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Doggie Dental Health Quiz

A recent study conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association found that an estimated two-thirds of pet owners don't perform dental care as recommended by veterinarians. How much do you know about dog dental health? Test your knowledge beyond the maxillary canine with our dog dental health quiz.

What percentage of dogs over the age of three shows signs of gum disease?

Less than 10 percent

25 percent

50 percent

More than 80 percent

You chose: You chose:

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three develop gum disease.

Poor pet oral hygiene can lead to all of the following except:

Tooth loss

Lick granuloma

Bacterial infections

Bad breath

Periodontal disease

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Bacteria collects along the gum line, just as it does in human mouths. This bacteria forms plaque, and when the plaque is not removed it hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar build-up (yellow and brown deposits near the gum line) causes inflammation in the gums which leads to gingivitis, persistent bad breath and gum disease -- and may eventually cause infections, abscesses, tooth and bone loss. Lick granuloma, on the other hand, is a skin disorder that is caused by, you guessed it, licking. This excessive licking forms a patch of thick, irritated, hairless skin that may have an oozing center.

True or false: Puppies don't have molars.

True

False

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By the time a puppy reaches about 45 days old he has a full set of baby teeth -- a total of 28 teeth, depending on the breed. Adult dogs, however, have 42 teeth. Molars are the last type of tooth to grow, erupting around the time the dog is about 6 months old.

Some breeds are more prone to tooth loss than others. For which of the following breeds is tooth loss not typically a problem?

Pomeranian

Chinese crested

Italian Greyhound

American Pit Bull Terrier

Xoloitzcuintli

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American Pit Bull Terriers are generally healthy dogs that may develop hip displaysia and cataracts but are not known to have hereditary tooth problems.

How often should a dog's teeth be brushed?

Daily

Monthly

A few times a year

Never

You chose: You chose:

Daily brushing is optimal, but pet owners should aim to brush their dog's teeth a few times each week. Brush the outer surfaces, especially along the gum line, to remove the most tartar and plaque buildup.

What is not a good way to care for your dog's teeth at home?

Hard foods

Toys

Treats

Brushing

Soft foods

You chose: You chose:

Hard kibbles as well as toys and dental chews that are specifically designed to help remove plaque and tartar are good ways to keep a dog's teeth healthy. Additionally, dog-specific toothpaste is available in pet stores and comes in meaty flavors such as beef and poultry. Never use toothpaste for humans while brushing a dog's teeth (it's not meant to be swallowed).

What color are a dog's healthy gums?

Pink, black or spotted

Red or spotted

Red, brown or black

Pink, red or black

You chose: You chose:

According to the American Kennel Club healthy gums are pink, black or spotted, just like the skin of your dog. They should be wet, not dry, and shouldn't be red, bleeding or swollen.

True or false: Dogs are prone to cavities

True

False

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According to the World Health Organization tooth decay affects about 90 percent of school-aged kids around the world, but cavities are rare among dogs -- only about 5 percent of canines will get a cavity. The bacterium S. mutans thrives on sugars and causes cavities in humans because our mouths are more acidic than dog mouths.

How many pairs of salivary glands does a dog have?

One pair

Two pairs

Three pairs

Four pairs

You chose: You chose:

Dogs (and cats too) have four pairs of salivary glands, called the parotid, mandibular, sublingual and zygomatic. Saliva keeps the inside of the mouth moist, makes swallowing easier, helps digest food and also helps keep dogs cool when they pant through evaporation off the tongue.

True or false: Scientists have found that hairless dogs also often lack a full set of teeth.

True

False

You chose: You chose:

Genes associated with hairlessness also are associated with early tooth loss. Hairless breeds including the Chinese crested, Peruvian Inca Orchid and Xoloitzcuintli often lose up to 90 percent of their adult teeth by the time they reach age three.

You're barking up the wrong tree...

Sit, Stay...try again?

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Good effort!

You're doggone good at this!

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