Comprehensive Guide to Canine Tooth Cleaning

You can imagine what poor condition your teeth would be in if they were never brushed or cared for throughout your childhood, and while this is often overlooked, the same is true for your dog! Veterinary surgeons recommend all dog owners clean their dog’s teeth regularly to prevent tooth and gum problems later in life.

Dental health is crucial for dogs. Poor condition of teeth and gums can lead to tooth decay, pain, inflamed gums, and difficulties eating. Additionally, bacteria build-up can cause bad breath and affect overall health including stomach problems.

Read on to learn a comprehensive approach to canine tooth cleaning, helping keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy for life.

When Should I Start Cleaning My Dog’s Teeth?

It's best to start dental care as early as possible, ideally when your puppy first joins your home. Starting young helps your dog get used to the routine, making the process easier for both of you. Waiting until problems appear may be too late to prevent serious dental disease, so early preventive care is key.

Training your puppies to tolerate teeth cleaning early helps avoid stress and resistance often faced with adult dogs.

How Often Should I Clean Their Teeth?

While daily brushing is ideal, veterinary advice suggests brushing at least two to three times per week to maintain good oral health. Each session should only take a few minutes and incorporating it into your regular routine helps consistency. If your dog tolerates it well, more frequent brushing can be beneficial.

The Basics of Tooth Cleaning

To clean your dog’s teeth effectively, you will need a toothbrush designed specifically for dogs alongside a palatable canine toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). Dog toothpastes often have meat flavour and enzymatic properties that work between teeth to remove hidden plaque.

The mechanical action of brushing matters most, so it is possible to brush without toothpaste if your dog dislikes it. Gentle brushing using circular motions at a 45-degree angle to the gum line is effective. Focus on all sides but especially the outward-facing teeth.

Feeding Practices to Support Dental Health

Kibble and dry food help reduce plaque by their abrasive action during chewing, unlike wet food which can stick to teeth and contribute to decay. However, dry food alone might not suit all dogs, so offering a balanced diet with both dry and wet food along with brushing is optimal for dental care.

Good Treats for Dental Care

Avoid sugary or fatty treats as they can harm dental health. Instead, choose dental treats like Pedigree Dentastix designed to help clean teeth or offer raw meaty bones and safe chews like rawhide which provide natural abrasion to remove plaque and keep dogs occupied.

Veterinary Dental Procedures

If dental problems develop, your dog may need professional veterinary dental care. Unlike home brushing, veterinary dental cleanings are performed under anaesthetic allowing deep, thorough cleaning. The procedure includes examination, scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, polishing, and extraction of badly damaged teeth if necessary.

Routine veterinary dental assessment alongside at-home care can help avoid needing complex procedures later. Early preventive home care is critical to maintaining your dog’s oral health and comfort throughout their life.

Summary and Next Steps

Regular canine tooth cleaning is a vital part of responsible dog ownership to help prevent dental disease and associated health problems. Start dental care early, brush at least two to three times weekly using suitable toothpaste and brushes, and maintain a diet supportive of dental health.

If you notice signs like bad breath, discoloured teeth, bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, consult your vet promptly. Preventive care provides the best chance for your dog to maintain their teeth and enjoy a happy, pain-free life.