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Dental Care

How To Provide Good Dental Care For Your Dog

Dog Dental Care	Dog Toothbrush
Dog Dental Cleaning	Dog Dental Chews
Cet Dental Chews	Dental Treats For Dogs
Dog Bad Breath Cure	Dog Toothpaste

Dental Care Promotes Good Oral Health For Your Dog

Provide good dental care for your puppy's future health. By the time your puppy reaches the ages of 2 or 3, more attention is needed for it's dental care. Without good oral care, plaque forms on a dog's teeth and will eventually give the dog dental problems. In time, teeth will loosen and become very painful, inhibiting its ability to chew, which in turn effects the rest of its health. Eventually teeth will fall out or have to be extracted. Dogs will develop the same teeth problems that us humans experience if they are not given the correct dental care. We all know what its like to have an aching tooth! Just as our health can be affected by bad teeth, the oral health of your dog can effect its health in much the same way.

Most Common Dental Diseases, Problems And Their Causes:

Periodontitis
Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is the most common dental problem for dogs and is caused by plaque, a mixture of bacteria, food debris, and cell mucus. It forms a milky-white film on the teeth and gums. As plaque gets into pockets under the gum-line, bacteria eats away at the bone that holds the teeth. When mixed with saliva in the mouth, plaque turns into tartar, which can stick to the teeth like cement.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis or gum disease, is an inflammation of the gum tissue. It does not affect the deeper structures of the teeth. Without treatment, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, bone loss, loosening of the teeth, and eventually loss of teeth.

Endodontic Disease
Endodontic disease, also known as tooth fracture is the second biggest problem for dog teeth. This occurs when hard chews break the teeth, leading to infection inside the tooth. Dogs can break their teeth surprisingly easily, just from crunching down on hard rocks, cow hooves, and other tough substances.

Suggested Ways To Provide Good Oral Health For Your Dog:

Professional Teeth Cleaning By Your Veterinarian
Have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned at least every two years by your local veternarian.

Teeth Brushing
Brushing at least twice a week will provide normal dental care, however, it only cleans about 90% of their teeth.
Numerous products are available for aiding in teeth brushing:

  Natural Dog Dental Kit (3.25 oz.)
  Chicken Flavor Toothpaste for Dogs (4.4 oz.; Chicken; Turkey)


Dental Chews
Ideally, find dental chews your dog enjoys chewing that help clean its teeth. The best way to do that is to experiment. It might be a 'taste' factor! Dental Chews are best for most busy families who have trouble finding time to brush their dog's teeth.
Some recommended dental chews:

   N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring
  Nutro Tartar Control Biscuits (60 oz.)
  Greenies Dental Treats Regular Size (Regular; 12 oz.; 4"Length)

About Greenies Dental Chews:

Greenies have become very popular with dogs. Big green dog biscuits that vaguely look like toothbrushes. Greenies control bad breath better than rawhide or dog biscuits and provide better nutrition. It takes some serious chewing to work through a Greenie, which cleans their teeth surprisingly well. Greenies get their color from chlorophyll, which neutralizes odors. In an independent study, dogs on a normal diet plus one Greenie a day developed only an eighth as much tartar as dogs on a normal diet alone. The most amazing thing about Greenies is how much dogs like them.

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Please Note:  Always consult your dog's veterinarian before making any dog health care decisions. Your veternarian will be able to help you decide the best course of action when it comes to caring for your dog.

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