Sure, most people know that they should brush their dog's teeth. But how many people know how to actually go about brushing their dog's teeth? And what about other dental care for dogs?
In this post, we'll go over everything you need to know about dog dental care. From brushing your dog's teeth to dental problems, we've got you covered! So, whether you're a first-time pet parent or just looking for more information on the topic, read on for all the details.
1) Dental care is important for your dog's health, just as it is for humans. Like us, dogs can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems if they don't get regular dental care.
2) There are a few things you can do at home to help keep your dog's teeth healthy. Regular brushing is key, as is providing them with chew toys and treats that help clean their teeth.
3) If your dog does develop dental problems, there are a number of treatments available, including dental cleaning, surgery, and even root canal therapy.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
The answer may surprise you. While the number of teeth varies depending on the breed of dog, the average dog has 42 teeth. That's more than double the number of teeth humans have!
Interestingly, puppies are born without teeth. They start to grow their first set of teeth, called "milk teeth," at around four weeks old. By the time they're 6-8 months old, they should have all of their adult teeth.
So the next time you're wondering how many teeth dogs have, remember that the answer is 42!
Dental Disease in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental diseases. In fact, according to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, over 80% of dogs over the age of three have some form of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up on the teeth and gums, which leads to infection and inflammation. Dental disease will cause pain, tooth loss, and other serious health problems if left untreated.
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs
The most common signs of dental disease in dogs are bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, bleeding gums, and decreased appetite. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your dog to the vet for a checkup. Only a professional can determine if your dog has dental disease and what treatment is necessary.
Treating Dental Disease in Dogs
The treatment for dental disease will depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, your vet may recommend a teeth cleaning and an at-home oral care regimen. More serious cases may require tooth extractions or other dental procedures.
Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs
The best way to prevent dental disease is to practice good oral care at home. This includes brushing daily with canine-specific toothpaste and regular visits to the vet for professional cleanings. You should also avoid giving your dog hard chew toys as these can damage their teeth over time.
Factors That Cause Dental Diseases
There are two main types of dental disease in dogs: periodontal disease and tooth resorption.
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Tartar is plaque that has hardened onto the teeth. If left unchecked, plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can then progress to periodontitis, a more serious inflammation of the gum tissue. This can damage the bones and tissues around the teeth.
Tooth resorption is a condition where the tooth's enamel deteriorates, exposing the soft inner dentin layer of the tooth. Tooth resorption can be caused by genetics, trauma, or infection.
Several factors can increase a dog's risk of developing dental disease, including poor oral hygiene, genetics, certain health conditions (such as diabetes), and age. Here are some tips for preventing dental disease in your dog:
- Brush your dog's teeth regularly with dog toothpaste for pets
- Feed your dog high-quality dog food
- Give your dog rawhide chews or chew toys
- Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups and cleanings
- Have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist every one to two years
How Can I Tell if My Dog Has Dental Disease?
There are several signs of dental disease in dogs. As we mentioned above, these include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, bleeding gums, and decreased appetite. If you notice these signs, you must take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
BAD BREATH CAN INDICATE DENTAL ISSUES
Not only does bad breath smell unpleasant, but it can also be a sign of more serious health problems. Dental disease is the most common cause of bad breath in dogs, so if your dog has persistent bad breath, make sure you get them checked out.
DISCOLORED GUMS MAY SIGNIFY DISCOMFORT
If you notice that your dog's gums are a different colour than usual, this may be a sign of dental disease. If the gums are red, inflamed, or bleeding, this is a sign of gingivitis, and you should take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
YOUR DOG STOPS EATING
If your dog is experiencing dental problems, he may stop eating altogether. This is because dogs with dental disease often have a decreased appetite due to the pain they're experiencing. If your dog isn't eating as much as usual or refuses to eat altogether, take him to the vet for a checkup.
IS YOUR DOG’S MOUTH SENSITIVE TO TOUCH?
If your dog's mouth is sensitive to touch, it may be a sign of dental disease. Dogs with dental disease often have inflamed and sensitive gums. If your dog seems to flinch or recoil when you try to touch his mouth, don’t ignore it.
EXCESSIVE DROOLING CAN INDICATE A PROBLEM
If your dog is drooling more than usual, it may be a sign of dental disease. Dogs with dental disease often have inflamed and sensitive gums, leading to excessive drooling. If you notice your dog is drooling more than usual, it’s best to get him checked out by a vet.
DISCOLORED OR SCALY TEETH AREN’T GOOD
Dogs with dental disease may also have discoloured or scaly teeth. If you notice your dog's teeth look different than usual, it’s time to see the vet.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth
Regular brushing is the key to keeping your dog's mouth clean and healthy.
