Gizmo's teeth

[Gail]

Hi all, please help. I'm deseperate and need anyone's help. My maltese, Gizmo, is serviously suffering from bad gums and bad teeth. None have fallen out yet, but they are very discoloured, and very dark (tartar I believe). Is there anyway for me to clean them, without actually taking her to the vet? I have tried brushing them (I don't know if this is a good or bad thing), and the gums bled. I have also changed her diet from tin foods to dry food, and in the beginning she couldn't stand the change, but I think she realises it's for her own good. Please help. Thanks.

[Pam]

Gail I think at this point the best thing you can do for Gizmo is get her to the vet for a professional cleaning. If her gums are inflamed it has gone beyond anything you can do at home. I worked for a "people dentist" years ago and, believe it or not, most tooth loss was due to gum disease. Antibiotics might help Gizmo, but be prepared because she may wind up losing some teeth. Only your vet can tell you for sure. You don't mention how old Gizmo is and that might tell more about just what her problem is. My poodle, at 17 years of age, had tooth loss from perio disease but at his age it was not a surprise.

[lovemymaltese]

Hello,
My maltese Tango has terrible trouble with his teeth as well. He has to get them professioanlly cleaned by his vet. I also try to brush his teeth everyday with special doggy toothpaste (which smells like coffee). It is just one of the woes of owning a maltese, but aren't the little guys so very worth it.

[Gail]

Hello everyone who helped my mom out with my teeth problem. She took me to the vet on Wednesday last week, and even though I was scared, I am glad she did it. The vet had to give me an anaesthetic (big word hey?) and then she cleaned my teeth. I went home the same day, with nice, clean pearly white teeth. I was very sleepy afterwards. Now I look tooo cool. The pain was worth it in the long run. So, thank you all for holding thumbs for me, and thank you mommy for loving me and taking me to the vet.

[Dixieland Dancer]

To keep those pearly whites sparkling, keep Gizmo on dry food and brush the teeth at least once a week and perferably more. There are dental rings they can chew to help keep tarter from building up also.

[mugsy]

I'm glad that you're feeling better...now you can go out and get a really cool date!!! Tell your mom to get you some Hartz balls for teeth and gum so you can chew on them...they even taste like bacon!! Candy is a smart woman so listen to what she says!!

[tatsxxx11]

Hey Gizmo!!! Good job, brave boy! I'll bet you'll be ***dazzling*** all the girls with that bright, white smile! Hugs and kisses to you sweetie!!