Products to Clean Dog Teeth

Toothbrushing Supplies

• The most effective way to keep your dog's teeth clean is to brush them regularly. Toothbrushes and toothpaste specially designed and formulated for dogs are available at any pet supply store and some department stores. Always use products made for dogs and not for humans.

  Look for toothpaste that includes chlorhexidine, hexametaphosphate, or zinc gluconate in the ingredient list. You will find there are a couple of different styles of toothbrushes available; choose the one you are most comfortable with as the benefits will be the same.

Dental Treats

• There are a variety of dental treats available today. These treats are clearly marked as being "dental chews" or as helping in oral hygiene. These treats work by scraping off plaque as the dog chews the treat.

  Some veterinarian recommended treats include Brite Bites, Greenies, dc Dental Chews and Bluechews.

Toys

• Many chew toys are also designed to scrape plaque from the dog's teeth while chewing. In addition to toys designed with this purpose, rope toys can be very effective at assisting with plaque buildup.

Rawhide Chews

• Rawhide chews can be an effective alternative to chew toys for aggressive chewers. Because the rawhide chews start out hard, they will aide in plaque removal, but the fact that they are meant to be ingested makes them safer for aggressive chewers.

Professional Cleaning

• Many veterinarians will also perform cleaning services. The products mentioned above will only clean plaque, but a professional dental cleaning will also remove tarter. During a cleaning, a veterinarian will put your dog under anesthesia and use specialized tools to clean both above and below the gum line.

  Your veterinarian will also use a special mouthwash and may use a fluoride rinse or sealant.