Bad breath in your Maltese can be more than just a stinky problem. Poor oral hygiene may lead to gum disease, tooth decay, or even serious health issues. This guide will show you simple steps to keep their pearly whites healthy and strong.
Healthy teeth mean a happy pup—read on!
Key Takeaways
- Over 80% of dogs, including Maltese, get gum disease by age three if teeth aren’t brushed often. Regular brushing prevents plaque and tartar build-up.
- Use dog-friendly toothpaste like chicken-flavored options. Avoid human toothpaste—it contains harmful chemicals for dogs.
- Dental alternatives like chews, sprays, and powders can clean teeth without brushing. Examples include Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews or Spray Me: Doggy Dental Spray.
- Maltese need yearly professional dental check-ups to remove deep tartar and catch hidden problems like gum disease or tooth decay.
- Healthy diets with crunchy food and chew toys help prevent cavities while promoting strong gums in small breeds like Maltese dogs.
Why Dental Care Is Crucial for Your Maltese
Dental health directly impacts a Maltese’s total well-being. Poor dental care can lead to plaque build-up, which hardens into tartar in just three days. This tartar moves beneath the gum line, causing gum disease and tooth decay over time.
Over 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by age three if their teeth aren’t brushed regularly. In this breed, gum issues increase the risk of tooth loss and allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Untreated dental problems can affect organs like the heart or kidneys, leading to severe complications such as heart disease in dogs or systemic infections. Gum pain may influence eating habits too, causing digestive disorders or weight loss.
Regular dog teeth cleaning protects your Maltese’s smile while shielding them from hidden dangers inside their tiny bodies.
How to Brush Your Maltese’s Teeth
Brushing your Maltese’s teeth can feel tricky at first, but it gets easier with practice. Start slow, be gentle, and keep the experience calm to avoid stressing your pup.
Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste
Pick a toothbrush made for dogs. A three-sided brush, like the one in the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Kit, works great for small mouths like a Maltese’s. Fingertip brushes are also helpful if your dog finds regular toothbrushes uncomfortable.
Use canine toothpaste to clean their teeth. Human toothpaste has fluoride and other harmful chemicals that can upset your dog’s stomach or worse. Dog-friendly options often taste like chicken or peanut butter, making brushing easier.
Start slow and let them sniff the paste first to build trust before you begin teeth cleaning sessions.
Gradually introduce brushing
Start by gently touching your Maltese’s teeth and gums with a finger. Let them get used to this feeling first. Do it slowly, keeping the sessions short and calm. Praise them for staying still.
After they’re comfortable, place a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger and let them taste it.
Switch to using a soft dog toothbrush once they accept the paste. Brush lightly along their gumline without forcing it. You may only brush one or two teeth at first—build up gradually over time until you cover all areas of their mouth.
Patience is key here!
Use proper brushing techniques
Move the toothbrush gently in small circles along your Maltese dog’s gum line. Use a soft-bristled dog toothbrush for this step to avoid hurting their gums. Brush for 3 to 5 minutes daily, focusing on areas with plaque build-up or tartar.
A three-sided toothbrush can help cover more of each tooth quickly.
Avoid scrubbing too hard; it can harm their soft tissue or cause bleeding. Canine toothpaste is essential—human toothpaste can upset their stomachs. Start slow and work up to cleaning all sides of the teeth as they adjust.
Consistency helps prevent calculus and supports better oral health over time!
Alternatives to Brushing
Brushing isn’t the only way to keep your Maltese’s teeth clean—other options can make dental care easier!
Dental chews
Dental chews help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. They are a simple way to support your Maltese dog’s dental health. For example, Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Dental Chews are plant-based and approved by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council).
These chews clean teeth while your dog enjoys chewing on them.
Daily use of dental treats can improve oral cleaning. They also freshen breath and promote healthy gums in the Maltese breed. Be sure to choose high-quality options made for dogs, like canine dental care products designed to stop tartar build-up.
Dental sprays
Sprays like Spray Me: Doggy Dental Spray can work wonders for resistant pups. They help reduce plaque and tartar build-up without brushing. These sprays are simple to use—just spritz onto your dog’s teeth and gums.
The active ingredients fight bacteria, freshen breath, and promote gum health.
This option is great for Maltese dogs who won’t tolerate tooth brushing. Pair spray use with other dental care methods for the best results.
Dental powders
Unlike sprays, dental powders offer a simple way to care for your Maltese dog’s teeth. These powders are packed with probiotics. They fight off plaque-causing bacteria while promoting healthy bacteria in the mouth.
Sprinkle the powder on your dog’s food daily for best results. No brushing means less hassle during grooming time.
Dental powders act as an excellent alternative to canine toothbrushes and toothpaste. They help with tartar removal and prevent gum disease like canine periodontal disease. Using them regularly can improve your pet’s oral health without stressing their gums or teeth brushing routines.
Regular Professional Cleanings
Veterinarian dental check-ups keep your Maltese’s mouth healthy and pain-free. Professional cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar that brushing can miss.
Importance of veterinarian dental exams
Professional dental exams catch issues you can’t spot at home. Plaque or tartar build-up under the gum line may go unnoticed until it causes pain or infection. These cleanings include x-rays, which reveal hidden problems like cavities or tooth abscesses.
A full cleaning requires sedation to keep your Maltese calm and safe during the process. It may cost $50 for basic care, while advanced treatments like root canal treatment can exceed $1,000.
