Maltese dogs are vulnerable to a variety of dental issues, like delayed weaning, lost teeth, plaque, tartar, and gum and teeth infection.
But, proper maintenance of your pet’s oral health on a daily basis will help you avoid most of these problems.
What Are The Worst Maltese Dog Teeth Problems?
- Late Weaning
- Retained Teeth
- Tooth Infection
- Tooth Decay
1. Late Weaning
Large breed puppies grow their first milk teeth when they turn 4 weeks and have already started weaning by this stage.
The Maltese dogs are a long way behind.
These canines usually do not appear until around 5 weeks after birth, while molars and incisors emerge around 6-7 weeks.
As a result, Maltese pups are typically not weaned until they are around 6 weeks old, and they do not start to eat regularly until they are 9-10 weeks old.
It is among the reasons why a small breed dog should never be adopted or bought before they turn 12 weeks old.
2. Retained Teeth
Maltese canines have problems not just with late tooth growth but even with tooth loss.
Around 3 months, many canine breeds begin to lose their initial set of dentures.
Maltese, on the other side, lose its initial set of dentures and develop permanent teeth slowly.
The mature teeth do not appear until the Maltese are 5 to 6 months of age.
The phase of permanent teeth erupting could be incredibly unpleasant, and it may have an impact on the canine’s dietary habits.
A Maltese canine may require specific care throughout the teething phase in order to be relaxed.
The initial set of milk teeth in Maltese puppies may not have entirely fallen out when the second set of permanent teeth emerges.
It is referred to as “retained teeth.”
It causes congestion in the canine’s jaw, which can be unpleasant and annoying.
Overcrowding elevates the likelihood of inflammation and may result in the canine’s mature teeth being dislocated. [3] [4]
3. Tooth Infection
Since Maltese canines’ jaws are tiny and compressed, the majority of food fragments get trapped between their fangs.
Plaque build-up is among the most serious problems that Maltese canines confront.
The plaque will pile up like a coating on the teeth surface, much as it does in people every day your pet consumes something.
Plaque is also a frequent problem that may be effectively solved with proper dental care.
Plaque, if ignored, may allow the foundation of tartar.
Getting rid of tartar might be a little more difficult.
Plaque and tartar, when combined, may be highly damaging to a Maltese canine’s dental hygiene.
Plaque, as well as tartar, can easily erode away the enamel which is the outer hard coating of a tooth.
The deposition accumulates in the creases of the canine’s gums.
Plaque and tartar development may contribute to a dental abscess over time.
This illness isn’t just confined to the dentition.
Underneath the gum line, the tooth inflammation can become contagious and travel to their jaw joint.
If not diagnosed early, tooth inflammation can cause major health problems in major organs such as the kidney, heart, liver, and lungs. [5]
Once tartar develops to the point that it infects their gums, gingivitis develops, which is a very uncomfortable disease.
Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums expand and get infected to the degree where dentures are lost.
Tartar accumulation could also contribute to periodontal disorders, which affect the jawbone.
Dental inflammation can cause bone and connective tissue deterioration around the canine’s jaw. [6]
Plaque, as well as tartar, can easily erode away the enamel which is the outer hard coating of a tooth.
The deposition accumulates in the creases of the canine’s gums.
Plaque and tartar development may contribute to a dental abscess over time.
This illness isn’t just confined to the dentition.
Underneath the gum line, the tooth inflammation can become contagious and travel to their jaw joint.
If not diagnosed early, tooth inflammation can cause major health problems in major organs such as the kidney, heart, liver, and lungs. [7]
Once tartar develops to the point that it infects their gums, gingivitis develops, which is a very uncomfortable disease.
Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums expand and get infected to the degree where dentures are lost.
Tartar accumulation could also contribute to periodontal disorders, which affect the jawbone.
Dental inflammation can cause bone and connective tissue deterioration around the canine’s jaw. [8]
Did you Know?
Anesthesia is dangerous for Maltese having dental and heart problems. [9]
4. Tooth Decay
Maltese canines have tiny teeth that must be brushed on a regular basis starting at an early age.
If the canine’s teeth are not properly cleaned, bits of food may become trapped for an incredibly long time.
It promotes the growth of germs in the mouth, which eventually results in cavities in the tooth enamel.
Dental decay could occur when a cavity is not addressed promptly.
Brown patches and cavities are common signs of a decaying tooth.
When decay progresses, the gums behind the dentition will turn dark and mushy, and the teeth are likely to become damaged.
Dental caries is irreversible, so if the deterioration progresses too deep, the teeth will have to be removed. [10] [11] [12]
3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Maltese’s Teeth Clean
- Brush Those Teeth
- Utilize Dental Chews
- Feed Quality Food
1. Brush Those Teeth
The most suitable approach to avoid dental illness and tooth caries is to clean your teeth.
Sadly, it is not always simple.
Do not get disappointed if things do not go according to arrangement the first time; sometimes canines and pups require a slow introduction.
There is many reasons why your dog wont let you brush his teeth.
It is an unusual feeling for them, but with some positive reinforcement, you will easily get to clean your canine’s teeth with ease.
Choose the appropriate canine toothbrush and toothpaste for your pet.
These kinds of toothpaste are formulated with components that are suitable for canines, but human toothpaste contains dangerous chemicals.
Cleaning your canine’s teeth removes and prevents plaque and tartar accumulation, ensuring optimal dental hygiene.
Cleaning every day is recommended, but just once or thrice a week could offer significant benefits. [13]
Did you Know?
Maltese show symptoms of dental problems like salivation, puffiness, and bleeding. [14]
2. Utilize Dental Chews
Dental treats are an important part of your Maltese’s general health and happiness.
They are designed to scrub your pet’s teeth just as well as cleaning with a toothbrush does.
The grinding motion removes plaque and tartar away, and they are packed with chemicals that help avoid additional build-up and freshen your pet’s breath.
They are a tasty reward that your pet will not particularly realize is good for him, and a few of them are long-lasting enough to keep their brains engaged.
3. Feed Quality Food
Providing high-quality nutritious meal is a fantastic method to maintain your Maltese dental condition.
Enamel will develop healthier as a result of proper nutrition, and your pet’s general health would improve significantly.
Elements such as cereals, by-products, or leftovers should be avoided because they are not just harmful but also cling to your pet’s teeth.
Poor-quality meals promote plaque and calculus formation, causing your dog’s oral health and immunological system to shut down and not work properly.
Even canines fed natural meals should clean their dentures and get their oral hygiene evaluated on a daily basis since whole products with organic components may carry enzymes or other nutrients that assist break down harmful film on surfaces.
Did you Know?
Periodontitis is more prevalent in diabetic Maltese [15]
Conclusion
Maltese dogs suffer from a lot of dental problems.
Some of them like late weaning and retained teeth, are natural and are irreversible.
But, maintaining a healthy diet and offering dental chews will help solve tooth decay, plaque, tartar, cavities, and other problems.
Maintaining a good oral health routine, which includes frequent brushing your pet’s teeth and gums, is perhaps the most beneficial method to avoid dental problems.
References
