When you don’t brush your teeth, problems naturally ensue.
Just like their human companions, pets are prone to cavities and other dental health problems.
Smaller dogs, as well as those of older age, are more likely to develop this condition.
The disease starts as gingivitis, or gum inflammation, and can become chronic over time.
Aging and nutritional deficiencies seem to play a major role in its onset.
Moreover, dogs' saliva is more alkaline than that of humans, which promotes plaque buildup, perWebMD.
Dental plaque accumulation can lead to bacteria growth, which in turn may cause gum inflammation and tooth loss.
Daily tooth brushing, on the other hand, can reduce or eliminate the need for professional dental cleanings.
Plus, they simply may not realize the risk of dental disease (viaFrontiers in Veterinary Science).
TheMSD Veterinary Manualrecommends brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis.
Note that tooth brushingmay exacerbate painin dogs with swollen gums.
Additionally, it doesn’t remove hardened dental plaque, or calculus.
In such cases, it’s best to ask your vet for specific recommendations.
For starters, always ensureyou’re not using the wrong toothpaste.
TheAmerican Kennel Clubrecommends Petsmile, Virbac, Vetoquinal, and other brands that use vet-approved ingredients.
Some brands offer dental kits that include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other supplies, too.
Later, you’ve got the option to venture to rub some toothpaste on their lips and gums.
Give them a treat when you’re done.
Repeat this step for a couple of days before transitioning to a soft bristle toothbrush.
Pull their lips back and brush the surface of their teeth.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and move fast to prevent your pet from getting bored.
Do it for a few seconds at a time and increase the duration over the next few weeks.
Remember to praise your pet and reward them with treats for sitting still.
If you have two or more dogs, use a different toothbrush for each pet.
Alternatively, it’s possible for you to buy one with replaceable heads and switch them as needed.
