You’ve got the brush-twice-a-day thing down pat for yourself and go to the dentist regularly, but you might be asking, how often should I brush my dog’s teeth? You might also be wondering if a professional should do your dog’s teeth cleaning and if so, what that involves.
Your dog’s dental health is more important than you might think about regularly. You love seeing that toothy smile when you walk in the door and give your dog chew toys and treats, but when’s the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth?
We’re using National Pet Dental Health Month as a friendly reminder that we all could probably be doing a better job of looking after our dog’s teeth. Here, learn why your dog’s teeth are a crucial component in their overall health, how to perform a dog teeth cleaning, and when it’s time to see a professional.
Your Dog’s Teeth and Their Health
It can be tough to tell if your dog’s teeth cleaning routine could use improvement, but some signs are bad breath, a reduced appetite, bleeding around the mouth, and swollen gums, according to AVMA.
Periodontal disease is very common in dogs and it’s often due to plaque that turns into tartar. It’s said that about 80 percent of dogs have some form of gum disease by age 3, so statistically speaking, your dog might have it. That buildup of tartar and plaque below the gum line can lead to infection and cause serious health problems in your dog, including…
Dog Teeth: How to Maintain Your Dog’s Dental Health. Retrieved February 21, 2021 from https://embarkvet.com/resources/blog/dog-teeth-how-to-maintain-your-dogs-dental-health/