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Your dog's teeth aren't just for chewing bones and stealing snacks. They need a little TLC too. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help ward off dental issues, improve your dog’s overall comfort and health, and even help prevent heart disease.
A staggering 80-90% of dogs over three suffer from periodontal disease, a gum disease which affects up to 80 to 90 percent of dogs over the age of three. In serious cases, it can even lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, regular brushing can help prevent this painful condition.
Brushing a dog's teeth might feel overwhelming, especially if you have never attempted it before. Arm yourself with knowledge about canine oral hygiene to make brushing a breeze for both you and your furry friend.
How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
For optimum preventative results, vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth once or twice a day. But the minimum recommended brushing requirement is just three times a week. Plague takes several days to harden and brushing any less than this may increase the chance of gum disease or tooth loss down the line.
Once brushing is introduced, even in small amounts, you can try building up to daily brushing. In the meantime, brushing your dog’s teeth three times a week is better than not brushing at all. It can still help reduce bacteria in their mouths to improve oral health.
Preparing to Brush your Dog’s Teeth
Before you get started, invest in the right tools. Your furry friend's dental health requires special care, so choose a toothbrush and toothpaste tailored to their needs.
Toothpaste
Never use human toothpaste for your dog. Ingredients like fluoride can be toxic if swallowed, and dogs cannot spit out toothpaste like humans. Instead, explore your local pet store for tasty, safe toothpastes, like chicken, seafood, or beef.
Toothbrush
Dog toothbrushes are available in all shapes and sizes, including those that fit over your finger and provide more leverage and control, and soft-bristle, angled brushes, to help with hard-to-reach areas.
Just like with humans, there is no one size that fits all. You may need to experiment until you find the design and flavor that works best.
Creating the Right Environment
A comfortable and stress-free environment will help things run smoothly, for you and your dog. Choose a quiet, familiar space. Pick a convenient time, as it is best to brush at the same time every day. Be positive and calm when introducing the toothbrush.
How do I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
The right brushing technique will help keep things comfortable and efficient. Try following the tips:
Hold your small dog firmly in your lap, facing away from you. Sit your larger dog beside you, where you can easily reach their mouth.
Before applying to the brush, let your dog try some toothpaste from your finger.
Gently hold your dog’s lips away from his teeth. Lightly brush the teeth in a back-and-forth motion, focusing on the back teeth and gum line.
It may take several sessions before your dog is comfortable with brushing further back in their mouth. In the meantime, focus on the large canine teeth where plaque often accumulates.
Make sure to reward your dog with treats!
If possible, begin bruising your dog’s teeth when they’re a puppy. But don’t worry if your dog is mature - it’s never too late to form new habits!
Other Ways to Clean Dogs Teeth
While regular teeth brushing is the most effective way to protect your dog’s oral health, there are other things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy:
Dental Chews: Dental chews are treats specially designed with ridges and bumps which can help prevent tartar buildup.
Water additives: Like mouthwash for dogs, water additives are easy to use and can reduce the number of bacteria in your dog’s mouth.
Dental wipes: Wipes can be a good option for dogs that struggle with brushing. They help to remove some of the film that can cling to teeth and cause dental issues.
Chews, wipes, and additives can be beneficial alongside regular brushing, but should not be used as substitutions.
Help! My Dog Has Dental Problems
If you see signs of yellow-brown buildup on the teeth, bleeding or puffy gums, or a cracked tooth, while brushing your dog’s teeth, seek veterinary help. Yellow-brown buildup often indicates an excess of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. Puffy gums may mean blood vessels are inflamed and indicate plaque build-up. A professional can get to the bottom of the issue and safely perform any necessary procedures.
Pet Insurance for When Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Isn’t Enough
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, successful prevention of gum disease also includes an annual professional checkup. Unfortunately, regular at-home dental care often isn’t enough to keep gum disease at bay, especially in smaller breeds and older dogs - those most at risk of periodontal disease.
Finding the right pet dental insurance helps keep dental costs as low as possible and means you won’t need to compromise on recommended treatments thanks to prohibitive costs. With a comprehensive plan, you can receive reimbursement for a wide range of dental procedures, including tooth extractions, root canals, and oral surgeries. This can help alleviate the financial burden of unexpected dental emergencies.
While pet insurance is a valuable tool, it’s important to note that it doesn’t cover the cost of teeth cleanings and other routine dental care. To ensure your dog's optimal dental health, consider adding an optional non-insurance pet wellness plan to your policy. This can help cover the cost of preventative care, including dental cleanings, reducing the risk of more serious dental issues down the line.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy
It’s not always easy, but maintaining a regular brushing routine will help protect your dog from gum disease, tooth loss, and periodontal disease. Getting started can be hard, but with patience and love, it will get easier.
Keeping your dog's mouth healthy between vet checkups is integral for your dog's overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, oral disease is common in dogs, but opting for the right dog insurance can help give you peace of mind.
So, the next time your pup gingerly steals a piece of bacon from your plate, remember that those teeth are for more than chewing bones and stealing snacks. They're part of their overall health and wellness. By simply brushing their teeth regularly, you're investing in a brighter, healthier future for your furry friend—filled with countless puppy smiles.