Fluffy face hides serious dental disease underneath
Maltese have tiny jaws with extremely tight tooth spacing. Without daily brushing, their teeth can become coated in plaque within days — the fluffy coat means owners often don't notice until disease is advanced.
Onset often before age 3. The progressive nature means gum and bone loss happens quietly — Maltese rarely show visible pain even with significant disease.
Multiple teeth overlap or rotate slightly. These abnormal contact points create constant plaque retention zones.
Owners typically first notice dental problems through bad breath around age 2–3. By this point, gingivitis is usually already present.
Move the facial fur out of the way before each brushing session. Prevents missing tooth surfaces hidden under the coat.
Odorless and tasteless — Maltese accept it easily. Fights bacteria throughout the day.
Provides mechanical cleaning. Always supervise — Maltese are small enough that choking risk is real.
Full dental exam with X-rays. X-rays catch the 60% of disease that lives below the gumline. Ask specifically for a dental assessment — it's often skipped unless you request it.
Full cleaning under anesthesia removes calcified tartar that home brushing can't touch. Your vet will advise frequency based on your individual dog's condition.
VOHC approved. Pleasant taste that even picky Maltese usually accept.
All-natural, no artificial ingredients. Appropriately sized for the tiny Maltese jaw.
The easiest daily habit to build — especially important for this breed.
Key tip: Part the facial fur at the mouth every week and actually look at the teeth. Catching early yellowing or gum redness means you're still in the reversible window.
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