Regular exams help prevent serious conditions like gum diseases or even heart disease in dogs tied to poor oral health.
Frequency of professional cleanings
Most Maltese dogs need professional teeth cleanings once a year. Some may require less frequent cleanings if you stay on top of at-home care, like brushing teeth or using dental chews.
Dogs with severe tartar build-up or signs of gum disease might need more frequent visits to the vet.
Your veterinarian will check for cavities, plaque removal needs, and hidden issues like periodontal disease during these cleanings. Regular exams help avoid painful problems such as tooth decay or infections that can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease in dogs.
Common Dental Issues in Maltese
Maltese dogs often face small but pesky dental problems. These can sneak up fast, causing big discomfort if ignored.
Retained puppy teeth
Puppies usually lose their milk teeth between 3.5 and 4.5 months. Sometimes, the baby teeth don’t fall out as they should. This is called retained puppy teeth. It can cause crowding, discomfort, or lead to plaque build-up and tartar formation.
If left untreated, it might result in canine periodontal disease or even tooth decay. A vet may recommend tooth extraction for these stubborn baby teeth during a dental check-up. Regular dog dental care helps spot issues like this early on, preventing more serious problems later.
Gum disease
Retained puppy teeth can lead to overcrowding and gum problems. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious issue in the Maltese breed. It starts with gingivitis—red, swollen gums—and worsens into periodontitis, causing tissue loss around the teeth.
Signs include bad breath, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. By age 3, 80% of dogs already show symptoms.
If untreated, it allows tartar build-up and infection to spread under the gumline. This can cause pain or tooth loss. Severe cases may even harm your dog’s heart health or immune system.
Regular brushing using canine toothpaste prevents plaque removal buildup that leads to this condition. Professional dental cleanings are vital for maintaining long-term oral health for your pet!
Tooth decay
Tooth decay in Maltese dogs often leads to infections or abscesses. If untreated, bacteria can spread and harm vital organs like the heart or kidneys. Cavities form when plaque builds up and damages the enamel, exposing sensitive layers underneath.
Tartar build-up worsens this issue by creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
Cracked teeth are another concern. Dental fractures expose the tooth pulp, causing pain and infection if not treated promptly. Tooth extraction may be necessary in severe cases to prevent further complications like necrosis or systemic issues.
Regular dog dental care helps avoid these painful conditions altogether!
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums
A healthy mouth keeps your Maltese happy and playful. Small changes daily make a big impact on their dental health.
Monitor your Maltese’s diet
Food plays a key role in your Maltese’s dental health. Crunchy dog biscuits can help remove tartar. Avoid rawhide, as it may choke small dogs like the Maltese breed. Dental chews are another great choice; they clean teeth while keeping your pup entertained.
Be cautious with sugary treats, which lead to plaque build-up and tooth decay. Soft foods may stick to teeth, increasing the risk of cavities or gum disease. Stick with high-quality dog food that promotes oral care and good health.
Provide chew toys for dental health
Chew toys help clean teeth and strengthen gums. They scrape off plaque and reduce tartar build-up while keeping your dog entertained. Dental chews also massage the gums and improve blood flow in their mouths.
Choose durable toys made for small breeds like Maltese dogs. Rubber or nylon options are excellent since they last longer and resist damage. Avoid hard bones that can crack teeth, causing dental treatment or tooth extraction needs later.
Rotate chew toys often to maintain your pet’s interest and encourage frequent use.
Stay consistent with dental care routines
Create a routine for brushing your Maltese dog’s teeth. Aim to brush daily, or at least several times weekly. Use a canine toothbrush and dog toothpaste for best results. Brushing removes plaque before it turns into tartar build-up.
It takes only a few minutes but makes a huge difference.
Stick to the schedule like clockwork. Consistency reduces periodontal disease risk, keeping gum health in check. Professional cleaning only covers about one-third of what home care does—daily routines matter more! Next, explore professional cleanings for deeper dental care needs.
Conclusion
Caring for your Maltese’s teeth isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s about their health and happiness. Regular brushing, dental toys, and vet visits can save them pain down the road.
Small steps today prevent big problems tomorrow. Your little pup deserves a bright smile and healthy gums for years to come!
FAQs
1. How often should I brush my Maltese’s teeth?
You should brush your Maltese’s teeth daily to prevent tartar build-up and plaque removal. Regular tooth-brushing is key for good dog dental care.
2. What kind of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Use a soft-bristled dog toothbrush and canine toothpaste made for pets. Avoid human toothpaste, as it can harm your Maltese’s health.
3. Can poor dental health cause other problems in my Maltese?
Yes, poor canine dental care can lead to periodontal disease, heart disease in dogs, or even intestinal issues like inflammatory bowel disease.
4. How do I know if my Maltese needs professional veterinary dental care?
Watch for signs like bad breath, swollen gums, or tartar build-up on their teeth. Severe cases may require anesthetic treatments or tooth extraction by a vet.
5. Are there any risks with not cleaning my dog’s teeth regularly?
Without proper dog grooming and regular brushing, your Maltese could develop cavities, caries, or even canine periodontal disease that might need advanced treatments like endodontic procedures.
6. Can food help maintain my Maltese’s dental health?
Yes! Certain diets can reduce plaque and support healthy gums while addressing food sensitivities common in the Maltese breed. Always ask your vet about the best options for your pet’s needs!