The Surprising Importance of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
When it comes to our canine companions, most owners understandably focus more on feeding, walking, and playing with their dogs. However, an area that is often overlooked is dental care. According to veterinarians, a shocking 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age 3. Just like humans, poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to gum disease, infections, tooth loss, and even issues in other parts of the body.
The old myth that dogs’ teeth naturally stay clean and healthy is simply not true. While canine saliva does contain antibacterial properties, it is not enough on its own to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease in most dogs. This is why a dental care routine focused on brushing is so critical.
In this article, we will explore why brushing your dog’s teeth is vitally important and provide tips to make it easier on both you and your pup. Proper dental care can help avoid costly dental procedures down the road and allow your dog to live a long and healthy life.
Why Brush Dogs’ Teeth
Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is important to prevent plaque buildup that can lead to tartar, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss. According to the BVSPCA, “Brushing is the most effective tool in decreasing plaque buildup before it mineralizes into tartar. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for that to happen.”
As the VCA explains, “Dental plaque begins forming on the teeth within hours of eating. Within days this plaque starts to mineralize into tartar that sticks to the teeth. Tartar buildup leads to infection in the surrounding gum tissue which can spread to the roots of the teeth.”
Brushing helps disrupt the plaque before it can harden into tartar. It also helps remove any existing tartar buildup. This prevents gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease. According to WebMD, regular brushing provides “the best chance of keeping your dog’s teeth healthy and plaque-free.”
In summary, diligent brushing keeps your dog’s teeth clean and plaque-free. This prevents mineralized tartar from accumulating and causing gum inflammation, infection, and tooth decay.
Potential Dental Problems
Some common dental problems dogs can face if their teeth are not properly cared for include:
Periodontal disease – This occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth. It can lead to inflamed gums, gum loss, bone loss, and tooth loss if left untreated. According to WebMD, periodontal disease affects over 80% of dogs by age 3 (1).
Tooth decay – Just like in humans, the sugar in dogs’ diets can interact with bacteria in the mouth and cause tooth decay. The acids produced can destroy tooth enamel, leading to infected teeth. Tooth decay is painful and can result in tooth loss if not treated.
Tooth loss – Severely infected, damaged, or decayed teeth may need to be extracted by a veterinarian. Missing teeth can impact chewing and lead to issues with the remaining teeth over time.
Infection – Untreated dental disease allows bacteria to proliferate in the mouth. This bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing infections in vital organs like the heart, kidneys and liver (1).
(1) https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/brushing-your-dogs-teeth-why-it-matters
When to Start Brushing
Veterinarians recommend starting dental care early, as soon as you bring your puppy home. Puppies have 28 baby teeth that start coming in around 3-4 weeks old. While these deciduous teeth will fall out, it’s still important to keep them clean. The Asheville Veterinary Hospital notes you can start toothbrush training with a puppy as young as 6 weeks old.
Brushing helps establish a dental routine and gets puppies used to having their teeth and mouth handled. It also removes food debris and plaque before it accumulates and hardens into tartar buildup. Tartar can lead to gum inflammation, cavities, and tooth loss. Starting young helps prevent these problems down the road. The puppy’s permanent teeth start emerging around 3-6 months old. The PetSmart training center recommends introducing tooth brushing once the permanent teeth have grown in, usually around 6 months old.
How to Brush Dogs’ Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth is an important part of their dental care routine. Proper supplies and technique are key to getting the job done right.
You’ll need a few supplies to get started brushing your dog’s teeth:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush made for dogs or a finger brush
- Dog-safe toothpaste – do not use human toothpaste!
- Treats to reward cooperation
When first introducing tooth brushing, go slowly and make it a positive experience for your dog. Let them lick a dab of toothpaste off your finger so they get used to the taste. Once they seem comfortable, lift their lips to expose their teeth and rub the brush in a circular motion along the gumline. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth first, then work your way to the inner surfaces once they get accustomed to it. Brush for around 2 minutes total each day, though even 30 seconds is beneficial if they won’t tolerate more at first. Reward with treats and praise throughout!
