The mouth, also referred to as the oral cavity is a very important tool in the digestive system of dogs. When a dog chews its food, it is broken down into smaller pieces where enzymes in the stomach and small intestines can digest it. This is why teeth are a crucial element in a dogs digestive process. A dogs front teeth and tongue allow him/her to pick up food while the back teeth function to grind the food into smaller particles.
In total, a dog has 42 teeth. They are comprised of the incisors and canines which are located in the front, and the premolars and molars which are located in the back. Each of these teeth have a part that is visible above the gum line called the crown as well as a part below the gum line called the root. Enamel covers the crown which is the hardest substance in the body. The dentin is below the enamel as well as the pulp which makes up most of the tooths blood vessels and nerves.
The gingiva is the tissue that surrounds the tooth at the gum line and is tightly attached to the jawbone just underneath. The root of a dogs tooth is attached to the jawbone as well. Sometimes, a tooth can have one root or several.
What are Plaque, Tartar, and Gingivitis?
When a dog eats, food, saliva and bacteria will stick to its teeth. This is normal. This combination of food, saliva and bacteria is called plaque. Plaque is easily removed from teeth by brushing. If the plaque is not removed, it accumulates and causes irritation of the gums. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins which make the irritation worse. This inflammation causes breakdown in the gum and tissue surrounding the teeth. Inflammation of the gum around the teeth is called gingivitis.
If plaque is allowed to sit on the teeth for a lengthy period of time, it becomes hardened and referred to as tartar or calculus. Tartar allows for more bacteria and debris to accumulate causing the inflammation to increase. Once this occurs, the gum line begins to recede and the bacteria begins to attack the jawbone. Once there, the tooth will become loose and eventually fall out. Contrary to popular belief, tartar can be seen above the gum line, but can also occur below.
In total, a dog has 42 teeth. They are comprised of the incisors and canines which are located in the front, and the premolars and molars which are located in the back. Each of these teeth have a part that is visible above the gum line called the crown as well as a part below the gum line called the root. Enamel covers the crown which is the hardest substance in the body. The dentin is below the enamel as well as the pulp which makes up most of the tooths blood vessels and nerves.
The gingiva is the tissue that surrounds the tooth at the gum line and is tightly attached to the jawbone just underneath. The root of a dogs tooth is attached to the jawbone as well. Sometimes, a tooth can have one root or several.
What are Plaque, Tartar, and Gingivitis?
When a dog eats, food, saliva and bacteria will stick to its teeth. This is normal. This combination of food, saliva and bacteria is called plaque. Plaque is easily removed from teeth by brushing. If the plaque is not removed, it accumulates and causes irritation of the gums. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins which make the irritation worse. This inflammation causes breakdown in the gum and tissue surrounding the teeth. Inflammation of the gum around the teeth is called gingivitis.
If plaque is allowed to sit on the teeth for a lengthy period of time, it becomes hardened and referred to as tartar or calculus. Tartar allows for more bacteria and debris to accumulate causing the inflammation to increase. Once this occurs, the gum line begins to recede and the bacteria begins to attack the jawbone. Once there, the tooth will become loose and eventually fall out. Contrary to popular belief, tartar can be seen above the gum line, but can also occur below.
About the Author:
An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox started a class on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Dog Ringworm Symptoms and Dog Demodectic Mange Treatment with everyone online.
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