Puppies have 28 baby teeth, which they lose when adult teeth begin to come in at about 3-4 months of age. By the time they are 4 months old, puppies usually have all their adult teeth. Dogs have 42 permanent adult teeth by 6 months of age. Just like with people, dogs need regular dental care to keep their mouths healthy and free of disease and pain. As a pet owner, it’s important to know how to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and what warning signs to look out for that may signify a problem.
Over 80% of dogs have dental disease by the age of 3.
Dental disease is the leading cause of death in dogs, and it affects over 80% of dogs by the age of 3. Dental disease can lead to heart problems, kidney failure and even anemia. As you can see, this is a serious health issue that needs to be addressed right away.
To prevent dental disease and help keep your pet healthy:
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and water or toothpaste (pet stores sell special toothbrushes just for dogs). You might want to ask at first if they like having their teeth brushed; some don’t!
- Avoid feeding dry food as much as possible; wet food cleans better than dry food does!
Symptoms of painful gums include red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, drooling, and not wanting to eat.
If your dog’s gums are red and swollen, he may be suffering from painful gums. Bleeding or swollen gums can indicate periodontitis, a chronic bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the soft tissue around the tooth root. If you notice your dog is drooling more than usual, this could be a sign of dental pain. He might also not want to eat anything because his mouth is too sore. Bad breath could also be an indicator that something isn’t right with his oral health; this problem is called stomatitis and can occur when bacteria in the mouth release toxins into the bloodstream or saliva, causing inflammation of the tongue or inside cheeks.
The longer you go between brushings, the more plaque remains on your teeth. Bacteria can then attach to this film, forming tartar. Tartar is a calcified substance that adheres to the teeth and often below the gum line.
Tartar is a calcified substance that adheres to the teeth and often below the gum line. Bacteria can attach to this film, forming tartar. Tartar can cause gum disease and tooth loss. It can also lead to bad breath.
You should be brushing your dog’s teeth 2-3 times a week for a minute or two each time, using canine toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush or finger brush.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is important for dental health and in helping to prevent gum disease. Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans, so they don’t experience the same level of pain from contaminated food or beverages. This means that it’s even more important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly and use a canine toothpaste rather than a human one. We recommend brushing at least 2-3 times per week for 1-2 minutes each time using a finger brush or soft bristle toothbrush designed specifically for dogs.
You can also try massaging your dog’s gum line with your fingers wrapped in gauze pads.
You can also try massaging your dog’s gum line with your fingers wrapped in gauze pads, which can help stimulate the blood flow to the area and clear away any debris. You can use this method for brushing teeth as well, but some dogs don’t like having their mouths prodded by something that feels foreign.
If you have an electronic toothbrush for humans, you may be able to clean your dog’s teeth with it as well. Ask your veterinarian before trying this method if they think it would be safe or if there are any other options available to you.
Dry food is less effective at cleaning teeth than wet food because it doesn’t stay stuck in between the teeth like wet food does.
Dry food is less effective at cleaning teeth than wet food because it doesn’t stay stuck in between the teeth like wet food does. The process of chewing through dry food also isn’t as thorough, so your dog will still have a build-up of tartar on their teeth by the time they reach adulthood.
Chewing is good for your dog’s teeth and can help keep them clean naturally. Be careful to choose treats that are healthy for your dog, however, many popular treats like rawhides are not recommended for dogs in general.
Chewing is good for your dog’s teeth and can help keep them clean naturally. Be careful to choose treats that are healthy for your dog, however, many popular treats like rawhides are not recommended for dogs in general.
A study published by the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that chewing on nylon chews helps reduce plaque buildup in dogs’ mouths by up to 90 percent. Chewing also stimulates salivary flow and improves the health of gums and bones around teeth, which is important for preventing gum disease and tooth decay among pets.
Conclusion
The best thing you can do for your dog is practice good dental hygiene from a young age. Your dog’s teeth depend on proper care in order to stay healthy and function at their best for years to come. If you have any questions about how often to brush or what products are best for your pet, then we recommend speaking with your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog.