Be patient – it can take time for dogs to accept toothbrushing as part of their routine. But sticking with it and making it a calm, rewarding experience will pay off in their long-term dental health.
Sources:
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth,
Brushing your dog’s teeth
Making It Easy
Getting dogs comfortable with having their teeth brushed can take some time and patience. Here are some tips to help make it easier:[https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-brush-dog-teeth/](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-brush-dog-teeth/)
Start when your dog is young so they get used to it from the beginning. Introduce toothbrushing slowly and make it a positive experience with praise and treats. Establish a routine by brushing at the same time each day.
Let your dog taste their dog-safe toothpaste so they associate brushing with the yummy flavor. Give them a dental treat or chew after brushing as a reward.
Make it a two-person job by having someone gently hold the dog’s mouth open while you brush. Go slowly and keep sessions short in the beginning, gradually working up to one minute of brushing.
Use a finger brush or small toothbrush specifically designed for dogs. Pay extra attention to the back teeth and gumline where plaque builds up.
With positive reinforcement and patience, regular toothbrushing can become an easy part of your dog’s routine care.
Brushing Frequency
Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week to help prevent plaque buildup and tartar formation (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-in-dogs). Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is ideal, but even brushing a couple times a week can make a difference.
Some sources recommend brushing a minimum of once per week (https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/health-wellness/How-To-Brush-A-Dogs-Teeth-Why-Its-Important.html). While daily brushing is best, weekly brushing can still help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
The frequency may also depend on your dog’s unique oral health. Some dogs are more prone to dental disease and may need more frequent brushings. Check with your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your dog’s needs.
Alternatives to Brushing
While brushing your dog’s teeth is the gold standard for dental care, there are some alternatives that can help maintain your dog’s oral health if they don’t tolerate brushing well. Some popular alternatives include:
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Dental chews – These are treats formulated to scrape plaque and tartar off teeth as your dog chews. They are available in a variety of textures and flavors. According to The Strategist, veterinarians recommend the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews.
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Water additives – These are solutions added to your dog’s drinking water that contain enzymes to help prevent plaque buildup. The HuffPost recommends TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive.
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Dental sprays and gels – These products are applied directly to the teeth and contain anti-plaque agents. Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse is a veterinarian-recommended product according to The Strategist.
While these alternatives help, regular brushing is still the most effective way to clean your dog’s teeth. But dental chews, water additives, and sprays can help maintain dental health between professional cleanings and brushings.
Professional Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian are the gold standard for keeping a dog’s teeth healthy and plaque free. Most vets recommend bringing dogs in for a professional cleaning once a year starting around age 2-3. Small breed dogs may need yearly cleanings starting even earlier, around age 1, since they are prone to more dental issues.
During a professional dental cleaning, the vet will do a thorough cleaning above and below the gumline and will probe around each tooth to check for any signs of disease or infection. Any loose or infected teeth will be extracted. Cleanings remove the plaques and tarter buildup that regular tooth brushing can’t reach, and polish the teeth smooth.
Some vets advise professional dental cleanings every 6 months for dogs prone to more severe dental disease. Factors like genetics, diet, chewing habits, and overall dental hygiene play a role in how quickly plaque and tarter accumulates. For dogs with healthy teeth and gums, most vets find once a year sufficient. More frequent professional cleanings may be needed for dogs with dental disease or advanced periodontal disease.
Yearly professional dental cleanings help prevent plaque buildup that can lead to dental disease, infections, tooth loss, and even problems in other organs like the heart, kidneys and liver. They are an important investment in a dog’s health. Many pet dental insurance plans can offset some of the costs of routine professional cleanings.
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Conclusion
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is an essential part of maintaining their health and wellbeing. Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health issues down the road. By starting a tooth brushing routine early and sticking to it, you can ensure your dog’s teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come. Brushing just a few times a week can remove plaque and tartar to prevent dental disease. It also gives you a chance to inspect their mouth for any problems. If brushing isn’t feasible, consider dental chews or professional cleanings. While it may take time and patience to get your dog comfortable with brushing, it is well worth the effort to protect their oral health. Don’t wait until dental problems arise–start a dental care routine today to keep your canine companion happy and healthy.