#brushingdogteeth

The teeth are very important to dogs as they use them every single moment of their lives – from scratching something itchy on their skin to breaking down food, dog’s teeth are the most accessible body part of them, but not for us. There always is the risk of us being bitten off whenever we try to check our dog’s teeth which leads to overall neglect of its care. This is alarming!   Dog’s teeth are used every day, and improper attendance to them could cause several problems to its entire health. If you’ve been sleeping on its care then it’s time you make a move!

Facts about your dog’s teeth

An average adult dog has 42 teeth. A lot more than the 32 teeth a standard adult human has. This explains why biting, ripping, and chewing are some of the dogs’ expertise. And perhaps the most effective from the set of their teeth is the carnassial tooth which is the biggest and can be found at the upper molar section.   A dog’s teeth have many differences from our teeth, especially depending on the breed. Some smaller dogs with flat snouts can have protruded and unaligned teeth and some with elongated muzzles can have problems of the chipped tooth and bleeding gums as they can gnaw on food and objects longer and more effectively.   But just like our teeth, a dog’s teeth are also prone to tartar, plaque, and for a stretch even cavities and gum diseases. And this certainly could happen if we don’t provide them with fitting dental care.

Signs that your dog’s teeth need attention

Do you wonder why your dog’s breath stinks? Are you clueless about why your dog suddenly won’t eat? The causes could be the teeth itself.   Of course, the first clue that your dog’s teeth need something as simple as a brush is their yellow tinge. And often, when not attended immediately, yellowish teeth could turn to tartar-filled teeth.   Gums can also be an indicator that your dog has problems with its dental health. Go and lift your dog’s snout. A pale gum that even borders to being green in color are signs of serious dental condition. Bleeding gums caused by bacteria from whatever a dog puts into its mouth also means poor dental health. When these are present, your dog would start pawing on their snouts, stop drinking and eating, and show disinterest in the usual routine.   A dog’s teeth could also show that they have problems beyond what dental care could cure. Most of the time, yellow teeth and discolored gums could mean graver conditions such as cancer.   Scared of the things above happening to your dog?   Then it’s high time that you follow the dental measures below!

Brush their teeth

Anyone who owns or owned a dog knows how challenging it is to brush a dog’s teeth. Since dogs are not naturally accustomed to their incisors being rubbed by bristles, they tend to not like it. And they can sometimes be even aggressive towards the idea, especially if not applied properly by the owner.  

Veterinarians and dog experts recommend that a dog’s teeth be brushed every day.  Let’s face it, though.  Not every owner has the opportunity to do this. But to provide better health for our beloved companions, we sometimes have to come out of our comfort zones. Believe me when I say that I had struggled with brushing my dog’s teeth, and I have so many close calls of being bitten and losing my patience, but I still stuck with it!   To brush a dog’s effectively, you can try the following methods: Use a long toothbrush or a finger brush for better navigation Brush your dog’s teeth when they are currently bathing Start them young (brush when they are six months or when their adult teeth are complete) Do it every day until your dog gets used to it Give food that aids dental health Apart from brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, you can also try a diet that will greatly benefit their teeth, gums, and tongue. This can start by giving them food that is not dry such as kibbles (yes, kibbles could worsen a dog’s bad dental condition), but instead food that is high in antioxidants and fatty acids like blueberries and tuna, respectively.   And I bet you didn’t know.   Raw dog bones can actually become natural toothbrushes for our dogs. This is because they contain nutrients that fight off plaque-causing bacteria. So, the next time your dog chews a bone, let them be! It’s just brushing its teeth!   You should also be wary of things aside from food that you put into your dog’s mouth such as toys or other objects they could find. Make sure that you only let them chew on things that will not damage their teeth and gums. Keep your dog away from splintery wood, blocks of cement, and even abrasive toy balls. Puppies, in particular, can easily damage their teeth when they get a hold of these!

Make sure they have their dental check-up

Before following the tips above, however, it is essential that you consult your dog’s veterinarian who can also act as your dog’s dentist. If you are unable to brush your dog’s teeth every day, a visit to the vet will guarantee a thorough teeth cleaning that could be good for months. Once at the clinic, the vet could also prescribe you with medicine and supplements that should aid your dog’s dental health as well as provide you with other tips in case your dog is difficult to manage dental-wise. 

A veterinarian could also spot other illnesses caused or shown by your dog’s current dental condition, and this might mean lengthy processes such as extensive dental cleaning and dental X-rays. 

Final thoughts