Effective Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth and Prevent Dental Issues

Your dog's oral health is vital to their overall health. Brushing is a key step in keeping your dog's mouth healthy, not only to prevent bad breath, but also to avoid a host of oral health related problems. Maintaining good dental hygiene for your dog is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, dogs can develop dental issues, such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath, which can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best methods for cleaning your dog’s teeth, the importance of regular dental care, and tips to keep their mouth fresh and healthy.

Why Is Dental Care Important for Dogs?

I. Oral health aspects

• Prevent plaque and calculus formation

After a dog eats, food debris will adhere to the surface of the teeth. If not cleaned in time, bacteria will grow on the debris and form plaque.

As plaque accumulates, it gradually mineralizes and turns into hardened dental calculus. The calculus will be firmly attached to the teeth, irritating the gums and triggering problems such as inflammation of the gums.

• Prevent bad breath

Fermentation of food debris in the mouth and bacterial growth is one of the main causes of bad breath in dogs.
Brushing can effectively remove these sources of odor and keep your dog's breath fresh.

• Avoid Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis is caused when plaque and calculus constantly irritate the gums. If gingivitis is not treated in a timely manner, it can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, loose teeth and even tooth loss, seriously affecting your dog's oral health. Brushing can remove the hidden dangers of these diseases in time and maintain the health of the gums and teeth.

II. Systemic Health Related Aspects

• Prevention of systemic infections

The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and when bacterial infections in the mouth are severe, the bacteria may enter other parts of the dog's body through the bloodstream. These bacteria may cause endocarditis, liver abscesses, sepsis, and other systemic diseases that can jeopardize your dog's overall health. Keeping the mouth clean can reduce this risk.

• Improves quality of life and longevity

A healthy mouth helps your dog eat properly and ensure nutritional intake. If a dog is unable to chew their food properly due to oral disease, it can affect their nutrient intake, which in turn can affect their health. Without oral disease, dogs are able to live more comfortably and live longer to some extent.

Also Read: Guide Introduction to Dogs Teeth Health

What Can Cause Dental Disease in Dogs?

• Food debris

Dogs that consume soft or thinner food over a long period of time tend to form tartar and tartar on their teeth, which is a place for bacteria to multiply, causing inflammation and further progression to periodontitis.

• Improper feeding

Insufficient calcium in the feed, improper ratio of calcium to phosphorus as well as certain systemic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, chronic nephritis, immunodeficiency, etc.) and certain viral diseases can also cause dental diseases.

• Trauma

When playing “tug-of-war” with your dog and grabbing objects by force, your dog's teeth may suffer severe pain, and in severe cases, the dental bed may even be loosened or fractured.

• Teething problems

If your dog's permanent teeth grow out before the milk teeth fall out during the tooth replacement period, the simultaneous presence of milk and permanent teeth in the same location may result in a double row of teeth, affecting the growth of the new teeth.

Common Symptoms of Dental Illness in Dogs

Bad Breath: Early gingivitis can begin to cause problems with bad breath, which in turn is an early symptom of periodontitis.

Plaque: tartar, also known as plaque, is one of the easily observed symptoms. The mouth is a bacteria-filled environment, and food debris left behind for too long will stick firmly to the surface of the teeth and accumulate to form tartar.

Yellowing of Teeth: Due to aging and lack of cleaning, teeth will gradually become yellow.

Swollen Gums: When a dog has a severe gum infection, it can cause the gums to swell. When upper molars are infected, it may interfere with the patency of the nasolacrimal ducts, causing your dog to weep abnormally.

Appetite changes: Appetite but only soft or liquid food, afraid to chew food. Decrease in appetite or sudden cessation of feeding, increased salivary secretion, blood mixed in saliva.

How to Clean Dog's Teeth?

1. Brush teeth regularly

Regular brushing is a key step in keeping your dog's mouth healthy. Choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your dog's mouth and a toothpaste designed for pets. You can start by scrubbing your dog's teeth with your finger or gauze wrapped around your finger and gradually transition to brushing with a toothbrush. When brushing, gently massage the teeth and gums, being careful not to use too much force to avoid injuring your dog's oral tissues. It is recommended to brush at least once a week to keep the mouth clean.

2. Use oral sprays and mouthwashes

If your dog doesn't like brushing his teeth, oral sprays and mouthwashes are a good alternative. Oral sprays can be sprayed directly on your dog's teeth, while mouthwashes can be added to your dog's drinking water. These products usually contain ingredients that freshen breath and kill bacteria, helping to keep the mouth clean.

3. Provide Teethers and Chew Toys

Teethers and chew toys are great for your dog's oral health. They can effectively remove plaque and calculus by chewing and brushing your dog's teeth. Choose teethers that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits, and make sure they are not too hard or too soft. Additionally, teeth cleaning sticks can be used as a form of entertainment and reward to keep your dog's mouth healthy while playing.

4. Change food appropriately

Your dog's food choices can also affect oral health. Avoid feeding too much wet and soft food as these tend to remain on the teeth and lead to bacterial growth. You can increase the proportion of dry food appropriately, or give your dog bones to gnaw on, so as to achieve the cleaning effect through the friction of bones on the oral cavity.

5. Regular Oral Examination

It is very important to take your dog to the veterinarian for regular oral checkups. The veterinarian can check the health of your dog's teeth and gums and provide professional cleaning services such as scaling and removal of tartar. If you notice anything unusual, such as bad breath, excessive saliva, reluctance to eat hard food or toys, or redness or bleeding in the mouth, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

Precautions

• Choose the right tools

Choose a teeth cleaning powder for pets: Dog tooth powders are designed for pets and unlike human toothpastes, they usually contain ingredients that are beneficial to dogs, such as enzymes and antimicrobial agents. Human toothpaste may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, such as fluoride and xylitol, and should therefore be avoided.

