Caring for Dogs' Teeth

Dog Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

• Accustom your dog to having her teeth brushed by introducing the process slowly. Put a small amount of flavored toothpaste made especially for dogs onto a dog toothbrush and let your dog lick the paste off the brush a few times a day for several days. If you use dog toothpaste, choose one that contains enzymes to dissolve plaque on the teeth. Toothpaste meant for humans contains fluoride, sodium lauryl sulphate, baking soda and other ingredients that should not be used with dogs. Do not restrain or force your dog during these practice sessions, and postpone using a toothbrush until she seems comfortable with the taste and the brush. Stay calm and try to make the experience as pleasant as possible for your dog.

Tools for Cleaning Teeth

• Dog toothbrushes should have very soft bristles; some have a single brush surface, but lately, many are three-sided. The three-sided design allows you to simultaneously brush both sides, the gum line and the top of each tooth. Brush gently at first, slowly increasing the length of time and how vigorously you brush. The goal is to be able to clean all of your dog's teeth, especially the outside surfaces of the molars. If your dog resists the toothbrush, try a finger brush, a soft, rubber brush that fits over your finger. A washcloth or gauze wrapped around your finger also works to scrub the teeth, and dental wipes are useful for removing food and killing germs. Be sure to clean along the gum line where food collects and dental disease begins.

Rinses, Sprays and Gels

• Veterinarians may prescribe various mouth rinses, sprays and gels to be used in conjunction with brushing. Leba III Dental Spray, PetzLife Oral Care Dental Gel and MaxiCare Gel freshen breath and stimulate plaque-reducing enzymes found in your dog's saliva. Other products such as C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse with Chlorhexidine and Zinc inhibit plaque and tartar growth, and BreathaLyser Plus is a drinking-water additive that freshens breath and helps fight plaque.

Food and Bones

• Pet caretakers and animal doctors have differing opinions about how much difference diet can make when it comes to your dog's oral health. Some veterinarians believe that specially created prescription veterinary dental diets will decrease the accumulation of plaque. Feeding hard food and biscuits might aid in removing tartar, and avoiding poor-quality foods full of starch and sugar might help prevent plaque. Giving your dog large raw bones to chew on may increase his dental health. On the other hand, the rich fat content of marrow, particularly in femur bones, is problematic for some dogs. You can scrape out the marrow and run hot water through the center of the bone to rinse away all the fat before giving it to your dog. Consider limiting chewing time by picking up the bone after 15 to 30 minutes and either throwing it away or putting it in the freezer to prevent bacteria growth. Always supervise your dog when he is chewing on bones and never give him cooked bones, because they splinter and can cause a lot of damage and pain. Raw carrots, broccoli, apples and leafy greens may also help keep his teeth healthy and clean.

Treats and Toys

• Dental dog toys and edible dental treats encourage dogs to chew, and rope toys provide flossing action as the fibers clean between your dog's teeth while she chews. Some of the many teeth cleaning products available are Wysong Dentatreat, a blend of dental-active natural cheeses, minerals, apple polyphenols and many other ingredients that can be sprinkled directly onto food, Ark Naturals Breath-Less Brushless Toothpaste Chews, highly digestible treats with ridges that actually scrub teeth, and many of the Kong products.

Brushing: How Often and for How Long?

• If it is not possible to brush your dog's teeth daily, try to clean them at least three times a week. Keeping your dog's teeth clean minimizes dental and gum problems like gingivitis and periodontal infections and may prevent oral bacteria from entering your dog's bloodstream and causing serious diseases of the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Home dental care does not have to take a long time. Brushing for two minutes a day, preferably after your dog's evening meal, will protect her teeth and gums, prevent serious diseases and save you money on expensive canine dental procedures.