Brush Your Dog’s Teeth To Prevent Periodontal Disease

Do you love your furry friend? Of course you do.

Do you want your dog to live a long, healthy, and happy life? Absolutely!

Brushing your dog’s teeth will help it to have a long and healthy life. If a dog has bad teeth then all kinds of bad health problems can happen, such as plaque build up, the formation of tartar, and gum disease. Plaque occurs when food particles and bacteria accumulate on the teeth. If not removed by brushing your dog’s teeth, then plaque can harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar may lead to gingivitis which is gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by gum bleeding, redness, and inflammation. Plaque, tartar, and gingivitis can cause very serious health issues for your dog. They may lead to periodontal disease. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth To Prevent Periodontal Disease!

Periodontal disease is a serious condition that occurs when the tissue around the dog’s teeth is damaged. That can lead to tooth loss or bacteria entering the blood stream. Bacteria in the blood can have a terrible affect on your dog’s vital organs and cause heart disease (specifically endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart’s inner lining), kidney disease, or liver disease. All these diseases can be deadly to your dog, they can unnecessarily cut your dog’s life short.

That sounds horrible doesn’t it? Yes, it does. No one wants their much loved dog, a member of your family, to suffer from these awful life-threatening diseases.

But there is GOOD NEWS! These dental health problems are largely preventable if you take action to stop periodontal disease in your dog by properly brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis.

How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth To Prevent Periodontal Disease

The chances of your dog having plaque, tartar, gingivitis, or periodontal disease can be greatly lessened if you brush its teeth. You can help prevent these conditions by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and practicing proper dog dental care by using special dog toothpaste and brushes, plus giving your dog dental chew treats. Early intervention and consistent care on your part can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and reduce the risk of these serious dental health complications.

Our Teeth Are Not the Same As a Dog’s Teeth

When you brush your dog’s teeth you must use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Human toothpaste can be harmful to pets because dogs cannot spit it out like we do with human toothpaste. If your dog swallows human toothpaste it can harm your dog. Human toothpaste and dog toothpaste are not the same. Each has its own purpose, so get a toothpaste made for dogs. There are dog toothbrushes that work better on dogs than human toothbrushes might. Giving your dog dental chews, chew toys designed to reduce plaque and tartar, and feeding it a diet that promotes oral health can help prevent dental disease.

Here are some good suggestions for dog toothbrushes and a dental gel/toothpaste:

TropiClean Fresh Breath Triple Flex Toothbrush for Dogs Small
From TropiClean: “Our TripleFlex Toothbrush cleans 3x faster with its 360-degree bristles for an easy clean.”

A toothbrush made for small dogs: TropiClean Fresh Breath Triple Flex Toothbrush for Dogs Small

TropiClean Fresh Breath Triple Flex Toothbrush for Dogs Large
From TropiClean: “Our TripleFlex Toothbrush cleans 3x faster with its 360-degree bristles for an easy clean.”

A smart toothbrush choice for larger dogs: TropiClean Fresh Breath Triple Flex Toothbrush for Dogs Large

Zymox Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Therapy Dental Gel for Dogs 2.5 oz
From Zymox: “Veterinarian recommended. Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel is a clear gel form which provides maximum enzyme contact to keep pet?s teeth and gums clean and fresh. Oratene Toothpaste Gel utilizes over 40 years of enzyme technology with the patented LP3 Enzyme System that is the most complete, natural multi-complex available to support normal periodontal health. Recommended for all pets in need of gentle, non-drying everyday oral care. May be applied with a toothbrush or finger. Does not require brushing. Pleasant tasting. Does not contain Xylitol, alcohol, chlorhexidine, dyes, or detergent.”

This enzymatic dental toothpaste gel is great for your dog’s dental health: Zymox Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Therapy Dental Gel for Dogs 2.5 oz

Instead of nasty dental disease, wouldn’t you prefer for your dog to have a bright, white smile and fresh breath? You’ll be happy when your dog’s dental health is good and healthy and pain-free. Brushing you dog’s teeth can accomplish this, its good for your dog and you!

Here is how to get started brushing your dog’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease:

1. Gather Supplies

You will need:

•  A finger toothbrush. Small dogs and puppies may be nervous about having their teeth brushed with a toothbrush. A finger toothbrush is easier for them to handle at first than a dog toothbrush.
• A dog toothbrush. There are dog toothbrushes designed to work better on a dog’s teeth and be gentle on their gums. Needless to say, you don’t want to share a toothbrush with your dog. Yuck!
• A dog-specific toothpaste. Get one that has enzymes to help break down plaque and tartar.
• Dog dental chews and chew treats. These can help to remove plaque and tartar between brushings.

Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Finger Brush 2 Count 2 Count
From Nylabone: “Our vet-recommended Advanced Oral Care Dog Finger Brush makes teeth cleaning easy for you and your pup! This dog dental care solution helps you reach those tricky areas in your pet’s mouth where plaque and tartar love to hide. All you have to do is slip on the dental finger brush and start scrubbing! Each brush also features soft, flexible bristles that are gentle on the gums and teeth. When used regularly with your dog dental health routine, this toothbrush can help prevent the risk of periodontal disease and improve overall oral wellness.”

Here is a 2 count dog finger brush package I like:  Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Finger Brush 2 Count

2. Introduce Your Dog to Having Its Teeth Brushed

Toothpaste is probably something new to your dog so first it will have to get used to it. Put a dab of the dog toothpaste on your fingertip and let your dog lick it off. Dog toothpaste is usually flavored with a taste and a smell appealing to dogs. Use as many fingertip dabs as you think is necessary, you know your dog and you can tell when he or she is OK with the toothpaste taste and smell. After the fingertip dab then try some more dabs on the dog’s teeth and gums. Go slow and gently and let the dog discover that it likes the toothpaste.

3. Begin Brushing the Dog’s Teeth

Once your dog is comfortable with the smell and taste of the toothpaste, and having its mouth touched, start to brush their teeth with the toothbrush. Let your dog gradually get used to the toothbrush, it will be a new experience for your dog. Brush the dog’s teeth in a familiar and quiet place where the dog is comfortable. A place where dog stress is less is best. You could have a small dog on your lap with its head facing away from you. A large dog could be placed next to you in a chair. Brushing your dog’s teeth might be a bit messy, it all depends on your dog. I had a basset hound that would drool when I brushed his teeth. Have a paper towel or other wipes nearby to mop up if needed.

Zymox Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Therapy Dental Gel for Dogs 2.5 oz
From Zymox: “Veterinarian recommended. Oratene Brushless Toothpaste Gel is a clear gel form which provides maximum enzyme contact to keep pet?s teeth and gums clean and fresh. Oratene Toothpaste Gel utilizes over 40 years of enzyme technology with the patented LP3 Enzyme System that is the most complete, natural multi-complex available to support normal periodontal health. Recommended for all pets in need of gentle, non-drying everyday oral care. May be applied with a toothbrush or finger. Does not require brushing. Pleasant tasting. Does not contain Xylitol, alcohol, chlorhexidine, dyes, or detergent.”

This enzymatic dental toothpaste gel is great choice for your dog’s dental health: Zymox Brushless Enzymatic Oral Care Therapy Dental Gel for Dogs 2.5 oz

Don’t force the dog’s mouth open. Lift the dog’s lip and brush the outer teeth surface and the gum. Use gentle and circular toothbrush motions on a few teeth at a time. Brush all the way around the teeth and then move on to the inside of the teeth. Be sure to brush the back teeth. Remember, go slow!

4. Reward Your Dog

 

After you have completed brushing your dog’s teeth then give it a reward. Give the dog a treat, cheerfully praise it, play with your dog, maybe take it for a car ride if it enjoys that, or take your dog for a walk. The idea is to get the dog to associate the toothbrushing with a positive experience.

 

Some Dog Toothbrushing Tips

• It’s best to begin brushing your dog’s teeth when it is a puppy. Puppies will get used to it faster than older dogs but older dogs need toothbrushing too.
• Have a regular schedule to brush your dog’s teeth. Don’t give up. It is important for your dog’s health, well being, and happiness.
• Be patient, calm, and gentle when brushing your dog’s teeth. Your dog will sense if you are uptight when brushing its teeth and that will only cause it stress. You don’t want that. Give the dog time to get used to the toothbrushing and keep your cool!
• Give your dog chews that are edible and chew toys. They will help get rid of plaque and tartar and dogs love them.
• Feed your dog healthy food, this will help their dental and overall health.
• Regularly take your dog to a veterinarian. Routine professional veterinary check-ups are essential for your dog’s dental and overall health. A veterinarian can examine your pet and suggest or prescribe solutions tailored to your pet’s health. Many vets will send you notifications of when your dog is due for a visit.

TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit for Dogs Puppy
From TropiClean: “Oral care is about more than making your pets? smiles sparkle—it?s an important component of their overall health. In fact, 80% of dogs begin to show signs of oral disease by age 3. Our Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit includes our TripleFlex Toothbrush, Finger Brush and our Brushing Gel for Dogs. Our Brushing Gel for Dogs is infused with green tea leaf extract that naturally defends against plaque and tartar and clings to their teeth for a superior clean. Our TripleFlex Toothbrush cleans 3x faster with its easy 360-degree bristles. Also included is our Finger Brush which allows you to gently clean helping dissolve plaque and tartar. Clean teeth, healthy mouth, happy dog.”

Your puppy will benefit from this dental care kit: TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit for Dogs Puppy

 

You love your furry friend. By regularly brushing your dog’s teeth you will help it to have good dental health and to live a long healthy and happy life. That will be good for you too!