Dog Dental Health: The Risks of Skipping Brushing

Section 1: The Impact of Not Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

1. Dental Calculus

Dental calculus is a common oral issue in dogs. It forms primarily from the accumulation of food particles that harden into tartar. These food remnants provide ample nutrition for bacteria in the dog's mouth, leading to the growth of plaque. Over time, plaque hardens and turns into calculus, which adheres to the surface of the teeth. As it continues to accumulate, calculus can become more severe, appearing in shades of yellow, brown, and even black.

2. Gingivitis

Gingivitis, as the name suggests, refers to inflammation of the gums. The primary cause of gingivitis in dogs is the formation of calculus, which creates gaps between the teeth and gums. These gaps allow bacteria to thrive and cause inflammation.

3. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a complication of dental calculus and gingivitis. Dogs with periodontal disease may experience swollen gums, pus, bleeding, bad breath, increased drooling, destruction of gum tissue, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. According to studies, around 80% of dogs over the age of 78 suffer from periodontal disease. Bad breath in dogs is often a result of inflamed gums or pus discharge.

Section 2: Prevention Tips

Regular teeth brushing for your dog can significantly reduce the buildup of food particles and bacterial growth, preventing bad breath and lowering the risk of periodontal disease. As mentioned in the story of that网友's dog, periodontitis can be a result of poor dental hygiene.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth Properly:

1. For the first time, it's advisable to use a finger brush, as it's less intimidating for dogs and less likely to provoke a strong resistance. A helpful trick is to apply a small amount of nutritional supplement to the brush, which can create a positive association with the toothbrushing experience.

However, this method is not a longterm solution, as it doesn't effectively clean the deepseated plaque and tartar between the teeth and gums. Once your dog becomes accustomed to the brushing routine, transition to using a dogspecific toothbrush and pet toothpaste. These tools can help ensure a more thorough cleaning.

Here's how to brush your dog's teeth: Gently lift your dog's lip, position the brush bristles along the gum line, and brush from the base to the tip of the tooth. Ensure that every tooth is reached. Opt for a brush with a large head, soft bristles, and a dense bristle pattern for better coverage and less gum irritation.

OxyPet Doctor's Tip:

If your dog's dental issues cannot be resolved through brushing, it's time to take them to a veterinarian for professional dental cleaning and treatment. After addressing the dental problems, adjust your dog's feeding habits to include fewer soft foods and offer dental chews regularly to aid in teeth cleaning.