Why are my dogs teeth yellow | Answer by Dogs Tutor

Why are my dogs teeth yellow? Here are a few potential causes for tooth discoloration in dogs.

Just like in humans, lack of dental hygiene takes its toll on a dog’s smile. Without brushing, tartar builds up rapidly from plaque mineralization. Once tartar has hardened below the gumline, professional cleaning is needed to fully remove it.

Why are my dogs teeth yellow

Diet is a major factor in dental staining for dogs. The kibble and chews they consume everyday contain compounds that adhere to teeth. Over time, a layer of plaque forms from not brushing enough to remove these particles.

Bones, while often given as treats, are especially dye-filled. Continued chewing on bones can lead to heavy staining along the gum line. Certain raw hide chews or hard plastics also pose dye risks to canine teeth.

Advancing age is another reason teeth may show more staining with time. Older dogs have endured years of accumulation. Enamel also naturally thins as dogs mature, increasing vulnerability.

How do you treat yellow teeth in dogs?

Here are some options to treat yellow teeth in dogs:

Professional Dental Cleaning

For severe cases of tartar buildup, a veterinary dental cleaning is necessary. During this procedure done under anesthesia, the vet will scrub each tooth surface to remove all tartar and inspect for any other issues. This often results in noticeably whiter teeth. It’s important to stay on top of regular cleanings to prevent significant buildup.

At-Home Brushing

To maintain healthy teeth and fresh breath, routine brushing at home using vet-approved toothpaste is key. Start slowly to accustom dogs while massaging gums. Brush all surfaces, avoiding the tongue. Be consistent even if they squirm at first. Persistence pays off in brighter, healthier teeth long term.

Dental Diets and Chews

Prescription dental foods are specially formulated to reduce plaque. The abrasive texture of kibble and certain chew toys also scrape teeth during chewing. Greenies, nylabones, and other analogs help clean mechanically. Consult your vet to find the best supplemental options.

Water Additives and Treatments

Products like dental sprays and gels meant to dissolve existing tartar coatings. Others, like fluoride supplements added to water, inhibit new plaque formation. Take-home whitening gels applied daily for a couple weeks can safely lift surface stains over time.

Professional Exams

Regular checkups with the vet are important for a thorough dental exam and cleaning before issues worsen. Early detection of cavities, infected gums, cracks or tumors is critical for your dog’s long term oral health and wellness.

Is it normal for dogs teeth to be a little yellow?

Most household pets do not receive the same level of regular dental hygiene as conscientious owners who brush their own teeth daily.

Some degree of surface staining on a dog’s teeth is perfectly normal from years of licking plaqued paws, chomping on kibble and chew toys, and occasionally gnawing bones.

This thin film discolors the enamel, making teeth take on a dingier appearance versus sparkling white. However, if kept reasonably clean at the vet and with proper nutrition, light household staining presents no health concern.

5 Natural Ways to Whiten Dog Teeth

Here are the 5 home remedies to whiten your dog teeth.

Baking Soda Paste

A simple paste made of baking soda and a little water forms an abrasive scouring agent that lifts stains when massaged onto teeth. Dogs may even think it’s playtime licking it off fingers. Let it work for a few minutes before oral rinsing.

Fruits and Veggies

Crunchy snacks like carrots, apples and green beans not only reward chewing but their own properties draw out plaque, aided by the natural scrubbing of fibrous cells on teeth. Daily produce supports strong gums too.

Coconut Oil Therapy

Smearing a dab of extra virgin coconut oil’s lauric acid directly onto teeth coatings works as both antibacterial medicine and conditioning cleanser when left on the enamel for 30 minutes prior to wiping off residue.

Cranberry Whitening

Rich in antioxidants, cranberry juice dabbed onto a toothbrush buffs teeth during gentle massaging. Soak cotton balls for dogs to chomp if brushing resistance occurs. Repeated use lifts surface staining.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Let acetic acid in unfiltered ACV work its whitening magic by damping cotton balls for dogs to gnaw or rub directly onto teeth and gums for 5 minutes before thorough rinsing. Supervise any vinegar application.

What color are healthy dog teeth?

Healthy dog teeth can range in color, but generally appear white to off-white. Here are some more details on normal tooth color variations in canine smiles:

White: Brilliant, pearly white enamel is common for young puppies and dogs who receive diligent home dental care like brushing. This pure color fades with age.

Off-white: As dogs mature, their teeth will often take on a softer, creamy off-white hue as the translucent inner dentin shows through thinning enamel. This pale yellow tint is very normal.

Light yellow: A slight yellow cast, especially toward the gums, does not indicate a problem on its own. Dogs do not brush and this lighter staining accumulates over time from their diet and chewing habits.

Ivory: Teeth may have an ivory, creamy shade resembling a worn yet healthy human smile. This subtle tone still suggests good oral hygiene barring other issues.

Grayish-white: Heavily stained or worn-down teeth may appear whitish-gray. But as long as gums are firm and pink with no signs of pain, discoloration alone is not cause for panic.

Red, brown, or dark yellow/orange colorations would not be considered normal tooth shades and could point to underlying dental or systemic health issues requiring a veterinary evaluation.

How to choose toothpaste for Dog

Here are some more detailed tips about choosing an effective toothpaste for dogs:

Fluoride & Baking Soda

• Fluoride and baking soda In very small amounts can strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to acids from plaque. But avoid any with xylitol.

Flavors

• Chicken, beef or seafood flavors are top choices as meat tastes appeal strongly to canine palates. Chicken is usually the most popular.
• Mint flavors provide freshness but true mint may be too pungent. Look for mild peppermint or spearmint mimics instead.
• Some peanut butter or vanilla options cater to sweeter preferences. But avoid any xylitol.

Consistency

• Thinner gels or pastes with a crème-like consistency have very fine particles for gentle, even coating without being too messy.
• Spray formulas provide a foam cushion for easier gum massage when brushing without globs getting everywhere.

Always check the product has undergone veterinary formulation for canine mouthsPH balance is right for dogs. Their pH is higher than humans.

I hope these more detailed tips from dogs Tutor help you select the best toothpaste to help keep your dog smile bright and breath fresh.

Is human toothpaste OK for dogs?

No, it is not recommended at all to use human toothpaste for dogs. Its Answer is simple; toothpaste for humans is formulated differently than what is suitable for a dogs oral health needs. 

Look for a vet-approved paste with gentle abrasives like baking soda, flavorings your pup will enjoy like chicken or beef, and no added xylitol or harmful ingredients.