Take a Bite Out of Dental Health

We all know that pets make our world a better place. They provide us with many positive things, and most of us cannot imagine our lives without our pets.

But let’s face it, as with everything, there are sometimes things we enjoy a little less about pet ownership. Maybe it’s having to pick up your pet’s poop. Maybe it’s having to vacuum up all the hair they leave around. Or maybe it’s the bad breath coming from that mouth as you try to sneak in your morning cuddles. Talk about morning breath, right?

Bad breath and dental disease are common! Up to 90% of dogs are diagnosed with dental disease, and this can have detrimental effects on the overall health of our pets! Fortunately, dental disease is also preventable and - in its early stages - reversible.

So, what can we do to reduce the risk of dental disease?

Veterinary Care

First, if you are concerned your dog has dental disease, it's time to visit your veterinarian! A good oral examination involves a preliminary assessment of the teeth, looking for signs of tartar, gingivitis, oral masses, and broken or loose teeth.

However, if you've ever tried looking in your dog's mouth, you'll know they aren't always cooperative. That is why a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment should be performed under general anesthesia by a veterinarian. Your veterinary team can inspect all oral tissues, scale and polish the teeth, evaluate the spacing between the gums and the teeth, and perform any necessary treatment (such as removal of diseased and painful teeth).

Brushing

Have you ever experienced that fuzzy feeling on your teeth? That's plaque, which starts to form on teeth within 20 minutes of eating. Brushing helps remove plaque, which if left unchecked will harden to form tartar. You may have seen this solid, egg shell-like material on your dog's teeth. Tartar develops five times faster in dogs than it does in humans, so prevention is key!

So how often should we brush our pet's teeth? Just like in humans, daily brushing is the most effective way to help remove plaque and prevent tartar.

When should we brush? Brushing removes plaque, not tartar. If your dog has advanced dental disease and you can see tartar, brushing will not be effective in removing this hardened material. After you dog has been seen by a veterinarian and their teeth are nicely cleaned up, brushing will be an excellent step in keeping those teeth as pearly white as possible.

If possible, try to introduce brushing to puppies. Even though they do not get their adult teeth until 4-6 months of age, it is important for them to become comfortable with the process. Older dogs can also be introduced to teeth brushing, just be sure to go slowly and use lots of praise or treats to keep the experience a positive one.

For help on introducing teeth brushing to your dog, check out our step-by-step guide.