Start by getting your dog used to having his mouth touched. Begin by touching his lips, and then work your way up to touch his teeth. Once your dog is comfortable with you touching his teeth, you can start brushing them with dog toothpaste.
Brush in a circular motion, making sure to clean all of the surfaces of the teeth. Finish by giving your dog a rawhide chew or chew toy to help keep his teeth clean.
CREATE A RELAXING ENVIRONMENT FOR TOOTHBRUSHING
One of the most important things to remember when brushing your dog's teeth is to create a relaxing environment. Make sure you can take your time. If your dog is anxious or stressed, it will be difficult to brush his teeth properly.
GET YOUR DOG COMFORTABLE BEFORE YOU BEGIN
To get your dog comfortable, have him sit or lie down in a calm and relaxed environment. Once he's comfortable, begin petting him and giving him positive reinforcement. This will help him stay calm and relaxed while you brush his teeth.
USE THE RIGHT TOOLS
Once your dog is comfortable, brush his teeth with the right tools. Choose the tool that is easiest for you to use and that your dog is comfortable with. You may want to try a dog toothbrush, finger brush, or use a water hose.
BRUSH IN A CIRCULAR MOTION
Using a circular motion will help clean all of the surfaces of his teeth. Be sure to brush the inside surfaces of his teeth as well as the outside surfaces.
FINISH BY GIVING HIM A CHEW TOY
Finish by giving your dog a chew toy to help keep his teeth clean
The Benefits of Chew Toys for Dogs' Dental Health
If you're a pet owner, you’ll know taking care of your furry friend's health is important. And that includes their dental health! Did you know that chew toys can help your dog's dental health? Here are some of the best benefits of chew toys and how they can keep your dog's teeth healthy and strong.
Chew toys are great for dogs for a number of reasons. First, they help to keep teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar buildup. Chew toys also massage the gums and keep them healthy.
Additionally, chewing on a toy can reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. And last but not least, chew toys are simply fun! They provide a source of entertainment and can help to keep your dog amused for hours on end.
When choosing a chew toy for your dog, it's important to pick one made of durable material. High-quality toys will last longer and won’t get chewed up and swallowed by your pup (which could be dangerous).
It's also a good idea to choose a toy specifically designed for dental health; these toys often have nubs or bumps that help to clean teeth and massage gums as your dog chews.
Chew toys are a great way to help keep your dog's mouth clean and healthy. Your pup will love their new chew toy—and you'll love knowing that their teeth are getting the care they need!
Dental Support for Dogs
Our Clean Canines daily dental powder delivers a rich combination of vitamins and minerals that work together to fight plaque and tartar buildup. Our no-fuss, no-brush formula makes it easy to keep the fussiest of dogs’ mouths clean and breath fresh, especially in those hard-to-reach areas.
- Helps target bacteria and the buildup of plaque and tartar
- Effectively keeps your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh
- Quick, stress-free alternative to brushing your dog's teeth
Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet
The first step to feeding your dog a healthy diet is to avoid giving them table scraps, as this will add unwanted calories that can contribute to weight gain. Instead, you should incorporate dog-friendly foods such as lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains into their diet. A good way to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrients he needs is to consult with a vet.
Another important part of dog teeth hygiene is maintaining a regular brushing routine. This helps to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on their teeth and can also freshen their breath. Keep in mind that it's important to use dog-specific toothpaste as regular human toothpaste can be harmful to them.
Use Teeth Cleaning Toys and Treats
Teeth-cleaning toys and treats can also help to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. There are many different types of toys and treats available, so be sure to choose the ones your dog enjoys the most. Some good options include dental chews, chew bones, and rubber dog toys.
FAQs
How can I keep their teeth healthy?
Brush!
The best way to keep your dog's teeth healthy is to brush them regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. If you're not sure how to start, ask your vet for a demonstration. You should aim to brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times per week.
What can I do to improve my dog’s breath?
While it’s normal for your dog to have some level of bad breath, if you’re noticing a significant change or if the odour is particularly foul, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. The first step is to talk to your vet, who can rule out any medical causes and provide guidance on improving your dog’s breath.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help freshen up your dog’s breath.
Start by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with canine-specific toothpaste. You can also give your dog crunchy dental chews or bones to help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Finally, make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water and getting enough exercise. With a little effort, you can help improve your dog’s breath and keep them healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
- Daily tooth brushing is the best way to keep your pet's teeth healthy. You can start by brushing your dog's teeth daily with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Alternatively, brushing your dog's teeth by using your finger to follow the gum line may help their dental health.
- Don't feed your dog bones, as these can damage your dog's teeth. Helping your dog maintain a healthy mouth should be a top priority.