By this point in human existence, we’ve confirmed that brushing our teeth is a hygienic task vital to our daily routines. We’re well aware that poor dental hygiene means bad overall health. The same rules are in play for our canine counterparts. You may think, “Dogs were just fine for thousands of years without brushing their teeth, what could be different now?” While they may have gotten by, it wasn’t without pain and discomfort. Just like for people, daily tooth brushing is recommended for pets to maintain an all-around healthy lifestyle.
Plaque and Tartar
Tartar and plaque can build up in as little as 48 hours.
Pets build up plaque just like we do, and a consistent brushing routine can be the difference between a pearly white smile and an expensive trip to the vet for your furry friend. When plaque compiles in the gums and combines with saliva and bacteria, tartar is formed. If not dealt with, tartar can spread throughout the gums and lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease results in the gums receding from the teeth, leaving your pet vulnerable to infections, swelling, or tooth loss. Plaque typically hardens in about 36 hours, so even if you can’t brush your pet’s teeth every single day, a few times a week should be able to do the trick. When you’re not brushing, pet-safe chew toys and bones are an excellent way to keep your pet’s teeth active while keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.
“Pets don’t show pain from dental illness.” According to the veterinary dentist, Tony M. Woodward. “When they’re in pain, I wish dogs would paw at their faces or stop eating, but they don’t.” This makes it all the more important to be on high alert for red flags. Bloody/swollen gums and yellow/brown layers of tartar are warning signs of these dental issues. Roughly 85% of dogs over the age of four have periodontal disease. They’re also five times more likely to contract gum disease than humans. Toxins from oral diseases like periodontal can even seep into your pet’s bloodstream. Once inside, they can harm organs responsible for filtering blood, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Things to avoid!
Experts recommend getting your pet’s teeth thoroughly cleaned by a trained professional before beginning a steady tooth brushing routine of your own. This will ensure that you don’t push any bacteria further into the bloodstream and make matters worse.
Teeth and gums are naturally a sensitive area. Be extremely gentle when brushing to prevent any unnecessary irritation. Be sure not to brush too hard. Overdoing the brushing can cause serious irritation and discomfort in the gums of your pet.
It’s also recommended that you don’t forcibly open the dog’s mouth to start cleaning. Your best bet is to keep your pet comfortable, keep their mouth closed, gently lift their lips and brush away. Dental problems for pets typically occur in the back, upper teeth, so be sure to not neglect that particularly sensitive area.
Dental hygiene is extremely important for a healthy life in any regard. Maintaining disciplined teeth cleaning routine for your pet can go a long way in ensuring they live long, happy lives.
