Keeping your dog healthy, like keeping yourself healthy, is important for a happy life, and there are a variety of details that need to be taken care of in order to keep the entire body healthy and happy. Once of these areas that needs particular interest is the mouth, and teeth. Dog’s use their mouths and teeth to explore the world, eat, drink, carry things, rip things apart, most any other thing physical than they do (other than moving around). So, it is important to keep their teeth, and mouths healthy. To do so, dogs require the regular brushing of their teeth.
Like their human pals, brushing of the dog’s teeth can help:
- prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar
- prevent the development of gingivitis and gum disease
- catch any physical problems like chipping of teeth
Unlike humans, dogs don’t show any reaction to pain or discomfort caused by gum disease or dental pain. They just go about their business as if nothing is wrong, even if their mouth is full of problems. So problems can go unnoticed for a long time if regular brushing does not happen.
Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth (and Mouth) Healthy
So, you would like to keep your dog’s teeth clean. Should you just grab your toothbrush and toothpaste and tackle your dog’s dental health? Certainly, not! Here is how you can keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
- Dental exams are the most important part of keeping your dog’s teeth healthy. Contact your veterinarian to arrange a dental checkup.
- Keep your dog’s teeth healthy from puppyhood, and they will enjoy their regular brushing of the teeth once they are an adult.
- Use toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs.
- It is important to pay close attention to the back teeth, especially the ones on the upper jaw, as they are the ones most likely to experience problems.
- When brushing, take it easy, and don’t place too much force on the teeth and gums, as you can cause damage from hard brushing.
Some of the benefits of a Clean & Healthy Mouth
Aside from a healthy dog, brushing her teeth regularly has other benefits as well.
- Better Breath: Regular brushing can keep your dog’s breath smelling better. It won’t be minty fresh, but it also won’t stink.
- Less Costly: Keeping your dog’s teeth clean through regular brushing will help prevent other diseases, which may end up costing you a pretty penny.
- Keep the Pain Away: Since your dog won’t come to you complaining about dental pain, you can rest easy that he is most likely not feeling any dental pain by regular brushing. He won’t suffer in silence.
If you are not comfortable with handling your dog’s muzzle and mouth, or if your dog is not cooperative, then make sure to make regular appointments for getting his teeth cleaned.