where bacteria enter, infections can occur. To avoid this, you have to give your Maltipoo soft chews and toys. If you see that there is a chip on the dog’s tooth, please seek the help of a veterinarian right away.
- Periodontal disease
You have to know that Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental conditions among dogs. The disease starts when plaque builds up around the dog’s teeth. When it thickens, it becomes dark brown which is called tartar. Soon, the tartar pushes into the gum line causing bleeding and discomfort. Because there is an open wound in your dog’s mouth, it will be an entryway for a myriad of infections.
Tooth loss can occur if periodontal disease is not treated right away. Also, periodontal disease will lead to other serious health conditions because infections will spread into the bloodstream. All dogs are prone to this condition. Age, diet, and chewing habits are some of the affecting factors. You are able to prevent the progression of periodontal disease by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth. In addition, regular visits to the veterinarian will assist prevent other dental problems. Several of the tell-tale signs of periodontal disease include inflamed gums, blood spots on toys, and a dark brown buildup around the tooth.
- Misaligned teeth
Just like any dog, your Maltipoo will undergo two teething phases. When they shed their baby teeth and the permanent daggers sprout, a tooth or two teeth can be out of place. Misaligned teeth may occur. Lots of breeds have trademark bite which is the basis in diagnosing dental misalignment. Both Maltipoos parents, Poodle and Maltese, have the scissors bite. For your information, the bite is leveled where the incisor teeth of the upper jaw are slightly overlapping on the bottom jaw.
Because the dogs cannot wear dental braces, then the veterinarians are going to have two choices in the case of misaligned teeth. If the malocclusion is not causing pain or discomfort, the veterinarians will let the tooth stay in its place. If the malocclusion is causing trouble, then the veterinarians will have to pull it out. It is quite tricky to spot a malocclusion. If your Maltipoo seems to chew clumsily and bites in a cumbersome way, you have to check it to a veterinarian. Remember that a misaligned tooth is susceptible to periodontal disease. If the malocclusion is genetic, the veterinarians will recommend that your dog be neutered or spayed. This is a great way to prevent the spread of bad genes.
- Loose teeth
Actually, loose teeth are not a big problem if your Maltipoo is still a puppy and currently teething. But, when a loose tooth happens at adulthood, it is very important to have it treated. It is easy to spot a loose tooth. You are able to take a close look at your Maltipoo’s mouth and then search for two teeth occupying one place. This means that one baby tooth did not fall off during the teething process. It is crucial to remove the loose tooth as soon as possible or the adult tooth will be able to come out crooked. Need to know that misalignment will cause periodontal disease along the way. The veterinarians are going to put out the loose teeth and treat any present infection. Warning: Loose teeth among adult Maltipoos may be a sign of a serious health condition.
- Halitosis/bad breath
Halitosis says a lot about your Maltipoo’s health. First, it will be an innocent case of poor dental hygiene. There could be food deposits which are left sitting inside your dog’s mouth which is causing the foul smell. Other causes could show emergency situations involving your Maltipoo’s liver and kidney. If there is a metallic scent to your maltipoo’s breath, then you have to go to the veterinarian. This is a sign of kidney failure. If any underlying health conditions are ruled out, bad breath will be able to be treated with regular brushing and using chew toys.
Why Dental Care is Important for Maltipoo?
Dental problems can be a sign of a more serious health condition. This is why it is important to have it treated right away. Aside from that, a minor case of tooth chipping will lead to complications if bacteria discover their way into your Maltipoo’s bloodstream. Just like humans, your Maltipoos need dental care properly. It is part of proper hygiene and responsible pet ownership. But the sad truth is that lots of pet owners do not pay much attention to their dog’s dental health. They discover it is unnecessary. Just after an emergency visit to the veterinarians, they are going to realize the value of regular brushing. Keep in mind that as your dog gets older the more, they get prone to dental issues. Although poor teeth quality is part of aging, you are able to delay further degradation with proper care. Brushing and scraping your dog’s teeth is very important.