When Lara, a young American Akita, began experiencing severe dental issues, her owner Tuula Jokiaho tried every possible solution to improve her dog’s oral health. But it wasn’t until she discovered Nutrolin® TEETH & GUMS that she saw lasting results. In this post, Tuula shares Lara’s journey with enamel deficiency, the challenges they faced, and the remarkable improvement that Nutrolin brought to her dog’s life.

Discovering Lara’s Enamel Deficiency and Bite Issues

Lara, a three-year-old American Akita, was diagnosed with a mild underbite as a puppy. As she grew, her lower jaw lagged even more behind, and it soon became clear that she’d need a pulp amputation when she was a bit older. In this procedure, her lower canines would be shortened to prevent them from pressing against the roof of her mouth.

In late summer 2022, we took Lara to a veterinary dentist. We’d also noticed that she had quite a bit of tartar for a dog so young. It didn’t worry me much—her teeth would be cleaned during the procedure anyway.

After leaving her at the clinic, I got a call. Not only did Lara have a bite issue, but she also had enamel hypoplasia, known as amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). I’d heard of AI before, as it’s one of the genetic disorders sometimes seen in this breed, though I hadn’t encountered it myself. I hadn’t connected her high tartar buildup and yellowish teeth with this condition.

Enamel Coating and Preventative Care

Alongside the pulp amputation, Lara’s teeth were cleaned and coated. We were advised to brush her teeth daily and avoid giving her anything hard to chew on to help the coating last as long as possible.

Without enamel or a protective coating, gums are highly susceptible to severe inflammation and periodontal disease. The teeth themselves are brittle and prone to wear and breakage. It quickly became apparent that Lara would likely need tooth extractions in the future.

Given how serious this disease is for her wellbeing, we decided right away to do everything possible to postpone the complications as long as we could.

I started researching all kinds of products for gum and dental health and plaque prevention. I can honestly say we tried them all. Lara’s drinking water had its own additive, and her food included product after product.

Nutrolin® Teeth & Gums paste 29.90€ – 59.80€

I searched for all sorts of products designed for maintaining teeth and gums, as well as preventing plaque buildup. I can honestly say that we tried them all. There were additives in her drinking water, and Lara’s food contained one product after another.

Nutrolin® TEETH & GUMS to help with dog's Enamel Deficiency

Brush, Rinse, and Defeat the Dental Demons

We dove into learning tooth-brushing techniques, and soon began brushing the teeth of our other dogs as well. For example, our senior dog Bertta’s teeth easily accumulated tartar. Once we got into a brushing routine, I took Bertta in for a cleaning to keep her mouth healthier for longer with regular brushing.

Although the tartar was removed, her teeth remained somewhat yellow, as is often the case with older dogs.

Our brushing routine got off to a great start, but because of Lara, I became more intense in my research on dog dental care products. I searched for anything designed for gum and dental health and plaque prevention. We truly tried them all. Lara’s drinking water had a solution, and her food was full of various products.

Nutrolin® TEETH & GUMS to help with dog's enamel defficiency

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Hunting for Dental Products Far and Wide

I scoured websites in Finland and abroad. At international shows, I spent my time exploring the vendor booths, looking for dental care products that weren’t available back home. Whenever I found something new, I bought it and gave it a try.

I became an expert on dog dental treats, examining, pressing, and squeezing them. I ruled out any product where dental benefits relied on hardness, as Lara can’t have anything hard to chew on.

Despite all our efforts, Lara’s teeth started yellowing again just a few months after her cleaning and coating.

A Checkup, a New Coating, and a Surprise

One year after her first dental visit, we returned for a checkup in late summer 2023. The vet praised our dental care routine, but despite everything, Lara had a significant amount of tartar, some mild gingivitis, and a large portion of her teeth required re-coating.

We carried on as before, and by the end of the year, Lara’s teeth were yellow again.

Then I noticed an ad for the new Nutrolin® TEETH & GUMS product and naturally bought it right away.

After about three weeks of giving Lara this product, I noticed a change while brushing her teeth—they were lighter in color.

A few weeks later, I asked my husband (who also brushes the dogs’ teeth), “Do you think Lara’s teeth have gotten lighter?” He agreed, saying he’d noticed it too.

After a few more weeks, it was obvious. Lara’s teeth looked like they’d just been cleaned and re-coated.

Around that time, I stopped using all other dental care products.

Our Senior Dog’s Teeth Brighten, Too

By early summer, Lara’s teeth still looked fantastic, so I decided to try the product on our senior dog, Bertta, whose teeth had turned quite yellow. In just a few weeks, her teeth looked years younger!

Lara’s Dentist is Pleasantly Surprised

In September, we returned for Lara’s annual checkup. Our hopes were high, but the results still surprised us. Lara’s vet remarked right away that her teeth looked incredible. After she was sedated for X-rays, tartar removal, and coatings, the full story emerged.

Lara’s gums and teeth were in excellent condition! She had no tartar, no gingivitis, and no need for re-coating or touch-ups of any kind.

We’re incredibly grateful and hopeful that this product will help Lara enjoy a long, pain-free life with a full set of teeth! And on top of that, it’s amazing to no longer be constantly searching for the next product that might help.

Text written by Tuula Jokiaho, Lara’s owner

Nutrolin® content production has reviewed the receipts and procedure descriptions from Lara’s vet visits during two separate annual check-ups. There has truly been an amazing improvement in her oral health.

Dental images: Pyynikin Eläinlääkärit Oy

dog's enamel deficiency may improve from NUTROLIN TEETH & GUMS

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