Labradors At 2 Years Old - Understanding Dental Disease

By Dr Zoe Costigan
- March 12, 2024
- 3 MIN READ

Table of Contents

Dental Disease - Signs and Symptoms

Dental disease is a common issue among dogs, including our beloved Labradors. As your Lab reaches the age of 2, you might start noticing signs of dental problems, such as:

Bad Breath - If your Labrador's breath smells less than fresh, it could be a sign of dental issues like plaque and tartar buildup
Poor Teeth - Take a peek inside your Lab's mouth. Discoloured teeth, especially near the gumline, can indicate dental disease. As can wobbly, broken or missing teeth.
Red or Inflamed Gums - Healthy gums should be pink, not red or swollen. Inflamed gums may be a sign of dental disease.
Difficulty Eating - If your Lab is avoiding hard food or seems reluctant to chew, it could be due to dental pain or discomfort.
Excessive Drooling - While some drool is normal for Labradors, excessive drooling could indicate dental problems.

How to Prevent Dental Disease

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent dental disease in your Labrador - prevention is always better than cure! Here are our top tips:

Regular Brushing - Get into the habit of brushing your Lab's teeth regularly using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Aim for at least a few times a week to help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup - but daily would be ideal! Using Itch Dental Toothpaste which is an enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated to break down dental plaque and tartar. Plus it busts the oral bacteria that causes that nasty breath!
Dental Treats and Chews - Provide your Labrador with dental treats and chews designed to promote dental health. Chewing on these items can help remove plaque and tartar and keep your Lab's teeth clean. Itch Dental Treats also reduce plaque and tartar build up, and contain green tea, active charcoal and peppermint for that stinky breath!
Routine Dental Check Ups - Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet. They can assess your Lab's dental health. Early detection and treatment of dental issues can help prevent more severe problems down the line.

How to Treat Dental Disease

If your Labrador is already showing signs of dental disease, don't worry; here are some options to begin treating the problem:

Daily Teeth Brushing - Start as you mean to go on. Us humans brush our teeth everyday, so it’s just as important for your lab to - consistently brushing their teeth with Itch Dental Toothpaste will start the process of breaking down the built up plaque and tartar.
Extractions - In very severe cases of dental disease, tooth extraction may be necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
Getting A Preventative Plan In Place - Follow our preventative tips listed above including teeth brushing as regularly as possible, dental treats and chews and regular dental check ups!

Dental disease is a common issue that can affect Labradors, especially as they reach the age of 2. By being vigilant about your Lab's dental health and taking proactive steps to prevent and treat dental disease, you can help ensure they maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come. Remember to keep an eye out for signs of dental problems and consult your vet if you have any serious concerns. Here's to many more years of happy smiles and wagging tails with our beloved Labradors!

SHOP DENTAL TOOTHPASTE HERE

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