Why Did My Dog's Teeth Turn Yellow?
Dental health is a biggie for canines just as it is for people. If you ever spot any conspicuous discoloration of your pooch's teeth, whether yellow or brown, take the furry guy to the veterinarian for a checkup, as it could indicate anything from accumulation of icky tartar to basic staining.
Medication
Medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline, can lead to lasting color changes in a dog's tooth enamel. If a wee growing puppy takes these antibiotics, it could result in brown or yellowish staining of his chompers from the medication attaching with its calcium. Pregnant mother dogs who receive tetracycline can also pass the yellow teeth coloration down to their youngsters. Tetracycline is often employed for the management of canine bacterial infections. If this concerns you and you're the owner of a puppy who is not even 6 months old, or even the owner of an expectant mother dog, speak to your veterinarian.
Tartar Accumulation
Tartar accumulating on the teeth also can cause them to take on a sudden yellow appearance. The presence of tartar can be hazardous for a variety of reasons, as it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease and other frustrating dental woes. Tartar arises due to the presence of plaque, a sticky material that shows up on your dog's teeth after he eats. Plaque takes on a hard texture by blending with the saliva's salts. With a little time, this plaque turns into tartar. If you think that your dog's yellow teeth are from tartar, promptly take him to the veterinarian for a thorough teeth cleaning.
Yellow Masses
Yellow masses on the foundation of a dog's teeth also can signify teeth that are either full of plaque and tartar or otherwise in less-than-excellent shape. These masses can also be brown, too. Gently tug on one edge of your pet's mouth, and take a close look at his gum line. If you spot any icky yellow or brown masses, then it's time to get him to the vet. This area should appear pink in dogs who have teeth that are in optimal condition.
Enamel Hypoplasia
The condition enamel hypoplasia can sometimes contribute to the yellow coloration of canine teeth. This ailment is characterized by problems in enamel development that emerge on the coating of the teeth. Enamel hypoplasia frequently appears in several teeth all at once. A lot of different components can lead to enamel hypoplasia in canines, from distemper to injury and poor nutrition. These irregularities in the enamel frequently manifest themselves in the form of small hollows on the teeth. Yellow or brown teeth coloring is also a common effect.
By Naomi Millburn
References:
What Your Dog is Trying to Tell You; John M. Simon
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation: Recognition of Canine Dental and Oral Pathology
PetEducation: Tooth Enamel Disorders in Dogs
Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital: Why is My Doctor Making Such a Big Deal About My Pet's Teeth?
Oh My Dog; Beth Ostrosky Stern and Kristina Grish
Little River Veterinary Clinic: Your Dog's Teeth
ASPCA: Ten Steps to Your Dog's Dental Health
Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Tetracycline
Veterinary Dental Center: Restorative Therapy for Enamel Hypoplasia
About the Author
Naomi Millburn has been a freelance writer since 2011. Her areas of writing expertise include arts and crafts, literature, linguistics, traveling, fashion and European and East Asian cultures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in American literature from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.