Should I Brush my Dog’s teeth? How to Brush your Dog’s Teeth?

How to brush your dog’s teeth? Some people are wondering if they should do it at all.

Over 2/3 of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease, infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, or inflammation.

Gums disease begins as gingivitis caused by tartar and plaque and often progresses to involve the tooth sockets.

If this problem is left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bigger dental problems; just as human teeth, dog’s teeth need care.

When Should I Brush my Dog’s Teeth?

It is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a day, just like us. And this is something that may result strange for some people because really? Should I brush my dog’s teeth? Why?

Well, it is because you need to prevent dental problems just as you do with your teeth.

Once brushing teeth becomes a part of your dog’s daily life, he will start to expect and enjoy it.

Brushing thee times a week is the minimum suggestion to help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. 

What Steps Do I Need to Follow to Teach my Dog to Accept Tooth Brushing?

We know that you are wondering how to do it because it isn’t something that people see as normal.

To be successful at brushing your dog’s teeth, you must make it a positive practice for both of you. So, take a look at the next steps to help you out: 

• Pick a peaceful time and place to start.
• If your dog is small enough, hold your dog securely in your lap with his head facing away from you. If your dog is bigger, you should sit somewhere and have your dog sit beside you so that you can conveniently handle his mouth and teeth.
• Begin by rubbing your finger or a soft fabric over the outer surfaces of your dog’s teeth, with a back-and-forth motion – concentrating on the area where the gum touches the tooth surface. Be cautious to stay on the outside surfaces of the teeth to avoid being unexpectedly bitten. It is a good idea to rub the cloth along only a few teeth rather than the whole mouth for the first few times, especially if your pet is shaky or apprehensive about the process.
• Once your dog is pleased with you rubbing his teeth, let him taste a little bit of pet toothpaste from your finger. Don’t apply human toothpaste – it isn’t good to swallow human toothpaste.
• Once your dog has received the taste of pet toothpaste, use a small amount to the cloth and rub it over the teeth.
• Once your dog is entirely related to you rubbing his teeth with a fabric, it’s time to begin applying a toothbrush.

If you want to see a really great video about brushing your dog’s teeth, click here.

Can I Use my Toothpaste to Brush my Dog’s Teeth? 

Absolutely not. The tubes of toothpaste that we use have fluoride, which is toxic to dogs.

There are toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs, so it is best to use one for dogs.

In pet stores, you will find many kinds of toothpaste for dogs. They are safe, so they won’t cause health problems if he ingests it.

Some contain abrasives, usually calcium and silicates. Some contain chlorhexidine, which is an antibacterial and antiviral agent.

Pet toothpaste is available in several different flavors that are delicious to dogs, including turkey, beef, malt, and mint.

Using a product that tastes great, your dog will be more inclined to enjoy the whole experience.

Brushing with toothpaste is very suitable for removing the tartar. In the beginning, you can clean the teeth with a finger wrapped in gauze on which you will apply the toothpaste or use a finger glove for dogs, which consists of a small cover that you will place on the finger.

This way, you will easily reach every corner. This result is similar to that obtained with a brush and allows the use of toothpaste.

There are also specific mouthwashes for dogs. They are antiseptic products that fight tartar, plaque, and bad breath.

Dental toys for dogs are also an outstanding alternative to clean their teeth, especially if they are combined with a specific toothpaste.

One of the best known is Bristly, as it is specially designed for a dental cleaning. This toy has bristles similar to finger brushes and gloves, with a cavity at the top to add toothpaste.

The dog will use it as a chew, brushing his teeth while entertaining himself. Consult with your veterinarian about the most suitable alternative for your dog.

What Else Can I Do to Keep my Dog’s Dental Health?

Reaching this point, we hope that you have learned that taking care of your dog’s teeth is essential.

Plaque and tartar is a sticky substance that grows on the teeth within hours after eating or even after a professional dental cleaning. 

All these dental problems happen to dogs too, and if you want them to keep their teeth as long as possible in their lives, you will need to start brushing their teeth.