Dental health gets forgotten in the swirl of more obvious skin and coat problems — but bad breath, plaque and gum disease are among the most common medical complaints in dogs. Here’s how to spot trouble early and a practical product that helps.
Why it matters
We’re aware we need to see a dentist regularly — and yet our pets’ teeth often get less consideration than our own. Tooth and gum disease is one of the most common medical problems in modern dogs, and dental treatment is one of the most common procedures carried out in veterinary surgeries. It often involves removal of plaque and tartar, sometimes under general anaesthetic.
A healthy mouth is often a sign of good overall health, and vice versa. Bad breath, sore gums and fragile teeth can be the visible end of a deeper problem.
Signs of tooth and gum disease
Watch for:
- Bad breath that lingers
- Excessive drooling
- Loose teeth
- Yellow or brown stains, especially around the gum line
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Lack of appetite from sore or loose teeth
- A change in mood or demeanour if the pain is acute
“Dog breath” is so accepted as a phrase that we forget many dogs suffer genuine bad breath as a symptom — sometimes of a serious oral problem. Get your dog checked by a vet first. If nothing serious turns up, you can move on to a home remedy.
What plaque actually is
Plaque is the invisible, soft deposit of bacteria and food particles that builds up on the teeth and gums. Left alone, plaque hardens, turning yellow then eventually brown — at which point it’s known as tartar. The bacteria associated with plaque inflame the gums, eventually damaging the tissue that holds the tooth sockets in the jaw. And tartar provides an ideal surface for more plaque to form. The cycle continues.
Can it be prevented?
To a large degree, yes. Diet matters: dogs fed mainly on soft foods build up more plaque and tartar than those given hard, crunchy foods or bones. The most natural way for a dog to maintain a healthy mouth is by chewing on raw bones, ideally under supervision. The chewing action cleans the teeth and massages the gums simultaneously. Raw bones are safer than cooked ones — cooked bones are more likely to splinter.
Brushing helps too, in theory — but as anyone who has tried knows, this is easier said than done with most dogs.
A practical alternative: Plaque-Away
For dogs who refuse the toothbrush, Plaque Away from Ace Canine is a useful alternative. It’s a specially selected dried seaweed granule harvested from the cold, clean North Atlantic. Sprinkled over or mixed into the food once a day, it helps protect against plaque buildup, the resulting tartar, and gum disease — and prevents the bad breath that comes with them.
The active ingredient, a sulphonated fructose, is digested and dispersed through the bloodstream into the salivary glands. From there it’s present in the saliva 24 hours a day, with antibacterial properties that reduce plaque formation. Brown tartar deposits visibly reduce after 4–8 weeks.
Dosage
A tiny measuring scoop is included. The exact amount isn’t critical:
- Small dogs (up to 10 kg) — half a scoop daily
- Medium dogs (10–25 kg) — one scoop daily
- Large dogs (over 25 kg) — two scoops daily
The 70 g pot contains 150 scoopfuls; the 400 g pot 1,000.
A note on safety
The seaweed species used are Fucus Vesiculosus and Laminaria Digitata. Seaweed is a renowned natural food — rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and especially natural iodine. The amount ingested in each scoop is tiny. If your dog is being treated for a thyroid condition, check with your vet before starting.
For specific guidance on your dog’s dental routine email info@dermagic.eu or call 01624 829575.