Plaque & tartar: If you’ve seen inside your pet’s mouth, you may have seen what appears to be brown staining on their teeth. This is, in fact, likely to be a build-up of plaque & tartar. By removing plaque, you can prevent gum disease which leads to gingivitis in pets.

Bad breath: This is probably the most well-known dental issue. Many of us have been on the receiving end of our pet’s smelly breath (dog breath). Sometimes this is caused by little ‘treats’ they’ve decided to chew during walkies but chronic bad breath can be a sign of other issues which need investigating, such as gingivitis, which is caused by gum disease.

Breed: Some pets are more prone to canine dental issues than others due to their breed. This is often due to the shape of their face, such as sighthounds or flat-faced breeds. For example, teeth overcrowding can lead to a build-up of food which can lead to gum disease.

Mouth injuries: These are caused by foreign bodies, like a stone, which could crack teeth or sticks which could cut the inside of the mouth. If left untreated, this can lead to infection. Perhaps bringing your dog’s own toys such as tennis balls on walks may help deter them from picking up things which may cause them harm and prevent any dental issues.