“Dog breath” is not something we need to learn to live with, if we learn to do good dental home care. Think what would happen if you didn’t brush your teeth? Brushing removes food particles, bacteria and plaque from the teeth. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is very common in dogs, while cavities are uncommon.
Most veterinary dental experts recommend daily brushing. If the plaque is allowed to remain in contact with the tooth surface it will accumulate at the gum-line. Eventually, these deposits form calculus, irritate the gums, resulting in infection and loose teeth.
The first step is to select the correct toothbrush. Dog toothbrushes have a long handle and an angled head to match the shape of the dog’s mouth. The bristles are very soft. Another choice is a rubber finger brush, but I usually only use those for training.
Pet tooth paste is different from people tooth paste. They contain enzymes to help control plaque and they can be swallowed without causing stomach upset. By pressing the toothpaste into the bristles, rather than on top, the paste will have more contact with the tooth surface.
Now it is time to “teach” your dog to have their teeth brushed. It is important to start slowly. Begin with a wet wash cloth or piece of gauze being rubbed on the teeth in the same manner you will be brushing. Do this for 1-2 weeks until the dog accepts the procedure. Now introduce the toothbrush, soaked in warm water and gently brush. Do this for 1-2 weeks until the dog accepts the procedure. Finally, introduce the toothpaste.
When brushing the bristles should be where the gum and the tooth meet. Brush in an oval pattern and cover three or four teeth at a time. Spend most of the time on the upper teeth. It is not necessary to brush the inner surface of your dog’s teeth because the saliva cleans this surface.
The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends a full dental cleaning every six months for pets, just as dentists recommend for us. Good dental care is an important part of good overall health.
Other Home Care Products
Dental Diets (Science Diet T/D and Royal Canin DD)
These diets reduce tartar on the teeth.
Dental Spray
These products can be sprayed or squirted into the mouth. They are antibacterial and anti-plaque washes.
C.E.T. Rawhides from Virbac Animal Health are monolayer (single layer) rawhides which cannot unroll and cause obstruction in the GI tract.
Research has shown beneficial effects of chewing on rawhides may be as beneficial as brushing.
A relatively new product veterinarians are applying to puppy’s teeth is called FluraFom. It is a foam fluoride product which hardens the enamel of newly erupted teeth.
B Kramer DVM