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Believe it or not, your dog's breed plays a big role in how much attention their teeth need. Certain breeds are far more prone to dental problems than others. Since dental disease does not only affect the mouth, being aware of these risks can help you stay ahead of the game and safeguard your dog's general health. It may also affect your dog's liver, kidneys, and heart. Let’s explore the importance of your dog's breed and how that affects your dog’s oral health.
Small dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, and Pomeranians might be tiny, but when it comes to dental disease, they carry a heavy burden.
Here’s why:
1. Tiny Mouths, Crowded Teeth
Small breeds often have the same number of teeth as large breeds — 42 teeth packed into a tiny jaw. This leads to crowding, making it easier for food and bacteria to get trapped between teeth. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for plaque, tartar, and gum disease to take root. Even if your small dog’s teeth look fine from a distance, hidden problems could be brewing below the gum line.
2. Shallow Roots and Fragile Teeth
Small dogs tend to have shorter and thinner tooth roots compared to bigger breeds. This makes them more vulnerable to loose teeth and early tooth loss — even before they turn five (5) years old if dental care is neglected.
3. Higher Risk of Advanced Periodontal Disease
Studies show that by age three, most small dogs already have some form of periodontal disease — a condition where gum infections start to erode bone and tissue around the teeth. If left untreated, it can spread bacteria throughout the body.
4. Jaw Fractures
Severe periodontal disease weakens the jawbone. In tiny breeds, this can lead to a frightening complication and jaw fractures.
While small breeds have higher risks for dental issues, other breeds have challenges too:
1. Flat-Faced (Brachycephalic) Breeds
Breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus have short, wide skulls. Their teeth are often crooked, crowded, or misaligned, making them prone to plaque buildup and hidden infections that aren't easy to spot.
2. Large Breeds
Bigger dogs like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds may have less crowding, but they’re still at risk. Fractured teeth from chewing on hard bones, sticks, or toys are common. If not treated, broken teeth can become a gateway for infection.
3. Sighthounds
Breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets often have weaker enamel, making them more susceptible to tooth wear and decay even with relatively good oral hygiene.
Dental disease isn’t just a cosmetic issue. The bacteria living in an infected mouth can enter your dog’s bloodstream and travel to critical organs, leading to heart disease, kidney failure, and liver complications. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy isn’t just about fresh breath — it’s about extending their lifespan and quality of life.
The good news? Daily or regular home care can dramatically reduce your dog’s risk of dental problems — no matter their breed.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Use a dog-specific toothbrush, which is typically smaller and softer than human brushes, or a finger brush for easier control. Never use human toothpaste — it often contains xylitol or fluoride, which are toxic to dogs. Pick an enzymatic dog toothpaste like the Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste for Dogs & Cats that helps break down plaque.
2. Make Brushing a Positive Experience
Start slowly — let your dog sniff and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste first. Gently lift their lips and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth. You don’t need to open their mouth wide. Aim for small circular motions, focusing especially on the back molars where tartar tends to build up.
Tip: Reward your dog after each session with praise, playtime, or a small treat to make it enjoyable.
3. Aim for Daily Brushing
Ideally, brush your dog’s teeth once a day. If daily brushing isn’t possible, 3-4 times a week can still make a huge difference.
4. Supplement with Dental Chews and Toys
Choose VOHC-approved dental chews (Veterinary Oral Health Council) that have been proven to reduce plaque and tartar. The WHIMZEES® dental treats are VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved; specifically, the Toothbrush® and Brushzees® shapes have been awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for their proven ability to reduce plaque and tartar formation. Dental toys like the Kong Squeezz Dental Stick Dog Toy can also help massage gums and clean teeth without risking fractures.
5. Water Additives and Oral Sprays
Water additives and oral spray like this MicrocynAH Oral Care Spray for Dogs & Cats can help freshen breath and reduce bacteria, but they are best used as a supplement for in-between brushings.
6. Regular Mouth Checks
Lift your dog’s lips weekly to check for:
Early detection can prevent bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.
Even with the best home care, most dogs will need professional dental cleanings at some point, especially small breeds. Your veterinarian will recommend cleanings based on your dog’s age, breed, and oral health status.
Signs your dog may need professional dental care include:
Dental cleanings under anaesthesia allow vets to clean below the gum line, where serious disease hides — something no chew or toothbrush can fully reach.
No matter how big or small your dog is, oral health deserves a place in your regular care routine. But if you have a small breed or a flat-faced dog, staying ahead is even more critical. A few minutes a day brushing your dog’s teeth can mean years more by your side — with a healthier body, a happier smile, and fewer costly vet bills.
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