How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy

Most people think about their teeth when it comes to health. It’s a normal part of our everyday lives when we take care of ourselves. So what about our dogs? Do they need to brush their teeth too? And if so, why? Well, they do. There are a few reasons why brushing our dogs’ teeth is important. Just like us, keeping their teeth clean helps prevent cavities and infections^1. Giving them the right foods also helps keep their teeth health^1. So, let’s get into why dogs need to have their teeth cleaned and what you can do about it.

Dog teeth are surprisingly similar to human teeth in the respect that both species experience similar tooth problems^1. Without regular brushing, plaque forms quickly^4. And if enough time passes, tooth decay happens^4. So, how do we brush our dog’s teeth? There are a few ways to approach it.

1. Get the right toothpaste. Popular brands are for humans, such as Colgate or Tom’s. The ingredients in these toothpastes are toxic to dogs^2. Instead, opt for a toothpaste that is safe for dogs with no harmful ingredients^2.
2. Help your dog get comfortable with the experience^2. With the right steps, it will go well^2.
3. Dental treats or sticks. This method can work well. But it is best to brush your dog’s teeth^2.

Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t the only way to keep their oral health healthy. Eating the right foods also helps ^1. It’s the same if people eat unhealthy, sugary foods, their teeth will have cavities and be in poor condition. Dogs need to have healthy food, too. The healthier their food is, the healthier their teeth will be^1. Feeding them balanced meals helps reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria on their teeth¹. The biggest reason to brush your dog’s teeth is to prevent tooth disease^2. Tooth disease in dogs works similarly to that in humans ^3. In times when teeth aren’t brushed regularly, or at all, the plaque wears away at the bone and weakens it^3. Eventually, it causes pain and tooth loss ^3. It’s painful and a nasty condition in humans and dogs.

Unfortunately, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine, “if your dog is more than three years old, they likely have periodontal disease”^3. This is such a sad fact! How can we prevent our dogs from getting this terrible disease? Well, fortunately, there are ways. It means education, patience, and consistency. Humans should start brushing when a dog’s teeth have grown in ^2. Doing it when they are puppies, so they get used to it from a young age is the best way^2. If the dog is already older, then a teeth checkup will prove beneficial to their health^3. Some ways to tell if your dog needs an urgent teeth checkup are if they paw at their face, don’t chew their chew toys, eat less, and, most notably, if they have bleeding gums^3. This is a sign that your dog’s teeth are in poor shape and need help as soon as possible^3. They might be in pain from it^3.

Taking your dog to the vet for regular cleanings is very important. What goes into a dental cleaning for a dog? For humans, it is an uncomfortable but relatively short process. For dogs, it is a lengthy process^3. They go through many tests and exams first^3. Then they go under anesthesia for their teeth cleanings^3. This is a whole operation to do and takes quite a bit of time. But this process greatly reduces the bacteria on their teeth^3. As important as getting a yearly cleaning is, home care can make all the difference^3. Brushing your dog’s teeth at least twice a day helps fight the bacteria^2. However, many dogs lose their teeth as they age ^3. There are times when you do all you can to keep your dog’s teeth healthy, and they will still lose teeth^3. Genetics plays a part in that^3. But what dog owners can do is give their dogs the best life by caring for their teeth as much as possible.

Overall, taking your dog for cleanings, brushing their teeth, and giving them good food helps their teeth tremendously. It can prevent tooth disease from occurring. With more education, our dogs will have clean teeth!  

References:

1. Dental, Mission Hills Family. “Dog Teeth Vs. Human Teeth | Mission Hills Family Dental | CA.” Mission Hills Family Dental, June 20, 2022. https://dentistinsanmarcosca.com/blog/dog-vs-human-teeth.

2. Vca. “Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth  | VCA Animal Hospitals,” n.d. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-in-dogs.

3. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Periodontal Disease,” n.d. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-topics/canine-health-information/periodontal-disease.

4. Spca, Brandywine Valley. “Why Is It so Important to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?” Brandywine Valley SPCA, January 27, 2023. https://bvspca.org/news-events-resources/why-is-it-so-important-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth.

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