Teeth cleanliness and food?

[BoatDog]

God, Dani! I'll go look at Morgans teeth at lunch - he's doing so great on EVO I'd hate this to be the case...

[threelabs]

Is it actually tartar or are his teeth getting overall discolored? As my dogs age their teeth aren't as white as they used to be (same as people) but no tartar. I don't brush them, they get raw bones once per week, never had their teeth cleaned. I've had them on Solid Gold, Evo and now Timberwolf. Never noticed a correlation between the foods and teeth.

[rottnlabs]

Speaking from experience, I believe genetics plays a huge role in mouth cleanliness.* For example, I have to get my teeth cleaned every 3 months whereas most people can go every 6 months or longer.* The hygenist said the make up of my saliva causes the quick build up of tarter.* I think dogs are the same way.* Some have cleaner mouths than others.

Also wanted to metion that food can also play a role. Dogs that eat only soft, canned food tend to have more teeth related issues than dogs that are on kibble.

[Dani]

threelabs...I think it's a combination of discoloration and tarter build up. I will chat with the vet to examine the problem and it's debth.

Lydia...that is what I was getting at. Rider's teeth seem alot more discolored than my neighbor's dog Drake who is the same age...they were both eating EVO up to about 3 months ago when Drake had to go on a diet.

[imported_Nick]

I was trying to get more at EVO...wondering if because of the higher contents of calcium and other stuff...it's really speeding the process up....does that make sense?

Ahhh, I see. No, I don't think that has anything to do with it. I think it's just the residual kibble on his teeth giving the bacteria something to munch on and make plaque.

Usually, foods with a lot of carbs are worse, so I would've guessed (incorrectly) that EVO would be a little better.

[roccolya]

I do believe that I read in a vet text book someplace "if you are not brushing them every other day, don't bother."

Boy but it is hard to do it every other day cause it just is no fun.

Morgan with Lya the Itchy