How Proper Dog Oral Care Leads to Healthy Dog Teeth

How to Keep Your Dog's Mouth Clean

Dogs aren't born with healthy mouths that will stay that way into adulthood — it's up to us to help them keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape. Regular brushing with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste helps, and so do certain toys and treats that are formulated to reduce bacteria in your pet's mouth. Just as you brush your own teeth a few times a day, a dog's mouth also needs daily attention.

If brushing your dog's teeth is new to the both of you, be sure to take baby steps. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes, you'll want to get your dog comfortable with you touching his mouth and teeth first before you come at him with a toothbrush and toothpaste. First, touch his muzzle and practice rubbing your finger along his teeth and gums. Once he can handle this — while staying calm and relaxed — introduce the toothbrush. Let him smell it, and very gently rub it on his teeth. This process may take a few days for each step. Go slowly, and don't rush your pet. After all, you don't want him to develop anxious or negative feelings about this routine.

Once you've developed the trust needed for successful brushing, it's time to work on technique. First, lift your dog's lips and brush his front teeth. Slowly work your way to the back of his mouth, paying careful attention to the outside of his teeth. You may need to pull back at first and only do a few teeth at a time. Once you're both used to the process, you'll find the routine quick and simple to complete. Dog toothpaste is also specially formulated to be as tasty as possible, as long as you like turkey and chicken better than minty freshness. Look for a dog-specific paste at your local pet supply store or vet's office. Remember: You should never use human toothpaste on your dog, since the ingredients can irritate his stomach and make him extremely sick.

Another important part of dog oral care is an annual professional cleaning at your vet's office. This procedure should be done under anesthesia, every one to three years, Pet Health Network reports. Your vet can clean under your pup's gums and in other hard-to-reach places in ways that prevent oral and systemic diseases. During this process your vet may also want to take X-rays of your pup's teeth to make sure there aren't any other underlying issues, similar to what you might do at your own dental checkup.

For other ongoing dog oral care efforts, you can look into proper nutrition for your pup. Dog food that is formulated for your dog's oral care, may help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as well as help to freshen his breath. For any dog parent that gets doggy kisses, fresh breath is a must!

Be Aware of These Dog Oral Care Concerns

If you notice any changes in your dog's mouth, such as lumps, discoloration, swelling, sores or a change in smell, contact your dog's vet immediately. Any of these could be signs that your dog is experiencing an oral disease or condition that needs to be treated. Here are some common dog oral care problems your pet may suffer from, with tips on when you should contact your vet:

• Halitosis: Bad breath (or halitosis) may be the first sign of a problem with your pet's oral health, says the AKC. Halitosis occurs when bacteria from food gets stuck in your dog's mouth. An infection may also be the cause here. If your pet's breath is a bit funky, start by brushing his teeth more frequently. Halitosis can usually be treated by regular brushing, but if it's caused by something more serious — like an infection or even kidney disease — you may need to contact the vet.
• Cysts and tumors: Have you noticed any lumps in your pet's mouth? If so, make an appointment to get him examined right away. While some lumps and bumps are of no concern, those found in your dog's mouth may represent a cyst or tumor, notes PetHelpful. Some cysts may need to be drained by your vet, and lumps should be biopsied and removed if they are malignant.
• Gingivitis: Inflamed gums caused by heavy plaque on your pet's teeth are often a sign of gingivitis. Here's the good news: With regular cleaning, this condition is reversible. Start by getting serious with brushing your pet's teeth once a day. If you notice any bleeding or changes in gum color, contact your vet.
• Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease is an infection between the teeth and gums that can cause swelling, loose teeth, pain, difficulty eating, or even nasal discharge (humans can develop it by not brushing, too). The Banfield Pet Hospital encourages dog parents to look for signs like yellow or brown teeth, red or swollen gums and difficulty chewing. If your dog shows any of these or other signs of loose teeth or mouth pain, take him to your vet. He or she will likely examine your pet to look for signs of infection, and your dog may need to be put on a treatment plan.
• Proliferating gum disease: A condition that's often associated with bull terriers and boxers, proliferating gum disease occurs when a dog's gum line grows over the teeth, notes Bernville Veterinary Clinic. This excess growth leads to more opportunity for infection, and should be treated with antibiotics.

By helping your dog maintain proper oral care, you can hopefully avoid all of the above common oral conditions. Show your pet you care, and help him keep those teeth, gums and tongue clean.