Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Dog to Brush Their Teeth

Dental health is mostly overlooked as being important to the overall health of your dog. Lack of oral hygiene can cause issues such as gum disease, loss of teeth, and extreme infections that can affect vital organs. The good news is that a great oral care routine is all it takes to keep your dog’s mouth clean and healthy.

 Why Dog Dental Care Matters

Some pet owners do not pay much attention to their dog’s oral health since they think dogs naturally have clean teeth. And just like people, dogs can build up plaque, tartar, and gum disease. If they are not treated this can lead to painful infections, bad breath, and trouble eating. In serious instances, microbes from the mouth may enter the bloodstream and cause bloodsucker infection of the heart, liver, or kidney.

one of the Most Frequent Dental Problems In Dogs

  • Plaque and Tartar Accumulation – Plaque is a consistent film of bacteria that becomes tartar if left untreated. Tartar can cause your gum to be inflamed (gingivitis) and other serious dental disease.
  • Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup can lead to discomfort and pain.
  • Periodontal disease — Severe gum disease may damage the tissue supporting your teeth and lead to tooth loss and infections that may spread to other body parts via your bloodstream.
  • Tooth decay and loss — Cavities themselves are self-rare in dogs, but neglected teeth can be weakened or broke.
  • Bad Breath (Halitosis) — If your dog has persistent bad breath, it is most likely a sign of dental disease and should not go unaddressed.

Dog Dental Health: How to Keep it Healthy

A dirty mouth will cause oral health issues so Here are some tips to care for your dog’s teeth

  • Brushing your dog’s teeth

is the best technique to protect against plaque and gum disease. Try to brush at least 3-4 times a week, but in a perfect world, you should be brushing every day.

  • The use of dog toothpaste is a must

Never use human toothpaste It contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, so use dog-specific toothpaste Choose a pet-safe toothpaste.

  • Choose the Right Brush

A dog toothbrush or fingerbrush gives you better control

  • Introduce Brushing Gradually

Visually and orally introduce the toothpaste to your dog, allow them to sniff and taste it, then slowly begin rubbing their gums and the outside of their teeth

  • It Should Be Positive

Coat your dog with praise or with a treat afterward, so that your dog will be more cooperative next time.

 

 

 Provide Dental Chews and Toys

The mechanical chewing action removes plaque and tartar.                                                                                                 :

  • Choose Dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
  • Pliable rubber or old-fashioned nylon dental chew toys
  • Raw bones (only if approved by your vet)

Do not provide any hard bones or antlers that may break teeth.

   Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet

Certain dog food products are made specifically to promote dental health. Look for:

  • Kibble that scrapes plaque from teeth
  • Dental diets (only if prescribed by your veterinarian)
  • Flocculants and additives that reduce bacteria

     Regular Check-Ups at the Vet

Annual check-ups will include an examination of the teeth by your vet. Sometimes, especially with a lot of build-up or to see if there are any hidden dental problems, a professional under-anesthesia cleaning is needed to remove deep tartar first.

     Watch for Signs of Trouble

Dental problems can still develop with regular care. Of your dog show drastic behaviours like pain, bad breath or hesitate while eating immediately consult a vet.

    Importance of Regular Dental Cleaning by a Professional

  • A complete dental cleaning under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian, which involves:
  • Scaling to eliminate tartar above the gumline and below it
  • Smoothing the enamel to prevent future plaque buildup when it will sit less easily on smooth surfaces versis rough ones.
  • Dental X-Rays to look for hidden issues
  • Extractions if necessary