Hope all goes well with Trapp tomorrow 
I've not heard shelties are prone to bad teeth either, only the misplaced/missing teeth issues. I'm certain genetics has a significant part to play because of my three, Revel at 13 has immaculate teeth that I've virtually never touched. He lost a molar last winter but that was an abscess caused by a trauma and our vet who is a dental specialist said the tooth itself was in very good order and otherwise he has full dentition.
Interestingly, Revel rarely chews. Epic is Revel's great, great nephew and at 18 months has discoloured teeth already and yet he is a Serious chewer. I was horrified to see the state of his teeth at about 10 months and keep a careful eye on his mouth. He has broken the tip off one lower canine already and of course had 11 of his puppy teeth extracted so does not have a good mouth at all (although nothing misplaced/missing). Yogi gets more plaque build up but nothing too bothersome and I deal with it with the descaler from time to time. All three are fed the same food, only Epic really chews with any enthusiasm but Revel has far and away the best teeth.
Merlin is a couple of months off 16 but doesn't have many teeth left! He's had all the canines out and the lower inscisors. He was fed a similar diet to Revel for many years and drank the same water etc so it must be at least partly due to genetics.
Not sure if you can get it but many people here swear by Petz Life Oral Gel (they do a spray too but the gel is easier to apply).
I've not heard shelties are prone to bad teeth either, only the misplaced/missing teeth issues. I'm certain genetics has a significant part to play because of my three, Revel at 13 has immaculate teeth that I've virtually never touched. He lost a molar last winter but that was an abscess caused by a trauma and our vet who is a dental specialist said the tooth itself was in very good order and otherwise he has full dentition.
Interestingly, Revel rarely chews. Epic is Revel's great, great nephew and at 18 months has discoloured teeth already and yet he is a Serious chewer. I was horrified to see the state of his teeth at about 10 months and keep a careful eye on his mouth. He has broken the tip off one lower canine already and of course had 11 of his puppy teeth extracted so does not have a good mouth at all (although nothing misplaced/missing). Yogi gets more plaque build up but nothing too bothersome and I deal with it with the descaler from time to time. All three are fed the same food, only Epic really chews with any enthusiasm but Revel has far and away the best teeth. Merlin is a couple of months off 16 but doesn't have many teeth left! He's had all the canines out and the lower inscisors. He was fed a similar diet to Revel for many years and drank the same water etc so it must be at least partly due to genetics.
Not sure if you can get it but many people here swear by Petz Life Oral Gel (they do a spray too but the gel is easier to apply).
