Effective Dog Dental Cleaning Guide: Tips & Techniques

Experts have pointed out that the prevalence of periodontal disease in dogs aged 7 to 8 is approximately 80%, showing no improvement compared to 40 to 50 years ago. In contrast, due to the widespread adoption of oral hygiene practices, the incidence of periodontal disease in adults over 45 is around 40%. Humans brush their teeth twice a day, yet many neglect to care for their beloved pets' dental health, which I believe reflects a lack of diligence on the part of pet owners.

However, dogs actually have an advantage when it comes to dental health. Their unique triangular tooth structure makes it less likely for food particles to get trapped, unlike human molars. Additionally, dogs' saliva is alkaline, which makes their teeth less susceptible to acid erosion. They have a natural advantage – they are less prone to tooth decay!

Plaque and tartar are the main culprits behind doggy bad breath! The most costeffective and effective solution is to brush their teeth regularly. However, brushing a dog's teeth can be quite challenging. Imagine someone roughly sticking a toothbrush into your mouth without regard for your comfort – that would be frustrating. Dogs feel the same way.

What if your dog dislikes brushing? How can you make the brushing experience less daunting for them?

Training your dog to accept brushing:

To get your dog accustomed to the toothbrush:

Introduce the toothbrush to your dog, offering treats as rewards. Gradually bring the toothbrush closer to your dog, repeating this process multiple times, and continue to reward them.

First, establish your dog's comfort level with the toothbrush. Make it clear that the appearance of the toothbrush brings rewards.

Then, try inserting the toothbrush into your dog's mouth:

Place the toothbrush in your dog's mouth and immediately remove it, rewarding them. Slowly increase the duration of the toothbrush in your dog's mouth without any brushing action.

The most challenging part is getting your dog to accept the toothbrush's friction on their teeth.

Insert the toothbrush into your dog's mouth, paying attention to the order. Start with the back teeth, then move to the front teeth. Perform the brushing motion for a second, stop, remove the toothbrush, and reward your dog. Repeat, placing the toothbrush back in your dog's mouth and brushing for about 5 seconds, stop, remove, and reward.

Gradually increase the brushing time. Dogs are intelligent animals, and with enough patience and time from their owners, most dogs can learn to accept brushing. After all, doggy brushing is different from cat brushing.

Choosing the right dental care tools is equally important

There are numerous dental care products on the market, which can be overwhelming. They mainly fall into the following categories:

1. Dental chews, dental toys, dental treats, and dental powders:

This is an effective method that allows dogs to clean their teeth while playing and chewing. These items should be kept on hand at home. Dogs can also clean their teeth while eating, as the principle is the same. If dogs chew their food for a sufficient amount of time, it can also clean their teeth, although most dogs eat kibble without much chewing.

2. Toothbrushes with finger covers and other effective dental tools:

This choice depends on your dog's comfort level. If your dog can tolerate a toothbrush, opt for a brush with a small head and soft bristles. For dogs that cannot tolerate a toothbrush, finger covers are available. These are worn on the thumb and index finger and are easy to use.

3. Mouthwashes and other breathfreshening products:

These products have little effect and are essentially a waste of money. They are not very effective and can be quite expensive.

The most comprehensive dental care method: brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week, provide dental chews and toys, and schedule regular dental cleanings at the vet.