Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental problems are among most common health issues that affect our canine companions. And their dental health closely influences their general health as well.

By the age 3 – most dogs show signs of periodontal disease – an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria building up in plaque and tartar on the teeth.

Periodontal disease starts with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and can progress to periodontitis, where the inner layer of the tooth and bone are affected. This leads to tooth loss, pain while eating, and systemic issues as oral bacteria enters the bloodstream and travels to major organs like the heart, liver and kidneys.

Common Dental Problems in Dogs

1. Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden biofilm that forms on teeth. If not removed within a day or two, it hardens into tartar (calculus), a crusty deposit. This carries more bacteria and irritates the gums.

2. Periodontal Disease

The buildup of plaque and tartar causes inflammation and infection of the gums, teeth and surrounding tissues. Periodontal disease is the most common illness in adult dogs.

3. Oral Infections

Periodontal disease bacteria can lead to painful tooth root abscesses and other infections in the mouth.

4. Tooth Fractures

Dogs' teeth are more fragile than normally believed. Their enamel is way thinner than humans. Dogs that chew on hard things like bones, antlers, or nylon toys could break their teeth, which could let an infection get into the inner pulp.

5. Retained Baby Teeth

Sometimes a puppy's deciduous (baby) teeth don't fall out properly when the permanent teeth erupt. This may cause misalignment issues.

The Problem Signs

Be on the constant lookout for these likely indicators of oral health issues in your dog:

• weight loss (you read that right)
• loose or missing teeth
• bad breath (halitosis)
• red, swollen or bleeding gums
• yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
• excessive drooling
• pawing at the mouth
• difficulty chewing or eating

Dog parents who get their pups treated for dental disease as soon as possible have a better chance of keeping their health in good shape in the long run.

Preventing Diseases

Apart from taking your dogs to the vet regularly, there are some things you can do at your end to prevent your dog from suffering dental issues.

At-Home Care

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste. At Turpit you’ll find a supersoft pet teeth care toothbrush and our dog tooth cleaning pen contains specially formulated enzymatic toothpaste for dogs.

Enzymatic toothpastes contain glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase enzymes that break down the protein and sugar components of plaque and kill bacteria. They are more effective than standard toothpaste at controlling plaque and tartar buildup.

Some toothpastes also have ingredients like chlorhexidine or xylitol that have antimicrobial properties. These further reduce plaque and freshen breath.

Dental chews (check out our Molar Tooth Cleaner Toy), water additives and specially formulated dental diets can also help control plaque and tartar.

Professional Cleanings

Even with good home care, most dogs need an annual professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. The vet will scale away hardened tartar, then polish the teeth to create a smooth surface that delays future buildup.

During the cleaning, the vet can also take dental X-rays, probe for pockets under the gumline, extracting any loose or damaged teeth.

Common Questions

1. How often should you brush your dog's teeth?

Plaque hardens into tartar within 24-48 hours, so brushing at least every 1-2 days is ideal to disrupt this process. Daily brushing remains the gold standard for best protection against periodontal diseases.

2. What are some alternative methods for cleaning your dog's teeth?

If your dog’s vet allows, you can use alternate methods (so your dog doesn’t get bored with the mundane) like dental chews, chew toys, dental wipes/pads, oral spray and gels, etc.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when brushing your dog's teeth?

• Don’t use human toothpaste, brushes, or other inappropriate tools
• Don’t use too much force and make your dog anxious and resistant to future brushings
• Don’t skip vet visits
• Don’t ignore initial warning signs

So the bottom line is: to keep your dog healthy, you need to keep their teeth healthy. With regular brushing and professional cleanings, you can prevent dental issues and make sure your dog enjoys a fit and happy life.