The Best Way to Clean Puppy Teeth

Canine gum diseases not only makes it painful for dogs to eat, but the bacteria from the infection can also flow through the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body as well. Puppies must have their new teeth cared for as they grow up in order to ensure a healthy mouth. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, dental problems are the number one canine health issue, with 80 percent of dogs developing oral diseases by the age of three. Getting a puppy accustomed to and accepting of brushing is the key to life long dental health.

  1. Beginning Brushing

    • Brushing a puppy's teeth is essential to keeping it healthy and can prevent and reduce gingivitis, periodontal disease and infections of the heart, kidneys and liver. The Veterinary Oral Health Council reports that tooth loss, bleeding gums and bad breath often accompany dental issues in puppies and dogs.

      According to Iams Dog Basics, a pet owner can get her puppy used to brushing by first rubbing her fingers over the outside of the muzzle, then the outside of the teeth. Next, toothpaste can be used to clean the teeth. Veterinarian-approved toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors and can be applied with the fingers, a finger brush or a pet tooth brush. It is important to use only toothpaste that has been specifically formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste has too much fluoride and can upset a puppy's stomach. A finger brush is a simple way to begin brushing puppy's teeth and is less likely to frighten the pet than a full-sized dog toothbrush.

      It may take a while before the puppy is comfortable with a toothbrush, but with a lot of persistence and praise it will learn to accept and even enjoy having its teeth brushed.

      To begin brushing, pet the puppy to make it comfortable and slightly lift its lips to massage the gums with an index finger. Be sure to praise the puppy throughout and brush just a few teeth to start. Depending on how comfortable the puppy is with having its teeth brushed, a pet owner may gradually build up to brushing the whole set of teeth over a period of time. According to www.puppy-training-solutions.com, it may take several weeks of practicing before a pet owner is able to brush all of a puppy's teeth in one sitting.

      The outsides of the teeth should be brushed in slow circles for a total of 30 seconds per quadrant, or two minutes total. The top teeth should be brushed with a downward stroke and the bottom teeth should be brushed with an upward stroke. The puppy's teeth should ideally be brushed daily.

      If the puppy resists having its teeth brushed, the pet owner should stop, give the pup lots of love, and gently start over by rubbing the puppy's gums with an index finger. Rewarding and praising the puppy during and after the brushing process teaches it that brushing is a pleasant and fun activity. Each brushing session should be ended positively.

    Maintaining a Healthy Mouth

    • Tooth brushing not only improves the puppy's breath, but also allows the pet owner to keep an eye on his dog's dental conditions and catch early signs of tooth decay. Regular brushing can extend a dog's lifespan by two to three years.

      Along with home cleanings, dogs should have their teeth professionally cleaned every two to four years, according to Iams. The Veterinary Oral Health Council recommends annual oral checkups. This helps prevent tartar buildup. These cleanings are done by veterinarians, and just like with human dental visits each tooth is cleaned, the gum lines are scraped, and x-rays are taken if needed. If there are serious problems, the vet may remove damaged or infected teeth or even perform a root canal.