According to the ASPCA, many dogs in the U.S. show signs of periodontal disease by the time they are four years of age. There are some obvious signs that there are dental problems. These include bad breath, staining, tartar buildup and excessive drooling. Today, there are products that are intended to fight the onset of dental issues as well as to reverse those that have already taken hold. Here are some tips about improving the oral health of your dog.
Once each week, you should do an oral dental examination. Smell his breath. If it is particularly offensive, it could be a sign of problems with the gums, teeth, tongue or even the gastro-intestinal tract. It is true that dog breath is rarely pleasant even in good health, but learn to recognize danger signs, especially if they are combined with other symptoms.
Check the condition of the gums. They should be pink rather than red or white. There should be no sign of swelling and no brownish tartar. His tongue should also be a healthy color. Any breaks in the skin can be an indication of the presence of bacteria. For serious issues, the dog should be taken to the vet for a consultation.
Regular tooth brushing using a tooth brush structured for canine teeth is a must if you want to avoid gingivitis, periodontal disease or tartar buildup. You can use dog toothpaste, or a home mix of baking soda and water. You should not use human toothpaste on your pet. It may require some effort to get the dog used to having dental cleaning procedures done, but it is worth the effort in better health.
You can explore the options in chew toys that help to fight tartar buildup. There is also dog mouthwash. If you don’t want to do the work of cleaning canine teeth regularly, it is possible to have the work done with a vet or other service professional who offers the procedures.
The procedures are easy to do. Inspection of the dog’s mouth by yourself or your veterinarian is a starting point. Regular cleaning of the teeth and gums will remove bacteria which would otherwise become plaque. Chew toys designed to remove tartar and leave the teeth clean are extra added protection.
