Improving Your Pet’s Dental Health at Home
The true state of our dogs’ dental health is often a mystery to us. The combination of food particles and oral bacteria from daily life creates a filmy coating called plaque. Without intervention, plaque hardens into tartar, and causes the gums to recede. We can usually tell just by looking inside a mouth during their wellness exam that they need a little extra help. In addition to annual professional cleanings and digital X-rays, pets benefit from dental care practices at home.
Brushing and Beyond
We know that it can be challenging to brush a pet’s teeth at home, but we have some tips to simplify the process:
- With a small dab of dog-safe toothpaste on the toothbrush, apply gentle pressure at a 45-degree angle directly onto the surface of the teeth.
- Pay close attention to the upper and lower molars at the back of the mouth where tartar is often found.
- Slow circles on the tooth and gumline work well to remove plaque.
- Offer loads of praise, affection, and reassurances.
- If your pet responds to treats during the brushing session, don’t worry. You have to start somewhere to ensure a positive association.
- Keep sessions short and, if possible, aim for a daily application.
- Make changes to this routine that would add positive value to your unique pet.
Young pets may be easier to train, but pets regardless of age can learn to accept tooth brushing as a valuable part of their daily routine. Never scold or punish a pet for displaying disinterest or fear. Make it fun, and they’ll respond in kind.
Other Ways to Influence Dental Health
If brushing happens rarely or not at all, there are other ways to make an impact on their dental health.
To earn the prestigious seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, products must be able to reduce plaque by 15-20%. Purchasing the following products with this seal on them means that your pet has the best chance of fighting plaque and tartar:
- Water additives
- Chews
- Treats
- Food
- Oral gels and spray
- Dental wipes
Without routine care and attention, dental problems can lead to serious health conditions. Be on the lookout for these signs:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Dropping food or favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Yellow or brown discoloration on the teeth
Please call us at (916) 791‑8387 with any questions or concerns about your pet’s teeth, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment. Our veterinarians are always happy to assist you at Bayside Animal Hospital.