Dental disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures and is by far the most common health problem of dogs. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs have signs of oral disease by the time they are three years old.

Switching your dog to a fresh food diet with raw, meaty bones is the first step in establishing good oral health in your dog. Raw dog foods contain enzymes that help protect animals' teeth and gums. These enzymes prevent tooth decay or other oral diseases, especially without sugars and starches.

Dental disease starts with a buildup of plaque. Plaque eventually turns to calculus and quickly forms small pockets where an animal's gums meet its teeth. The gums can separate from the tooth, allowing more bacteria and food to accumulate. Once the gums have started to move away, the bone surrounding the teeth can recede. Periodontal disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe health problems, including heart, lung, and kidney disease, if left untreated.

Many dogs are excellent at hiding clinical signs, so prevention is the key to managing the dental disease. Bad breath or halatosis is usually the first sign to be noticed by dog parents. Other clinical signs include lethargy, inactivity or depression, poor grooming habits, excessive salivation, gingivitis (red, swollen, or bleeding gums), plaque accumulation on the teeth, dropping food while eating, facial swelling, loose teeth, and teeth that fall out.

The key to managing dental disease in dogs is prevention. The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) dental care guidelines recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings for all adult dogs under general anesthesia. AAHA recommends these procedures at least annually, starting at one year of age for small-breed dogs and at two years of age for large-breed dogs. 

The most effective proactive prevention of dental disease is feeding a species-appropriate diet that includes raw meaty bones, and providing all-natural chews that require your dog to use all teeth surfaces may reduce the need for professional dental cleanings.

Several natural remedies can support and enhance the oral health of dogs, promoting cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and overall better dental hygiene. Prevention methods include tooth brushing with natural toothpaste formulated for dogs, edible treats or powders that contain Ascophyllum nodosum, a type of brown algae, and herbal mouthwash that contain extracts such as Myrtus communis (Mort plant), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea).

The oral microbiome in dogs refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that reside in the mouth, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. This complex ecosystem is crucial in maintaining oral health and overall well-being. The composition of the canine oral microbiome includes various species of bacteria, both beneficial and potentially harmful, such as Porphyromonas, Actinomyces, Streptococcus, and Neisseria. Maintaining a balance between these microorganisms is essential for oral health.

The oral microbiome serves several essential functions. Beneficial bacteria help form a protective barrier against pathogenic microbes that can cause infections and dental diseases. The microbiome also interacts with the dog's immune system, helping to modulate immune responses and prevent excessive inflammation. Additionally, some microorganisms produce enzymes that aid in the initial breakdown of food, facilitating digestion.

An imbalance in the oral microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to dental issues such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and bad breath. Oral health is closely linked to overall health; pathogens from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, potentially leading to conditions such as endocarditis, kidney disease, and respiratory infections.

Feeding a Species-Appropriate Diet for Optimal Oral Health

Several fresh food diet options provide your dog with species-appropriate nutrition, including Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), the Real Ancestral (6X) Diet™  (Real Ancestral Diet™), the Prey Diet Raw Model, and commercially prepared pre-mixed raw food. Although all three models provide a species-appropriate diet, the Real Ancestral Diet™ includes small fatty fish to provide omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. 

Raw Meaty Bones Positively Impact Canine Oral Health

Raw meaty bones can have significant benefits for your dog's oral health. One of the primary advantages is their ability to remove dental calculus or tartar from teeth mechanically. When dogs chew on raw bones, the natural abrasive action helps to scrape away plaque and tartar, which can reduce the risk of periodontal disease. A study on Beagle dogs found that chewing raw bones was highly effective in reducing dental calculus and gingival inflammation, significantly improving oral hygiene within a few days.

Additionally, chewing stimulates saliva production, which has natural antibacterial properties. Increased saliva flow can help wash away food particles and bacteria, improving oral health. Chewing also massages the gums, promoting healthy blood flow and reducing the risk of gum disease.

Raw bones can also provide essential nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, necessary for maintaining strong teeth and bones. These nutrients support the overall health of a dog's mouth and jaw.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Canine Oral Health

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those from seafood like small fatty fish or shellfish, offer several benefits for improving oral health in dogs. These benefits primarily stem from their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for reducing inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for dogs with periodontal disease, a common condition characterized by inflammation of the teeth surrounding the teeth. By decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce gum inflammation and support overall gum health. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can lower inflammatory markers in gingival tissues, thus helping to manage gingivitis and periodontitis effectively.

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids exhibit antibacterial activity against various oral pathogens, including those responsible for plaque formation and oral infections. For instance, EPA and DHA have been found to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which play a significant role in developing dental plaque and cavities. This antibacterial action helps maintain a healthier oral environment and prevent dental diseases.

Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to bone health by promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption. This can be particularly beneficial in conditions like apical periodontitis, where bone loss around the teeth occurs. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to support bone health and aid in the healing process, which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the jaw and teeth.

Regular supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can improve overall oral health by enhancing the immune response, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting the natural healing processes in the mouth. This comprehensive approach helps maintain clean, healthy teeth and gums, reducing canine dental problems.

