Whiter Canines with Better Dental Hygiene

Pups can have those pearly whites too with just a little change in routine…

by Cory Van Rooyen

As humans we understand the importance of brushing our teeth daily. So why don’t most of us have the same concern for our dogs?

Periodontal disease is the most common disease affecting adult dogs today. Just as it does with us, plaque forms between the dogs’ teeth and combines with saliva and food particles to start infecting the gums. This Bacteria grows and the plaque hardens into tartar, giving the bacteria an even more permanent place to thrive. This is the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, which is the primary cause of bad breath.

Your dogs gingivitis will become more serious if left untreated, forming pockets of infected areas around the tooth, destroying supporting tissue and eventually resulting in potential tooth loss and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease can also affect more than just your pet’s teeth and gums. Bacteria can enter into the bloodstream through inflamed gums and attack the heart, liver and kidneys.

The potential health problems are easy to avoid if you take the following steps:

• Schedule an oral exam from your veterinarian each year- this will assist you and your vet in knowing what your next step should be (i.e. cleaning, polishing, or fluoride treatment).

• Schedule a Professional Dental Cleaning

• Brush your dogs teeth regularly with a special pet toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your vet

If you have further questions we recommend speaking to your veterinarian.

Some recommended products for proper teeth cleaning and maintenance are shown below: