2 loose upper middle teeth

[Sarah]

What's the percentage on the chews???

www.ehow.com/facts_5641645_chlorhexidine-gluconate-safe-dogs_.html

[Lucy]

I was going to say, I bet its something to do with them actually digesting it? I'm not sure how mouth rinses work either, because obviously dogs aren't going to gargle and swallow lol.
The gel we have is, as Sarah said, 0.12% which is what the dentist recommended. Anything lower and it won't do anything. She said its not necessary to use it often, but if we do see a build up, we could apply it once a week.

She told us its perfectly safe though and the gel has great reviews.

If you think Pip's teeth and gums are healthy, I wouldn't worry about going out and buying more products. Just do whatever you are doing now. As I said in the other thread, the specialist said all of these products don't really do much (toothpastes, water additives etc) and the main thing you're doing to prevent a build up of plaque and gum disease, is disturbing the plaque.

Kiki's gums are healthy, I think her wobbly teeth are just from where she plays tug too much (which I have now stopped!) but I'm hoping we can hang on to those teeth for a bit longer!

[Paula]

I'm not sure of the percent, Sarah. I'm at work now, but I'll look when I get home. It may be perfectly safe, but the saccharin bit concerned me. My vet said it was safe but... then I read that bit someone posted and I become worried.

I do think his teeth and gums are healthy, I'll see what my vet says about it. I was just distressed to see they wobbled. I'm kinda surprised they haven't come out when he chews on his bullies, but he mainly uses the back teeth, of course.

Lucy - I totally agree the main thing is just keeping the plaque off either by brushing or using a swab. It's a shame to hear that small dogs often don't have a good root system. I'm guessing that is likely the case with those upper little incisors on Pip. :/

[Lucy]

I think that its a combination of both for Kiki. I emailed her breeder and both parents have all of their teeth lol. Obviously I have no idea about Kiki's grandsire/dam though!

The dentist did say that she sees a lot of it in Chihuahuas/toy breeds because they don't have much soft tissue to hold on to the teeth. Its awful and I got really upset seeing that they wobbled but I felt quite reassured to know that its possible to hang on to the teeth!

[Paula]

I'm a little surprised Pip's don't come out when he plays and picks up his ball. I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon so I'm glad about that. I was hoping to get into today but they were double booked. I'm curious what she will say tomorrow.

[Lucy]

Urgh I hate that

Well, I'm sure everything will be just fine, Paula. Its always a worry, I know but I bet the vet will say his teeth are perfect and its just a chi thing!

[Paula]

I hope so. I guess we'll see. On the phone she told me they see it a lot with chi's, even when their teeth and gums are healthy. Still upsets me though. I'll keep everyone posted on what they say. Thanks for all the help. xx