chihuahua with strong and healthy teeth – model: bella the famous chihuahua
when gum disease starts, it’s usually goes unnoticed because there are no outward signs and symptoms. however, once it begins to accelerate in growth, it can damage your chihuahua’s mouth resulting in eroded gums, teeth falling out, bone loss, internal pain, suffering and even death.
the good news is that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be prevented.
why do chihuahuas get gum disease
after your chihuahua eats, bacteria mixed with saliva and food begins to create an unpleasant film over the teeth called plaque that’s recognized as foreign matter to the immune system. this foreign matter triggers the immune system to react and it begins to assemble white blood cells to attack the foreign matter.
enzymes then released by the white blood cells fight to break down gum tissue resulting in inflamed gums, damaged tissue and bone loss. in chihuahuas, it eventually leads to tooth loss if proper dental care is neglected.
because chihuahuas have a more alkaline environment in their mouths that propels plaque formation than humans do, they are five times more likely to get periodontal disease.
brushing the hidden back molars of your chihuahua’s teeth should not be overlooked
plaque-forming bacteria also multiplies if your chihuahua’s teeth are not brushed every day, which also includes lifting their lips and thoroughly cleaning their hidden and hard to get at back molars.
the dangers of gum disease in chihuahuas
if plaque and mineral deposits (dental calculus) on your chihuahua’s teeth is not cleaned with regular brushing and routine veterinary dental care, it will result in halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis (painful inflammation of the gums), tooth loss and full on periodontal disease.
