False teeth are common in humans, but these are unusual in pets. However, more recently, there have been cases of dogs that got false teeth. There are a few vet clinics that started to offer this option and if you are looking to help your pet, you can opt for false teeth. However, this solution can cause discomfort and may not be tolerated by your pet.
Loss of Teeth in Dogs
Dogs are affected by teeth and gum problems from early ages (i.e. 3 to 5) and many times, the solution is tooth extraction. A gum disease may also cause tooth loss.
Many dogs end up having no teeth before they reach the senior years (7 to 8 years old) and this can affect the dog’s quality of life.
Firstly, the dog may not have appetite, as eating kibble food may scratch or irritate his gums. The dog may lose weight and have additional health problems.
Typically, a dog with missing teeth should get only wet food, which can be easily swallowed and doesn’t require much chewing.
The First False Teeth in Dogs
The very first fitting of false teeth in dogs has been reported in 1938 in the US.
However, false teeth in dogs are still uncommon and are not widely used. This may be due to the fact that dogs may have difficulties adapting to the false teeth and there may also be accidents that are caused by the dog swallowing the false teeth.
Dental implants would be a more practical solution for missing teeth, but there are no reported cases of such implants in canines. However, these may be an option in the future.
False Teeth for Dogs
False teeth can be fitted in dogs that have several missing teeth. However, many vets will recommend against them, as they may cause discomfort and they will be difficult to apply and remove, when need be. The false teeth will have to be cleaned on a regular basis, as otherwise, plaque deposits can gather and these may affect the pet’s gums.
If you decide to get false teeth, these will be expensive, as there are only a few vets and dental technicians that specialize in false teeth.
Your vet may recommend changing the type of food you give to your dog and will monitor his overall health closely to see if there are no health problems that are related to poor oral health.
Dental Hygiene for Dogs
Dental hygiene for dogs is essential to prevent the loss of teeth and the need for false teeth.
Even if brushing your dog’s teeth may sound as a difficult task, this should be performed at least once every 2 days. The brushing of teeth will get rid of the plaque, which gathers bacteria and can contribute to the decay of the tooth. In addition, plaque can turn into calculus, which is also known as tartar and can lead to gum disease and the loss of teeth in the long run.