You brush your teeth to keep them strong and healthy and of course to avoid painful dentist drills. But you may forget that your furry friend’s chompers need to be taken care of too! Animals can get cavities and dental problems just like humans which is why it’s good to start a regular teeth-brushing regimen. This simple list provides you with all the basic facts you need to know about keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.
- Stinky pet breath may be unpleasant for us is also a commonly ignored sign of serious oral health issues.
- Oral hygiene is just as necessary for our pets as it is for humans and is equally important for both cats and dogs.
- Poor dental hygiene can lead to calculus and plaque deposits on the teeth. Excessive plaque buildup grows bacteria which causes bad breath, gum and bone infection, and pain to your pet.
- Lack of a good dental cleaning routine also causes problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- Advanced periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the blood stream and infect internal organs such as the heart and kidney. Along with organ failure, it causes loss of teeth and extreme pain and discomfort to your pet.
- In order to keep your pet’s mouth healthy, you should develop a regular teeth cleaning routine for your pet. When brushing your pet’s teeth, be sure to use veterinary toothpaste that is meant for animals as human toothpaste contains fluoride which can be toxic to pets.
- For pets that are not used to having their teeth brushed, begin by letting them smell the toothpaste and get used to your hands around their mouth.
- Put a small blob of toothpaste on your finger or a pet toothbrush and start by gently brushing along the gums of the upper teeth. Continue in a circular motion around the mouth and try to get the back teeth as best as possible. Your pet should become more comfortable with the process as it continues to experience having its teeth brushed.
- Daily brushing is recommended but at least twice a week will do. A regular routine will not only keep your pet’s teeth healthy, but reduce the need for costly dental cleanings at the vet.
- Dry food and treats and hard chew toys and bones are best for keeping your pet’s teeth healthy on a daily basis. You might also supplement your routine by offering dental hygiene chews such as C.E.T. chews to your pet both enjoyable to your pet and beneficial to their oral health.
 |
Nice write-up! Valuable thoughts and advices. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and providing her with a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys can go long way toward keeping her mouth healthy! Many pooches show signs of gum disease by the time they’re four years old because they aren’t provided with proper mouth care-and bad breath is often the first sign of a problem. Give your dog regular home checks and you’ll have a very contented pooch with a dazzling smile.
Regards,
Tina