Should Dogs Brush Their Teeth? Essential Oral Care Tips

Mastering oral hygiene for your furry friend is key to a fresh, happy mouth! But how do you ensure you're doing it right? The right tools and techniques are essential.

Choosing the Right Brushing Tools:

As the saying goes, "To do a job well, you must have the right tools." This is especially true when it comes to brushing your pet's teeth. The brush's softness and shape must be tailored to your pet's mouth and teeth for the best results. You'll find a variety of brushes at pet stores, from those with different handle designs, bristle angles, finger covers, and ultrafine fibers to extrasoft baby brushes. Some brushes might be too large or have too stiff bristles, which can harm your dog's mouth. So, as long as the size and firmness are appropriate, whether you choose a brush or a brushon brush, it's all good. Most importantly, your dog should not be resistant to the process!

Do You Need牙膏 for Your Dog's Brushing Routine?

According to veterinarians, the physical friction and movement of the toothbrush are what prevent tartar and plaque buildup. While toothpaste is crucial, baking soda can be a helpful aid. To make the experience more enjoyable for your dog, opt for toothpaste with flavors they'll like. If your pet still dislikes the taste, you can even brush their teeth with just water, but make sure the toothpaste does not contain fluoride and avoid using human toothpaste. Remember, xylitol can be deadly to dogs!

Pay Attention to Your Pet's Diet:

Diet plays a significant role in the formation of tartar and calculus. Soft or sticky foods can lead to plaque buildup and dental diseases around the teeth. Dry kibble, biscuits, and newly formulated foods can help remove tartar from teeth. Additionally, dental chews for dogs and cats can be beneficial. Chewing on these chews can be a great alternative when you're not able to brush your pet's teeth. However, only a toothbrush can remove tartar and the food particles left in the teeth (plaque can lead to bacterial growth, inflammation, and infection).

Expert Tips for Brushing Your Dog's Teeth:

Here's where the real magic happens! Before you start, don't just stick the brush in your dog's mouth. First, gently pull back the corners of their mouth to inspect their gums and teeth. This is to check for signs of gingivitis or other periodontal diseases that should not be overlooked.

Once you confirm that everything is in good shape, open your dog's mouth wide, exposing the teeth and gums. Hold the brush at a 45degree angle to the teeth and gently brush in a circular motion, moving the brush back and forth across each area for 5 to 15 strokes. Be sure to clean all teeth, following the gum line, as this is where tartar and plaque tend to accumulate the most. Remember to avoid pulling your dog's mouth open too forcefully!

Brush in Order:

Divide your dog's teeth into six sections: the upper and lower incisors, the upper and lower left teeth, and the upper and lower right teeth. The front teeth and canines are easier to brush, but the back molars, where most calculus accumulates, require patience. When brushing the back molars, you don't need to pull the lips back to see them clearly. Since dogs' teeth are aligned in a row, just angle the brush to reach the back teeth and brush back and forth as you would for human teeth.

Don't Forget to Praise:

The most important part of the brushing process is to lavish praise on your dog at the end. This will help your dog associate "brushing" with "praise," making them look forward to the experience. Brushing should be a positive and enjoyable activity for your furry friend! After brushing, keep an eye on your dog's gums for any bleeding. If you notice abnormal bleeding, consult your veterinarian immediately. The importance of dental hygiene for your dog cannot be overstated. Even minor tartar buildup should not be ignored, so be sure to take your dog for regular dental cleanings to prevent other health issues. Now that you've learned the proper steps for brushing your dog's teeth, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give your dog a fresh, clean mouth, and say goodbye to bad breath for good!