Just as you take good care of your teeth, it is essential that you take good care of your Australian Shepherd’s teeth. The importance of high-quality dental hygiene cannot be overstated. If left unattended, your Aussie can develop periodontal disease, a progressive disease that can, in advanced cases, lead to decayed gums, infection, and liver, kidney, and heart damage.

It is estimated that 80 percent of dogs over the age of 3 years have some stage of periodontal disease. And, like humans, dogs experience painful toothaches, although some dogs – especially Australian Shepherds who tend to be very stoic – may not physically exhibit signs of pain, or the signs may be subtle and overlooked by some owners.

Plaque And Tartar

Dental problems in dogs begin the same way they do in humans – with plaque. Plaque is a mixture of salivary glycoproteins – a colorless, translucent adhesive fluid – and it is the major culprit in periodontal disease. Plaque begins with an accumulation of food particles and bacteria along the gum line. Germs present in plaque attack the gums, bone, and ligaments that support the teeth. Routine home care can help to remove this plaque.

However, when left untreated, minerals and saliva combine with the plaque and harden into a substance called tartar or calculus. As tartar accumulates, it starts irritating your dog’s gums, causing an inflamed condition called gingivitis, which is easily identified by the yellowish-brown crust on the teeth and the reddening of gums next to the teeth.

In the early stages, periodontal disease, which results from the buildup of plaque and tartar around and under the gum line, is generally reversible provided your Aussie receives veterinary attention along with sufficient and regular brushings at home. Otherwise, the process continues to erode the tissues and bones that support the teeth, which can lead to pain and tooth loss. As bad as that sounds, it can get worse.

If the tartar is not removed, the cycle continues to repeat itself, encouraging even more bacterial growth. The tartar builds up under the gums and causes the gums to separate from the teeth; this causes even larger pockets in which more debris can collect. At this stage, it’s likely your Australian Shepherd’s teeth have quite an accumulation of highly visible crusty yellowish-brown tartar.

Brushing your Australian Shepherd’s teeth on a regular basis will remove plaque but not tartar. If your Aussie already has a tartar buildup, he needs to see a veterinarian to have it removed and his teeth inspected, cleaned, and polished.

In most advanced stages, damage from periodontal disease is considered irreversible because bacterial infection has been busy destroying your dog’s gums, teeth, and bones. Treatment, which can include difficult and extensive surgeries, will not reverse the damage, but it will help to prevent further progression, additional pain and discomfort to your Aussie, and guard against bacteria entering the bloodstream to cause secondary infections that can damage your dog’s heart, liver, and kidneys.

Annual Exams

In addition to home care, a good dental hygiene program includes an annual veterinary examination. A veterinarian will check for potential problems, such as plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and fractured or abscessed teeth. If necessary, a veterinarian may recommend professional dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis or prophy.

While anesthetized, a dog’s mouth is flushed with a solution to kill bacteria; the teeth are cleaned to remove any tartar, polished, inspected, and flushed again with an antibacterial solution; and fluoride is applied. In most cases, x-rays will also be taken. Fractured teeth may require reconstructive surgery not unlike people receive, such as root canals and crowns.

The best way, to prevent periodontal disease is to keep your Australian Shepherd’s teeth clean. The process is relatively simple and requires nothing more than a small number of fairly inexpensive supplies and a few minutes of your time.