Plaque and tartar are common dental issues in our pets. How do they form? What are the consequences of plaque and tartar buildup? Are certain breeds more prone to these problems?
Dental plaque is a thin, invisible, sticky film made up of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. It constantly forms on teeth. It’s important to limit its buildup by brushing your pet’s teeth daily. If left unchecked, it can harden into tartar and lead to gingivitis—gum inflammation.
Tartar is the mineralized form of dental plaque. It forms when plaque isn’t removed and mixes with the minerals in saliva. Tartar has a hard, rough texture and can appear yellow to brown in color. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires a scaling treatment to eliminate it.
One of the first signs of plaque buildup is bad breath, or halitosis. Dental plaque and tartar can also irritate the gums and cause inflammation (gingivitis). Over time, plaque or tartar buildup can lead to more serious issues such as gum infections, dental abscesses, gum recession and tooth loss, and in the most severe cases, jaw fractures.
Some dog breeds are more prone to tartar buildup than others, often due to genetic, anatomical, and behavioral factors. Small dogs appear to be more affected by tartar, and there are several explanations for this:
- Denser Dentition: Teeth are proportionally larger in small breeds, leaving less space between them. This promotes food debris retention, plaque buildup, and eventually tartar formation.
- More Frequent Oral Abnormalities: Some small dogs may have dental malocclusions, where teeth don’t align properly. This can create gaps that encourage plaque accumulation.
- Softer Food: Small breeds are often fed softer foods, which can lead to faster plaque buildup compared to harder kibble.
- Reduced Chewing: Small dogs may chew less than larger breeds. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps clean teeth. Insufficient chewing can contribute to tartar formation—so consider offering your dog appropriately sized kibble!