Focus on ingredient safety: try to avoid ingredients that contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, and sugar, which can have an impact on your pet's oral health. The main ingredient in toothpaste is the friction agent, and a good quality friction agent can effectively remove stains and plaque from the teeth. Good friction agents include silica and calcium phosphate, etc. Calcium carbonate is also a common friction agent, and eggshells contain a large amount of calcium carbonate. Toothpastes also commonly contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) as a cleaning agent, but this can irritate the mouth and should be avoided for pets.

Choose natural ingredients: Choose toothpastes that contain natural ingredients such as grapefruit seed extract, clove leaf oil and other natural plant extracts that can effectively remove plaque and freshen breath while protecting gums. Toothpastes also contain aloe vera, which can provide some anti-inflammatory benefits.

Good palatability: Dogs are highly sensitive to flavors, so it is very important to choose a toothpaste with a flavor that suits your dog's preferences. Some dogs like meat-flavored toothpaste, while others prefer seafood or cheese flavors. Only by shopping for a flavor that your dog likes will you be able to make them want to cooperate with our care and clean their teeth better.

Swallowable: choose a toothpaste that is safe to swallow to prevent your dog from swallowing too much toothpaste that can cause indigestion or other discomfort.

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• Gradual Adaptation

If your dog is not used to brushing its teeth, touch its mouth slowly from an early age. At first, you can use medical gauze wrapped around your finger instead of a pet toothbrush to gently brush your dog's teeth by sticking it in its mouth. Wait until your dog is thoroughly familiar with it before using a pet toothbrush.

• Control the frequency of brushing

The frequency of brushing your dog's teeth with a pet toothbrush should be controlled to about 1-3 times a week, not too often. Regularly break open your dog's mouth to check the condition of the mouth to ensure oral health.

• The right time to brush your dog's teeth

The best time to brush your dog's teeth is after they have eaten, when you can remove food debris from their mouth. Avoid brushing your dog's teeth just after they return from a walk, when they will be tired and unwilling to cooperate.

• Frequency of Daily Brushing

Daily brushing is the best way to prevent oral disease. If you can't brush your teeth every day, brush them at least once or twice a week. The more often you brush, the more your dog will get used to the sensation and the easier it will become for the owner to brush their teeth.

• Chew toys and teeth-cleaning treats

If your dog is reluctant to brush his teeth, try giving him chew toys. Chew toys can help wipe away soft tartar from the teeth and massage the gums. You can also feed your dog specialized teeth-cleaning treats that provide nutrition and supplement the effects of brushing.

• Avoid using electric toothbrushes

Try not to use electric toothbrushes, as your dog may not be accustomed to the frequency of electric toothbrushes, and using them improperly can scare your dog instead. Specialized pet toothpaste and pet toothbrushes can provide better cleaning results.

• Regular checkups

Take your dog to a specialized institution for regular oral checkups and dental scaling work to keep an eye on your dog's oral health in real time.

Through the above methods and precautions, you can effectively clean your dog's teeth, prevent oral diseases and keep your dog's oral health. Remember, a healthy tooth is part of a dog's health and happiness, let's call for your dog's oral health together!

Related: How to Clean Dogs Teeth

Are There Any Natural Ways To Help Dogs Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Bad breath in dogs is a common problem that not only affects their health but also their close interaction with their owners. Here are some natural ways to help your dog get rid of bad breath.

1. Brush teeth regularly

Regular brushing is the most basic way to keep your dog's mouth healthy. Using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste and brushing teeth daily or at least once a week can effectively remove plaque and food debris and prevent bad breath. If your dog doesn't cooperate with brushing, try using a gauze-wrapped finger with some saline to gently wipe over your dog's teeth.

2. Provide chewy snacks or toys

Chewy snacks and toys can help clean your dog's teeth and reduce plaque formation. For example, offer your dog some hard bones or specialized teething toys to clean their teeth naturally as they chew.

3. Adjust diet

Your dog's diet has a big impact on their oral health. Avoid feeding too much meat and wet food as these foods tend to form tartar on the teeth. You can choose some natural food with probiotics and fiber, or add some fresh vegetables and fruits, such as carrots and apples, which can help clean teeth and reduce bad breath.

4. Use natural deodorants

Some natural deodorizers can help your dog get rid of bad breath. For example, coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. Mixing a small amount of coconut oil into your dog's food or applying it directly to your dog's teeth can effectively improve bad breath. In addition, fresh mint, cilantro and other herbs can be used as natural breath fresheners mixed into your dog's food or water. 

5. Vitamin supplementation

Vitamin B deficiency in dogs can also lead to bad breath. You can add some vitamin B powder to your dog's food or let your dog eat more foods rich in vitamin B, such as meat, fish, and vegetables.

6. Regular oral health check

Regularly check your dog's oral health for food debris or dental calculus. If you find dental calculus, you can take your dog to the pet hospital for a professional teeth cleaning.

7. Maintain adequate water intake

Make sure your dog has adequate water intake, as dehydration can lead to bad breath. Water helps keep your dog's mouth moist and reduces bacterial growth. 

8. Avoid feeding human food

Avoid feeding your dog human food, especially food with sugar and additives that can cause bad breath. 

9. Have teeth cleaned regularly

If your dog's bad breath is a serious problem, consider taking him to the vet for a professional dental cleaning. A dental cleaning can completely remove calculus and plaque and improve bad breath. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is an essential part of their overall health routine. Regular brushing, along with dental chews and professional cleanings, can help keep your dog’s teeth clean, their breath fresh, and prevent serious dental issues down the road. Start slowly, be patient, and use the right tools to make dental care a positive experience for your dog. With consistent care, you’ll help ensure your dog’s mouth stays healthy for years to come.