You want your dog to live as long as possible and enjoy good health the entire time. Clean dog teeth help to ensure that your pooch will be protected against diseases that dental problems bring such as plaque that results in oral diseases.
Be sure that your dog gets a good dental exam during his veterinarian checkups, but also take care of his dental needs at home. Examine his teeth regularly and address any problems such as excess tartar buildup and particles and bacteria that may collect along the gum line.
Excess tartar buildup is one of the biggest threats to your dog’s dental health. Plaque will cling to the teeth and build up to a point that causes irritation to the dog’s gums. A dog can develop inflammation and gingivitis just like humans, causing bad breath and deterioration of the teeth.
Your vet can remove plaque with special instruments and then polish the dog’s teeth to prevent problems. This care will also prevent periodontal disease, which is when tartar builds up beneath the gum line and could result in more bacterial growth.
Periodontal disease can be painful, cause loose teeth, bone loss and infections in your dog. As this disease progresses, the problem may enter the bloodstream, infect heart valves and other organs. Even if your dog has already developed periodontal disease, your veterinarian can help to stop the process.
You can make clean dog teeth a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog by starting off slow and letting the dog get used to the process. Give your pooch lots of praise and he’ll begin to look forward to the sessions.
It’s a good idea to begin cleaning the teeth by putting a small amount of toothpaste on a finger and rubbing it gently against your dog’s teeth and gums. Do this slowly and speak softly to your dog the entire time.
After a minute or two of getting your dog used to the process, you can begin brushing very gently and lifting the sides of his mouth so you can reach the back teeth. If he shies away from the bristles of the toothbrush, there are various sponges and pads available that you may want to try.
Online sites contain all the supplies and advice you’ll need to ensure clean dog teeth for your pet. You may also want to ask your veterinarian if he would recommend a particular product or method.