The Importance of Dental Hygiene for a Greyhound

Anatomy of Greyhound Teeth 

Greyhounds are born with 28 deciduous teeth, 14 on the bottom of their mouth and 14 on the top. These teeth gradually fall and get replaced with 42 teeth at six months of age. These 42 teeth include:  

12 Incisors: These sharp teeth are located at the front of the mouth and are used for grasping food or objects. 

4 Canines: These large, pointed teeth are the “fangs” that help with tearing meat. 

16 Premolars: These teeth are located behind the canines and are used for cutting and grinding food. 

10 Molars: Located at the back of the mouth, these teeth help grind food into smaller pieces. 

Common Dental Issues in Greyhounds

Greyhounds are prone to several dental problems and diseases therefore it is essential that greyhound owners are proactive about their pets’ dental care. Research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the University of Bristol Vet School found that 39% of Greyhounds suffer from dental disease. This is significantly higher than the incidence in other larger breeds, such as the German Shepherd (4.1%) and Rottweiler (3.1%). This data shows the importance of regular dental care for Greyhounds to prevent painful and costly dental issues. 

Plague & Tartar: 

Plaque is common in all breeds of dogs; this is bacterial deposits that accumulate on teeth. When bacteria found in the mouth combines with food and saliva it forms plaque, if not removed it will harden into tartar which in turn causes periodontal disease, weakening the enamel of teeth and causing decay. Regular brushing, dental chews, and toys designed for teeth cleaning can help prevent tartar and plaque build-up.  

Gingivitis: 

Gingivitis is the irritation of the gums due to bacteria not being removed causing irritation. Gingivitis can be reversed through regular oral care and chewing of bones. When using bones, supervision is necessary and bones that are cooked should never be given. If these bacteria aren’t removed it can lead to periodontal disease.  

Periodontal Disease: 

This is an infection of the gums after the build-up of plague and tartar. This can cause tooth loss, bleeding and inflammation. Another reason why keeping on top of your greyhound’s dental hygiene is so important! Symptoms include: Loose or missing teeth, bad breath, appetite loss, inflamed and red gums, difficulty chewing and a yellow or brown crust along the gum line. Periodontal disease can also lead to more severe health problems such as kidney and heart disease if left untreated.  

Tooth Decay:  

Another common dental issue is tooth decay this occurs due to bacteria in the mouth producing acid that erodes the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Greyhounds are susceptible to tooth decay if they consume a diet high in sugars or do not maintain proper dental hygiene. A healthy diet low in sugar, combined with regular brushing, can help prevent tooth decay. 

Malocclusion: 

Malocclusion is the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can cause discomfort when eating, pain and other problems. Malocclusion can occur due to genetics or injury. Veterinary treatment may be necessary.  

Oral Cancer:  

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for detecting oral cancer early. This is often found in tumours in the oral cavity of a greyhound but can be hard to detect as there are limited symptoms.  

The Importance of Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is important as it can affect your greyhound’s overall health. Dental issues as defined above, can cause more severe health problems such as kidney and heart disease if left untreated. Also, if teeth are diseased, it causes an entry for bacteria to enter the blood stream of a greyhound, causing deadly infections.   

Therefore, regular dental care is paramount to healthy teeth. There are specialised dog toothbrushes and toothpaste on the market. It is important not to use human toothpaste as dogs can’t spit it out after cleaning their teeth, so it may be ingested. Other helpful items such as dental chews, bones and toys can help clean teeth, but tooth brushing should always be prioritised.  

We have created a helpful step by step guide to brushing your greyhounds’ teeth.  

Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing Your Greyhound’s Teeth 

1. Getting your Greyhound Comfortable  

The most important part of brushing your greyhounds’ teeth is getting them comfortable with you near their mouth. You can start by stroking and touching their face gently, often a treat can be enticing in this process. So have lots on hand! Praising them and kneeling to their level can seem less threatening to more anxious greyhounds. Also, it is essential to pick a time when your greyhound is relaxed and not around busier times such as dinner. If you think your greyhound is ready then start by opening and inspecting their mouth, praising them as you go.  

2. Introducing the Toothbrush 

The next stage is introducing a toothbrush, preferably you want a soft bristled toothbrush designed for dogs. Flavoured toothpaste such as liver and poultry are available which your greyhound will enjoy! Adding some toothpaste to the toothbrush and letting your greyhound lick it can be useful as they can become use to the taste of the toothpaste and feel of the brush. Gradual introduction is the key to success here, if your greyhound becomes agitated during any stage, remove the toothbrush and take a break whilst offering praise.  

3. Brushing Teeth 

After completing stage 2 your greyhound should be ready for you to brush their teeth. Using a circular motion to brush the teeth works best, make sure to work on both the top and bottom set of teeth. It is also handy to have a bowl of water to frequently rinse the toothbrush. If your greyhound becomes agitated at any point, stop brushing and take a break, stop completely if necessary. When you have finished brushing, end the session with a treat and lots of praise.