3 facts about brushing teeth in dogs!

How often dog teeth cleaning recommended? Does dog teeth cleaning help bad breath? Here is dog teeth brushing done right.

As with humans, dental hygiene is a very important point to consider in our pets. Even if tooth decay is very rare in dogs, they will benefit from brushing their teeth daily. Indeed, one of the diseases most frequently encountered during a veterinary health examination is periodontal disease.

Although it affects all dogs to varying degrees over the course of their lives. The onset of this disease can be minimized through daily dental care.

Here are 3 important facts about toothbrushing and its implication in your dog's health! In addition, we also give you tips on how to better brush your dog's teeth at home! How often should you brush dogs teeth?

Periodontal disease is the result of infection and an inflammatory reaction to plaque buildup in your pet's mouth. Plaque is a soft, invisible material that builds up on the teeth. Can dogs teeth be cleaned without anesthesia.

In fact, it's a mixture of residue and bacteria that naturally ends up in your pet's mouth. This plaque will create inflammation of the gum (gingivitis). And then eventually affect the bone and the tooth attachment (periodontium) more deeply.

When plaque is not treated quickly, it hardens and mineralizes to become tartar. This one is distinguished by its darker color easily visible during the examination of the mouth. Tartar is hard and firmly attached to the tooth. Moreover, it also promotes the accumulation of plaque.

Periodontal disease is sneaky and there is more evidence that it has an impact on the general health of your companion. Since the immune system is constantly in action to control the bacteria in the plaque which even goes so far. 'to take the bloodstream to affect the whole body including the kidneys and heart.

Are Dog teeth cleaning necessary? Certainly! It is estimated that 80% of adult animals seen in the clinic have periodontal disease at various levels. There are certain factors that can predispose and explain why some dogs are more likely to have advanced periodontal disease.

Breed: Small dog breeds and brachycephalic (flat nosed) often present more problems. Since their teeth are often too large for the size of their jawbone. They are piled on top of each other and thus promote the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

Age: As the plaque must be removed quickly, if dental hygiene is poor.

The immune system: Animals that suffer from other diseases are more vulnerable. Since their immune system is less effective in defending themselves against plaque bacteria.

The level of chewing: Dogs who have daily access to chews would have less tartar, gingivitis and periodontal disease. For ideas on how to chew your dog it's here!

Of course, the absence of dental care at home greatly increases the risk of developing advanced periodontal disease.

The onset of this disease is slow and silent. It begins with the appearance of gingivitis, a red gum that bleeds more easily. Gradually, the tooth will then lose its attachment. We can therefore note mobile teeth, loss of gum (gum recession) or outright loss of one or more teeth.

The owner will notice bad breath while the animal will stress its discomfort. Its pain by behavioral changes such as reluctance to handle the mouth, refuse dry food or a loss of appetite.

The key to success with periodontal disease is prevention. Prevention has two complementary components:

  • Home care

  • Professional care

So oral health involves both the owner and the veterinarian. And the less home care there is, the more your veterinarian will have to compensate with professional care!

Brush your dog's teeth at home:

At home, there are many ways to help your pet in their daily battle with plaque! As for humans, daily brushing of teeth remains the best means of prevention. It is much easier to introduce dental care in the home when the animal is young. You just have to go gradually, making sure that the experience remains positive for your companion.

Sometimes when the animal is older, dental care has been forced in the past. The disease is advanced, and the mouth is sore, brushing the teeth can be difficult.

What to do for those whose teeth brushing is not possible? Be aware that there are alternatives (dental diets, rinsing solutions, chews, etc.), but that these are less effective than real brushing. Rely on the expertise of your veterinary team to identify the most appropriate products for your pet's condition.

Some tips for brushing your dog's teeth:

  • Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.

  • Watch out for the electric toothbrush!

  • Other tools for cleaning teeth may be easier to use.

  • There is a wide variety of toothpaste for animals. These usually contain a flavor to make the experience positive. They can also contain abrasives for a better mechanical effect or enzymes for an antibacterial effect.

  • However, the use of toothpaste remains optional, because it is especially tooth brushing that is important.

  • Do not use human toothpastes, as they contain fluoride and foaming agents.

Take a step-by-step approach to brushing, following your pet's pace. Make the experience always positive! Do not hesitate to seek the advice of a dog trainer. If your dog is fearful during these manipulations or even aggressive !

Professional dog dental care:

Prevention also involves professional care. What is dog teeth cleaning products? Are there best dog teeth cleaning treats?

This procedure must be done under general anesthesia in order to keep the animal still. To completely remove the plaque and tartar found under the gum. And of course, to polish the entire surface of the tooth to make it very smooth. Professional care should be performed regularly, as recommended by your veterinarian, before the disease progresses to an irreversible stage.

This will increase the quality of life of your animals and their health. The chances of a longer general anesthesia will also be reduced when they need additional treatments such as extractions.

Additional Information on Dog Dental Care:

  • Like humans, dogs have two successive dentitions. Around the age of 4 months, their baby teeth fall out, then gradually give way to 42 permanent teeth. This transition is only possible because the permanent tooth wears down.

  • Within minutes of brushing your teeth, some microorganisms deposited on the enamel of a single tooth.

  • Are you looking for a product to help control the development of tartar and plaque in your pet? These products have passed the review process and meet pre-established standards and live up to their claims.

  • About 25% of dental diseases can be diagnosed only if dental x-rays are taken.

In conclusion, how to keep my dog's teeth healthy:

  1. Brush her teeth daily (and teach her to love it so she doesn't go through hell every day)

  2. Give him things to chew every day

  3. Follow your veterinarian's advice regarding your dog's oral health

  4. Get the best dog teeth cleaning chews and best dog teeth cleaning products