Us humans are ever so particular about our dental health. We try to brush our teeth regularly, floss, gargle mouth wash, and have regular dental checks. What about our pets?

Do dogs really need dental care?

Tooth and gum problems are very common in dogs. To take a proactive approach in protecting your pet’s dental health, it’s important to clean your pet’s teeth regularly. Most dogs learn to tolerate having their teeth brushed regularly when the regimen is introduced early in life. Armed with the right doggy toothbrush, dog toothpaste, and a couple of treats, make tooth brushing sessions a positive experience for your pet.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the teeth and gums brought about by plaque and gingivitis. Plaque is formed when food particles and bacteria buildup along the dog’s gum line. Over time, plaque will harden and become tartar. When this happens, it can eventually pave the way for periodontal disease. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the dog’s bloodstream and reach major organs of the body where they start an infection and cause further harm to your pet’s health.

What is the best dental care for dogs?

Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly should be at the top of your ‘to-do’ list of things when it comes to protecting your pet from periodontal disease. A good home dental regimen should be coupled with regular visits to your veterinarian for professional dental cleaning and checkups. Visits to the vet are valuable opportunities to have your pet’s mouth examined thoroughly and to nip any problems that may be present. The earlier dental problems are spotted and treated, the better will be the outcome.

Types of Dog Toothpaste

There are different types of dog toothpaste that you use. Most contain ingredients that can help scrub away stains and plaque. Dog toothpaste also comes in various mouth-watering flavors that your dog will surely love. A crowd favorite is the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste. It comes in four different flavors -- poultry, vanilla-mint, beef, and malt. It’s C.E.T. dual enzyme system removes plaque, prevent the formation of tartar, and provides natural antibacterial properties. It does not contain any foaming agents which means pets could swallow it without any fear of adverse effects.

If you want an all-natural organic dog toothpaste, The Black Sheep Organics Peppermint Organic Toothpaste for Dogs is made up of coconut oil, calcium carbonate, and peppermint essential oil. Combined together, these natural ingredients make up a toothpaste that has antibacterial, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties. Calcium carbonate exerts also exerts a gentle abrasive action on plaque and tartar.

There’s also a veterinarian-formulated toothpaste made from natural ingredients --neem, grapefruit, and aloe. It’s a gel toothpaste that you can apply with a brush, or rub with your finger on your pet’s teeth 2-3 times per week. The product possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties while keeping your dog’s teeth and gums white, bright, and free of plaque and tartar.

If you’re not sure which one will best suit your pet’s needs, do consult with your veterinarian.

What is enzymatic dog toothpaste?

Enzymatic dog toothpaste is a specific kind of toothpaste formulated for dogs that contain enzymes to help eliminate bacteria that is responsible for tartar build-up. When the build-up of tartar is reduced, there can be a significant improvement in your pet’s bad breath.

How can I get plaque off my dog’s teeth?

If you are unable to brush your dog’s teeth, providing your dog with natural dog chews are a good way to help prevent and remove plaque. But the best and most foolproof way is still to brush your dog’s teeth. If there is a huge tartar build-up, your dog will require dental scaling by a vet.

How can I clean my dog’s teeth at home?

If you are using a toothbrush, start by introducing your dog to this foreign object. You may place some liquid treats on it to get them accustomed to the brush and slowly introducing it into the mouth. If you are using a finger brush, start by placing some treats on your finger or wrapping cotton wool around your finger. Slowly switch to the finger brush and introduce it in the same way as a toothbrush. After your dog is comfortable with it, you may brush his teeth as you normally would.

What happens if you brush your dog's teeth with human toothpaste?

An important thing to remember when brushing your dog’s teeth is to avoid the use of human toothpaste on your pet. Certain ingredients in human toothpaste can cause digestive upsets in dogs. Also, some contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is very toxic to dogs. After consumption, xylitol causes a sudden drop in the blood sugar of dogs as well as potential damage to the liver.