Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
In dogs, the most commonly diagnosed disease is dental disease. Just like humans, dogs need their teeth brushed daily. Brushing reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque and tartar buildup.
Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria that is invisible to the naked eye. When plaque builds up, it becomes organized into a biofilm that can harden into tartar. This tartar is whitish-to-brownish in color and easily seen, but it can be hard to remove with normal teeth brushing. To remove it, your vet may recommend a dental cleaning that involves scaling your dog’s teeth and may prescribe an antibiotic to fight the bacteria growing in your dog’s mouth.
Ways to Improve Your Dogs Dental Care
There are many ways to improve your dog’s dental health in addition to daily brushing.
- Give your pet treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Suggestions are listed on their site.
- Use water additives. These additives only treat the incisors of your dog’s teeth and do not target the teeth in the back, but It is a great option if you struggle to brush your dog’s teeth daily.
- Consider changing your dog’s food. There are dog foods specifically formulated to prevent tartar and plaque buildup.
How Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
- Get a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for dogs. Some toothbrushes can be placed on your finger and allow you to brush your pet’s teeth by rubbing each tooth with toothpaste. Round-tip toothbrushes and toothbrushes that are angled are also available for better reach. You may need to try a few different kinds before finding the toothbrush that’s best for your pet. Be sure to use dog toothpaste because human toothpaste contains chemicals that are toxic to your dog.
- It is important to start a tooth-brushing routine early and ensure it’s consistent when you first get your dog. You can let them sniff the toothbrush and taste the toothpaste because you want your puppy as comfortable as possible. When working with a pet that is moving a lot, it is best to have treats on hand to reinforce positive behavior.
- Brush your dog’s teeth by rubbing toothpaste on each tooth. Focus on polishing each tooth by spending at least 30 seconds brushing each side. Once you are done brushing, reward your pup for a job well done.
Does My Dog Have Dental Disease
The most common cause of dental disease in dogs is periodontal disease due to poor dental hygiene. There are four stages of periodontal disease.
Stage 1: Gingivitis, which is just inflammation of the gums. In this stage, bacteria start to irritate the gum line. This is the only stage that’s reversible by scaling the teeth and maintaining a daily dental hygiene routine.
Stage 2: When bacteria start eating down to the alveolar bone, the bone that holds the teeth in place, there is a risk of root exposure and teeth falling out. This stage occurs when bone loss has begun but is still below 25%.
Stage 3: In this stage, we see 25 to 50% bone loss. Pets are in serious pain and are showing signs of the disease, such as increased swelling of the gums and face, halitosis, and even the refusal of food.
Stage 4: There is bone loss of more than 50%. The dog’s ability to hold its teeth in place is lost, and teeth are starting to fall out. In this stage, furcation, which is when a hole has developed between the root of the teeth, may also occur. Weight loss and an inability to chew food may also occur. You may also notice your dog rubbing its face against the ground, attempting to alleviate the pain.
At this point, your dog may need an extraction or a visit to a specialist for a root canal.
What to Expect From A Dental Appointment At Cy-Fair Animal Hospital
When a dog comes in for a dental appointment, we first perform a dental examination. Your vet will examine and assess the condition of your dog’s teeth and make note of any potential extractions that may be needed.
Your dog will also be evaluated on its overall health, particularly its heart health, to ensure it is healthy enough to go under anesthesia. Bloodwork will also be checked as part of the dental examination.
Next, your veterinarian will sedate your dog and put them under general anesthesia, which allows them to properly scale the teeth and remove any plaque that may be under the gums. This action helps prevent the dog from moving and becoming aggressive due to discomfort. After scaling, your vet will polish the teeth to make them smooth and shiny.
After polishing the teeth, your vet may apply a protective seal to prevent tartar formation for about two weeks post-op. Most pups will go home the same day as the procedure. Some pets may be groggy due to the anesthesia’s effects and require overnight hospitalization and fluid therapy.
Pet parents should follow the aftercare instructions given by their vet and resume their daily brushing routine.