Just like dental hygiene is important for us humans, so it is for dogs! This guide will provide a few tips and tricks for making dental hygiene as easy as possible when treating your furry friend. Not all dogs will be amenable to all methods of keeping their teeth clean, so you may need to mix and match these depending on what they will tolerate.
How can I keep my dog’s teeth clean?
Tooth brushing
- This method is easiest if started early, as puppies that get used to having their teeth cleaned are more likely to be tolerant of it as they get older.
- You can use a variety of types of brush, including brushes specifically for dogs, adult or child toothbrushes, or finger brushes depending on the size of your dog.
- The mechanical action of brushing is the most important part when it comes to removing the bacteria and tartar, however dog toothpastes can make this easier if they like the taste of the toothpaste – it will help you get the brush in their mouth! If the toothpastes stay on the teeth for any length of time then they will also help break down the tartar.
Supplements (e.g. ‘Plaqueoff’)
- These can be added to food or water to help break down the tartar on their teeth and freshen their breath.
- This is a good method of trying to maintain your pet’s teeth if you are unable to brush their teeth, however it works better when in combination with tooth brushing.
Antiseptic gels/pastes
- These can be applied directly to the gums and teeth using your finger to reduce the number of bacteria in your pet’s mouth, which can prevent smelly breath and the development of plaque or tartar.
- These are best used in combination with brushing but can be used by themselves if your pet does not like having their teeth brushed.
- For dogs who are prone to tartar (e.g. Sight hounds, Chihuahuas, etc), this can be an effective way of reducing tartar build up.
- For animals who have gums that are very sensitive to nearby bacteria, these can be useful for reducing the inflammation of the gums and helping reduce pain associated with this.
Dental treats/biscuits
- These specific types of kibble and treats help to reduce dental tartar and plaque by providing a ‘brushing’ action on the teeth and can also be used in dogs who are not amenable to tooth brushing.
- You should be aware that not all dogs will benefit from these, as if they do not spend much time chewing them or swallow them whole then the teeth will not be ‘brushed’ by the treats.
- Dental treats are a surprising source of calories for your pet, and if they are eating lots of dental treats then this will be contributing to weight gain alongside their normal diet.
- Some items that are touted as being good for dental hygiene, such as bones or antlers, can pose a risk to dental health caused by fracturing the teeth as your pet chews on them, but also other possible problems if they swallow fragments of bone. If you are giving these to your pet then you should closely monitor them.
How to start brushing your dog’s teeth
Unsurprisingly, when you first try to brush your dog’s teeth they may be a little resistant to the idea, being restrained and having a toothbrush put in their mouth, making a new sensation on their teeth, and possibly causing some discomfort is not something many dogs will sit still for! As such, it is a good idea to get started slowly, not jumping into full blown tooth brushing on the first try. It is also a good idea to get started when your dog is a puppy, as they are most amenable to new things at this age, and if you can get them started with good habits then these should last a lifetime.
- Choosing a soft toothbrush is best for starting, as it won’t be harsh on the gums when you begin brushing.
- Introduce your dog to the toothbrush gradually, allowing them to sniff it and have a good look at it before you put it near their face.
- Get your dog comfortable with having the toothbrush around their muzzle, brushing it gently and you can use treats to reward their behaviour if they are letting you do this.
- Try putting a flavoured toothpaste on the brush, letting them choose to lick it and possibly chew on it too, allowing them to put it in their own mouths first.
- Start with gentle restraint and brushing the incisors at the front of the mouth, and if your dog is tolerating this well then you can progress to the teeth further back in the mouth, making sure to use the flavoured toothpaste to make this as enjoyable as possible, and giving treats afterwards if they are well behaved.
- Depending on your dog’s specific needs you can alter the way you brush their teeth, for example focusing on particular teeth and following up tooth brushing with antiseptic gels or pastes if they struggle with bad breath.
If you are trying these methods of improving your dog’s dental hygiene and are still struggling, then consulting your local veterinarian is a good idea. They will be able to see if your dog is need of specific dental treatment (for example a scale and polish), and if there are particular teeth affected they may need antibiotic treatment or extraction.