Why brush my dogs teeth? What to Know

What steps do I need to follow to teach my dog to accept tooth brushing?

In order to be successful at brushing your dogs teeth, you must make it a positive experience for both of you. Make the experience positive by praising your dog throughout the whole procedure, with reassurance through every step. For best results, follow these steps:

Choose a quiet time and place to begin.

If your dog is small enough, hold your dog securely in your lap with his head facing away from you. If your dog is larger, you should sit on a chair and have your dog sit beside you so that you can comfortably handle his mouth and teeth.

Start by rubbing your finger or a soft cloth over the outer surfaces of your dogs teeth, using a back-and-forth motion – focusing on the area where the gum touches the tooth surface. Be careful to stay on the outside surfaces of the teeth to avoid being accidentally bitten. For the first few lessons, it is a good idea to rub the cloth along only a few teeth rather than the whole mouth, especially if your pet is unsure or nervous about the process.

Once your dog is comfortable with you rubbing his teeth, let him taste a little bit of pet toothpaste from your finger. Do not use human toothpaste – it is not formulated to be swallowed.

Once your dog has accepted the taste of pet toothpaste, apply a small amount to the cloth and rub it over the teeth.

Once your dog is completely used to you rubbing his teeth with a cloth, it’s time to start using a toothbrush (see below).

Step Two: Gather Your Tools

Youll want to use a toothbrush made for dogs. The bristles are softer and specially angled. Finger brushes can work well for dogs under 30 pounds. For larger dogs, longer handles can give you better reach. Be sure to use dog toothpaste, too. It comes in dog-friendly flavors like poultry or peanut butter. Never use human toothpaste; it contains ingredients that may hurt your dogs stomach.

Step Four: Get Their Gums Ready

Test your dogs willingness to have you touch their mouth by rubbing your finger along their upper gums and teeth. This will help them get used to the feel of something against their teeth. Use light pressure. You may need to get them comfortable with this over a few sessions before moving on.

Easy way to brush a dog’s teeth

48,255,413 households in the country have a dog who they consider part of the family. Unfortunately, not every owner brushes up on their canine’s dental health as often as their own.

You brush your teeth every day, don’t you? Brushing twice a day helps you avoid tooth decay, loss, and gum disease. The importance of dental cleanings for dogs is just as severe, too!

Here are seven reasons you need to consider dental care for dogs. By brushing up on your dog’s oral hygiene, you can make sure they remain man or woman’s best friend for a long time.

Over time, the structures that support your dog’s teeth can become damaged or infected. Severe, prolonged damage can cause their teeth to loosen or even fall out.

By prioritizing dental care for dogs, you can make sure those teeth-supporting structures remain strong and healthy. Then, your dog’s teeth will stay in place, making it easier for them to chew and play.

Otherwise, your dog could have issues eating, which could lead to malnutrition or other health concerns. They’ll also have to live life in pain after losing their teeth!

It’s essential to focus on your dog’s oral hygiene, especially while they’re puppies. Taking the time to brush their teeth can become a part of their overall training. Make sure to start slowly to give your dog time to become comfortable with the situation.

Before brushing your dog’s teeth, make sure they’re in a good mood. An already aggravated pup might have a difficult time adjusting.

Next, put a little toothpaste on your finger. Let your dog lick it off. This gives them a chance to become accustomed to the taste of toothpaste.

Try gently touching the toothbrush to your dog’s teeth next. Then, brush for a few seconds. Make sure to brush gradually and gently.

It might take a few months before your dog grows accustomed to the habit. Once they’re comfortable, it’s time to expose them to thorough dental care for dogs.

Raise their lips to expose their teeth and gums. Then, start brushing from the gum line to the tip of each tooth.

Try to avoid opening your dog’s mouth, which could cause them to panic. You might also want to consider purchasing a toothpaste specifically meant for dogs. Toothpaste for humans often contains fluoride and detergents that we’re meant to spit out.

Your dog will swallow the toothpaste. It helps to get them a product meant for their preference and health. Pet toothpaste is available in a range of flavors like beef or poultry.

You can talk to your vet about scheduling a professional cleaning. Regular cleanings can help you prevent your dog from losing their teeth.

Do you ever get a nasty whiff of your dog’s bad breath after a slobbery kiss? That’s a sign that bacteria are building up due to poor dental care for dogs.

Cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly can help prevent that odor from developing. Otherwise, the food particles that cling to their teeth and gums will form into plaque.

It’s the same biological process that happens with humans. Biological biofilm called plaque coats the teeth’s surface. After a few days, the film will calcify and turn cement-hard. While the first layer is microscopic, more layers will accumulate over time.

Plaque is a filmy substance that’s caused by a build-up of bacteria. Brushing regularly can help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Otherwise, your dog’s teeth will need professional cleaning to remove the tartar build-up.

When tartar is left on your dog’s teeth, it can cause inflammation and gum infection. The gums may begin to recede from the teeth, leaving the teeth and gums more vulnerable. This can lead to gingivitis, which can cause your dog to lose their teeth.

In this study, the overall prevalence for dogs with gingivitis or periodontal disease was 86.3%.

Gingivitis is the first phase of gum disease. After some time, it can develop into a more dangerous periodontal disease.

Gingivitis and periodontal disease can both cause pain. Imagine the last time you had a toothache. Would you want your dog to experience the same issues?

Dental disease can become painful for dogs and humans alike. By keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, you can prevent oral pain.

The bacteria that causes plaque to form can enter the bloodstream. Once it travels through the body, that bacteria can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys. This process is called bacteremia.

By focusing on dental care for dogs, you can keep your dog happy and healthy for a long time!