Liver and Other Secreting Organs Positively Impact Canine Oral Health

Feeding liver and other secreting organs to dogs can positively impact their oral health by providing essential vitamins and minerals, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enhanced immune function, and nutrients that support bone health and detoxification. These benefits collectively contribute to healthier gums, stronger teeth, and overall better oral hygiene in dogs.

Liver is exceptionally high in essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12), and minerals like iron and zinc. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Vitamin A supports the health of mucous membranes in the mouth, while B vitamins and iron contribute to overall oral tissue health and healing.

Organs are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Protein is vital for repairing and maintaining tissues, including those in the mouth. Adequate protein intake supports the regeneration of oral tissues and helps prevent gum diseases.

Liver, particularly from grass-fed animals, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the gums, preventing and managing periodontal diseases.

Liver is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the oral cavity. This can protect against gum disease and other inflammatory conditions of the mouth.

The spleen is a rich source of immune-boosting nutrients such as iron, copper, and various peptides that support immune function. A robust immune system helps the body fight oral infections and maintain oral health.

Both liver and spleen contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones. These minerals are crucial for preventing tooth decay and ensuring the structural integrity of the teeth.

Organ meats like liver support the body's natural detoxification processes. A well-functioning detox system can help reduce the accumulation of toxins that might otherwise contribute to inflammation and oral health issues.

Fiber Positively Impacts Canine Oral Health

Dietary fiber contributes significantly to oral health by promoting mechanical teeth cleaning. When dogs chew on high-fiber foods, the abrasive texture helps to scrub away plaque and food particles from the teeth, reducing the buildup of dental plaque and preventing tartar formation. This mechanical action is similar to brushing, which helps maintain cleaner teeth and healthier gums. Additionally, fiber aids digestion and supports overall gut health, indirectly benefiting oral health by reducing systemic inflammation that can affect the gums.

A study on the impact of dietary fiber on dental health showed that increased fiber intake could influence the microbial community in the oral cavity, promoting a healthier balance of bacteria and reducing the presence of harmful pathogens. This shift in microbiota helps in preventing periodontal disease and other oral infections.

Other Nutrients That Have the Biggest Impact on Canine Oral Health

Nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamins C and D, zinc, and antioxidants significantly maintain canine oral health. They contribute to reducing inflammation, supporting the structural integrity of teeth and bones, and protecting against oral infections. Ensuring a dog's diet is rich in these essential nutrients can help promote healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.

Calcium and phosphorus are essential for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Adequate levels of these minerals prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and loss. They help keep the structural integrity of the teeth and the jawbone, which is critical for overall oral health.

Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, ensuring that these minerals are available for forming and maintaining healthy teeth and bones. It also has a role in modulating the immune response, which can help protect against oral infections.

Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, an essential component of the gums and other connective tissues in the mouth. It has antioxidant properties that help protect the gums from oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting overall periodontal health.

Zinc is essential for wound healing and maintaining the integrity of the mucosal membranes in the mouth. It also has antibacterial properties that can help reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, preventing infections and promoting better oral health.

Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the gums. This can help prevent and manage periodontal disease and maintain oral health.

Several nutrients play a critical role in maintaining and improving the oral health of dogs. These nutrients help reduce plaque buildup, prevent periodontal disease, and support dental hygiene.

The most proactive procedure that you can do to prevent dental disease in your dog is to feed a species-appropriate diet.

Raw meaty bones can significantly improve canine oral health by mechanically removing plaque and tartar, stimulating saliva production, and providing essential nutrients. 

Omega-3 fatty acids improve canine oral health through their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and bone-supporting properties.

The impact of home-prepared diets and home oral hygiene on oral health in cats and dogs  

Oral health benefits of a daily dental chew in dogs  

Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs  

The use of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of oral diseases  

Effect of Dietary Fiber on the Composition of the Murine Dental Microbiome 

A novel bioactivity of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their ester derivatives  

The <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/what-is-the-oral-microbiome-in-dogs">oral microbiome</a> in dogs refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that reside in the mouth, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. This complex ecosystem is crucial in maintaining oral health and overall well-being. The composition of the canine oral microbiome includes various species of bacteria, both beneficial and potentially harmful, such as Porphyromonas, Actinomyces, Streptococcus, and Neisseria. Maintaining a balance between these microorganisms is essential for oral health.

Several fresh food diet options provide your dog with species-appropriate nutrition, including Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), the <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/introduction-to-real-ancestral-6x-diet">Real Ancestral (6X) Diet™</a>  (Real Ancestral Diet™), the Prey Diet Raw Model, and commercially prepared pre-mixed raw food. Although all three models provide a species-appropriate diet, the Real Ancestral Diet™ includes small fatty fish to provide omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. 

<a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/raw-meaty-bones-safety-and-how-to-add">Raw meaty bones</a> can have significant benefits for your dog's oral health. One of the primary advantages is their ability to remove dental calculus or tartar from teeth mechanically. When dogs chew on raw bones, the natural abrasive action helps to scrape away plaque and tartar, which can reduce the risk of periodontal disease. A study on Beagle dogs found that chewing raw bones was highly effective in reducing dental calculus and gingival inflammation, significantly improving oral hygiene within a few days.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those from <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/dive-into-seafood-for-your-pup">seafood</a> like small fatty fish or shellfish, offer several benefits for improving oral health in dogs. These benefits primarily stem from their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The Impact of Diet on Canine Dental Health

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