Can I clean my dog’s teeth?

Video: How I clean my dogs teeth. (Havanese and Coton de Tulear)

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is a good habit to get into. It’s important to avoid tooth decay, plague buildup and gum disease by taking preventative steps. These issues can lead to infection and other complications.

Dental problems can develop as early as 2 or 3 years after birth. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert to do routine tooth care on your dog. Careful cleaning of canine teeth has many benefits.

That said, maintaining the mouth of a dog is somewhat different from how we care for our own. The type of toothpaste that’s used is one thing that stands out. Let’s bite into (pun intended) how can you ensure proper dog dental care.

Can I Clean My Dog’s Teeth? Answer: Yes, you should!

Dental diseases are unlikely to develop if you keep up with maintenance. Use the following tips for taking care of your dog’s mouth.

Video: Scraping tartar off a dog's teeth with a dental pik

Dental Care Tips for Dogs

Dry foods such as a kibble diet actually help to keep a dog’s teeth clean. This type of food is abrasive which naturally has the effect of keeping off a typical food coating which tends to linger from wet dog food consumption.

Brush your dog’s teeth, especially their gums, with a special animal-formulated toothpaste at least 3 or 4 times per week. This will prevent periodontal disease which is a real headache because it requires lots of care. Do this while your dog is young to head off any issues before they develop. Prevention is key when it comes to dental hygiene.

Everyday Teeth Tips

Don’t allow your dog to chew on things that are harder than their teeth. This includes real bones because they can either break a tooth or splinter causing cuts inside the mouth. Never ever use mouthwash.

Video: How to Brush a Dog's Teeth With Baking Soda Paste

Also, the foaming action in regular toothpaste doesn’t make sense for dogs as they can’t spit, gargle or rinse properly after use.

Get the Right Supplies

Do yourself a favor and pick up a few quality canine toothbrushes and also a well-regarded toothpaste specifically designed for dogs. To same money, you can make your own toothpaste by mixing water and baking soda or potassium chloride. Just don’t use regular toothpaste!

Best Cleaning Technique

While lifting the lips to expose their teeth, apply a generous amount of toothpaste designed for dogs on a 45-degree angle all along the gum line. Alternatively, you can wrap your finger around gauze or a cloth and rub these same important spots in a circular way. Don’t be so rough since the gums can bleed if you apply too much pressure.

You can actually clean most of the key areas without even opening your dog’s mouth. Focus primary on where the gums meet each tooth. This is called the Gingival Sulcus. Reaching those areas is an smart preventative measure for your dog’s health, quality of life and your wallet.

Schedule Periodic Cleanings

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is something you should do without fail. However, it doesn’t eliminate the need for a more comprehensive cleaning to be performed by a veterinarian. A thorough teeth cleaning usually requires the dog to be anesthetized.

An instrument called a curette, or an ultrasonic scaler, scrapes build-up and tartar from the dog’s teeth at or near the gum line. When the work is all done, they’ll polish the teeth and rinse out their mouth to remove loose plaque or diseased tissue found during the cleaning process.

Conclusion on Dental Health

Bad breath is common in canines and so preventative care is crucial. Terrible dog breath is usually the result of Gingivitis and gum disease. Be proactive and do routine teeth cleaning. This will keep your dog smelling their best as well as fortify dental health. Investing in your pet’s well-being with preventative steps and making regular vet visits pays off in the end. Maintaining healthy teeth can be a rewarding part of dog ownership.

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