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When it comes to your dog’s health, Samoyed teeth issues are often overlooked. But according to a study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, periodontal diseases — conditions that affect the gums and bones around the teeth — are the most common diseases in dogs over three years of age.1
Regular dental care is key for your dog’s overall health and wellness, but many pet owners don’t realize how important preventative care is. But brushing your Samoyed’s teeth, providing them with quality chews and regular dental cleanings are critical.
Breed-Specific Dental Conditions in Samoyeds
Samoyeds are generally healthy compared to other breeds of similar size and type. Thanks to reputable breeders‘ efforts to maintain genetic diversity, the Samoyed breed has a lower incidence rate of autoimmune diseases or hip dysplasia.2However, Samoyeds have shown a propensity for a certain dental condition known as familial enamel hypoplasia.
What Is Familial Enamel Hypoplasia?
Familial enamel hypoplasia, also known as amelogenesis imperfecta, is an inherited genetic disorder affecting the dog’s tooth enamel. It’s usually diagnosed once the dog’s permanent teeth come in, which typically occurs when the dog is five or six months old.
A dog with familial enamel hypoplasia may show the following symptoms:
- Thinning tooth enamel with irregular pitting
- Tooth discoloration
- Evident pain or sensitivity when chewing or eating
- Premature tooth deterioration
- Tartar accumulation
Over time, the condition can lead to bone loss, recessed gums and pain. Eventually, it can even lead to the loss of teeth.3
Other Common Samoyed Teeth Issues
You might think your dog’s bad breath is unpleasant, but normal. But foul-smelling breath could be an indication of significant issues. Common dental-related conditions in Samoyeds include4:
- Gingivitis: Your dog can develop plaque on their teeth, and food and bacteria can cause that plaque to turn into tartar. The tartar irritates the dog’s gums and causes gingivitis, causing pain, bad breath, loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is more severe than gingivitis, and it usually occurs after years of plaque and tartar development. There is no way to reverse periodontitis, and it typically results in tooth loss.
- Fractured teeth: Teeth can weaken due to dental diseases and decay, but teeth can also be fractured by hard chewing (such as chewing knuckle bones or antlers). Fractured teeth can cause intense pain and swelling, and you’ll likely need to take your dog for X-Rays and tooth removal.5
Treating dental diseases or injuries can be expensive. For example, if your dog needs a tooth extraction, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500.6
Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth
Prevention can save you money, and keep your dog in good health. To protect your Samoyed’s teeth, follow these tips:
- Brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to prevent dental issues, but few owners do it. In fact, an Ipsos survey found that just 8% of dog owners brushed their dogs’ teeth.7 Using a dog-friendly toothpaste and brush daily can reduce the accumulation of plaque or tartar.
- Chews: Chewing is critical for your dog’s health and well-being. Healthy chews, including Himalayan chews and bully sticks, can work wonders for your dog’s teeth. (Tip: Get a dental Kong and wipe a small amount of dog toothpaste on it and freeze it overnight. Your dog will love chewing it, and it will keep them busy for a long time).
- Dental cleanings: Ask your vet about full dental cleanings. With a full cleaning, the vet will put your dog under anesthesia and remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth — including the plaque under the gum line.
(Important: The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that cleanings be done under anesthesia. Although some services may boast cleanings without anesthesia or sedation, they can be risky and painful for your pet.)8
How to Brush a Samoyed’s Teeth
Brushing a Samoyed’s teeth may seem intimidating at first. But if you start slow and build up to it, it can become an easy task.
1. Introduce your dog to the toothpaste and brush: First, gently introduce your pet to the toothpaste and the brush. If your dog is skittish around the brush, a toothbrush cover for your finger could be a good alternative. Put a tiny tab of toothpaste on the brush, and let them lick it. When your dog is comfortable — and it may take a few days of just letting them lick it first — you can move on to the next step.
2. Brush one tooth: Start with just one tooth. Gently brush the tooth — usually the large canines at the front are easiest — in circular motions. After a few seconds, stop and give your dog a lot of praise.
3. Extend brushing: As your dog gets more comfortable, gradually brush more teeth every day until you’re doing the full mouth. You may find that it’s easier to have your dog lay on their side to get to the back teeth. Aim to brush at least once a day, but brushing after each meal is ideal to keep Samoyed teeth in the best condition.
References
- Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Dog Owners’ Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health in Their Dogs-Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses.” Published May 2022.
- Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. “An Autosomal Recessive Mutation in SCL24A4 Causing Enamel Hypoplasia in Samoyed and Its Relationship to Breed-wide Genetic Diversity.” Published November 2017.
- University of California, Davis. “Familial Enamel Hypoplasia (FEH) of Samoyeds.“
- American Kennel Club. “Top 5 Dental Conditions for Dogs and Cats.” Published January 2021.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. “Dental Disorders of Dogs.” Published May 2018.
- BetterPet. “How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Dog’s Tooth?” Published May 2023.
- Ipsos. “Most (95%) Pet Owners Brush Their Own Teeth Daily, But Few Brush Their Dog’s (8%) or Cat’s (4%) Teeth on a Daily Basis.” Published February 2016.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. “Pet Dental Care.“