
Dental Hygiene
If you’ve ever been unlucky enough to have tooth ache, gum disease or even a dreaded root canal, you’ll know just how unbearable it is to suffer from these inflictions. As many as 80% of dogs face these same issues
Why is it so important for dogs to have healthy teeth and gums? Just as in humans, plaque occurs naturally for dogs collecting on the surface of teeth and under the gum line. Food particles and bacteria combine in the mouth to create plaque which, over time, transforms into calculus. Plaque itself is difficult to see, but after a while it calcifies and develops into tartar a hard, brown/yellow stain or deposit on the tooth. Plaque and tartar can lead to a whole range of issues like gingivitis, pyorrhoea, cavities and periodontitis. If these issues are left to develop not only are they incredibly painful but can evolve into something serious. Pre-emptive action is the best way to avoid these issues and introducing a simple daily routine will lead to healthy and happy
With that all said, how do we keep on top of our pets dental hygiene? Here are a few key ways you can do your part to keep their teeth shining and breath smelling less awful.
The first and simplest step to helping your pets dental hygiene starts with their diet. Like for humans, unhealthy foods can damage canine teeth and gums. That’s why it’s important then to choose a high-quality food with high meat content, grain-free and natural ingredients which will help develop and reduce the damage on your pets teeth. When it comes to what type of food to feed, there isn’t as much one type has an advantage over the other. This can be raw, wet or dry kibble. The key thing will always be check the ingredients, especially making sure there are no sugars or excessive amounts of carbs.
One of the best ways for dealing with your pets dental health head on is good old fashioned tooth brushing with a specially designed pet toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste. The type of toothbrush you use depends on the size of your dog and on your own dexterity. At first using a finger brush, if small to medium dog, can help both yourself get confident in the brushing exercise and also get your pet use to the feeling of the brushing experience. When more confident or starting off with a big dog you can go for a normal pet toothbrush. While getting your dog use to the idea of brushing at first can be a challenge, if approached in a calm and confident manner it will take no time for your pet to relax and become trusting when brushing in their mouth. A good technique is if you can start the back brushing softly in circular motions over the teeth and gum line and work to the front. 30 seconds a side for the top and the same on the bottom is a good guide for a regular clean. It will take time for it to become a more routine thing, but if you make teeth cleaning either a every other, or even daily event, then you’ll be able to prevent any damaging build-up of plague and ensure long lasting healthy gums for your pet.
However, if you only have a short amount of time to spare, dog dental powder supplements are an alternative solution. These powders, like Plaque off and TartarX, are a mixture of powdered seaweed, kelp and other freshening herbs. There a quick and easy way to take care of your dog’s teeth, which can be used alone or in between brushings. These powders kill plaque-causing bacteria to make your dog’s breath smell fresh. In addition to odor-eliminating effect, can also remove and prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Most powders are simple to use: they simply just need to added to their food. While not as direct as brushing, these supplements act as a great indirect alternative or indeed addition for you pets dental hygiene.
Additionally, Dog dental chews are another great way of helping to clean your dog’s teeth while also stimulating your dog’s natural cravings for a tasty treat. Dog dental chews come in different sizes and shapes, and feature ridges and nubs that dig into crevices between a dog’s teeth to encourage blood flow through the gums. The hollow shapes and spaces allow dogs to better grip and chew more evenly. Although be wary when selecting dental chews. Sadly there are many dental products which market themselves as being designed for dental hygiene, but exactly the same as with diet, what ingredients their made of matters. Many cheap supermarket brands, when looking at the back of the packet, will highlight a dental chew full of harmful ingredients like sugar, excessive fatty meat derivatives and carbs. It is advisable to actually gain any benefit from dental chews either stick with veggie based dental designs, like Whimzees, or long lasting high quality meat treats. Indeed for adult dogs antlers can also be a suitable dental chew. Really anything that keeps them chewing and gets any leftover bits out between the teeth are all fantastic in helping you pet keep on top of their dental hygiene.
As well all know, keep our teeth clean is forever an on-going battle, but as we’re all been told by parents and dentists alike of the benefits of dental hygiene, well now you know the importance of looking after your pets teeth.
Leave a comment