Why you should brush your dog's teeth every day

Maintaining your dog’s oral health is just as important as feeding them a balanced diet and providing them with regular exercise.  While it might seem like an additional chore, brushing your dog’s teeth every day can prevent serious dental issues and keep their mouth healthy. Let’s look at why daily brushing your dog’s teeth is essential, how to effectively brush your dog’s teeth, and alternative options if brushing proves to be challenging.  

The importance of dental care for your dog 

Just like we do, dogs can suffer from dental problems if their teeth and gums aren’t properly cared for. Plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth, leading to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss. By brushing your dog’s teeth daily, you help prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which in turn reduces the risk of these conditions. 

Why you should brush your dog's teeth every day:  

1. Prevention of plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which often must be professionally cleaned by scraping the plaque off. Brushing daily and adding other dental care products to your dog's routine can help remove plaque before it has a chance to harden. 
    

1. Reducing bad breath in your dog: Regular brushing and oral care can help eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath in dogs, ensuring that your dog's breath stays fresh. Contrary to popular belief dog’s breath isn’t meant to smell and bad breath is usually a sign of plaque, tartar or gum disease.    
    

1. Avoid costly vet visits by keeping your dog’s teeth clean: Did you know that up to 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old?   
   This means your dog may need a professional dental clean early in their life if their teeth are not well taken care of. But by incorporating a daily dental routine you can reduce the need for more expensive veterinary dental procedures in the future. 
    

1. Overall health improvements in your dog: Oral health is linked to overall health. Gum disease can contribute to more severe health issues, including heart, liver and kidney problems in our dogs.  

How to brush your dog's teeth effectively 

Brushing your dog’s teeth might seem daunting, especially if they are not used to having their mouth touched, but it can become a simple and enjoyable part of their routine with the right steps. Here’s a quick step by step guide: 

1. Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog: Use a toothbrush designed specifically for dogs. They are usually shaped to reach back teeth more easily and have two heads on the brush to clean both sides of the tooth. Never use human toothpaste to brush your dog's teeth as it contains harmful ingredients. Instead, choose toothpaste formulated specifically for pets, that are available in their favourite flavours such as chicken or beef.  
   Some great toothpaste products are __   
    
2. Make sure your dog is comfortable for cleaning teeth: Start by letting your dog get used to having their mouth touched if they aren’t already. Gently lift their lips and massage their gums with your finger, or a finger brush with something tasty on it (they may even like the flavour of the toothpaste). Reward them with plenty of treats and praise to create a positive association with brushing their teeth.  
    
3. Introduce the toothbrush: Once your dog is comfortable with you handling their mouth, start to introduce the toothbrush. Let them sniff it and get used to its texture slowly.  
    
4. Start brushing your dog's teeth: Apply a small amount of pet toothpaste to the toothbrush and gently brush your dog’s teeth in a circular motion and back and forth. Focus on the areas where plaque tends to accumulate the most, such as the back teeth. Aim for a few seconds each time and gradually increase the duration as your dog gets used to the process. 
    
5. Reward and praise your dog: After brushing, reward your dog with treats and lots of praise. This reinforces the positive experience and encourages them to cooperate in the future.  

Common challenges and solutions to brushing your dogs teeth 

Brushing your dog’s teeth every day can come with challenges, but with some strategies, you can overcome them: 

• Reluctance to brush: If your dog resists brushing, try to make it a fun and rewarding experience. Use flavoured toothpaste and offer treats before and after brushing to associate positive behaviour. 

• Short attention span: Start with short brushing sessions and gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more accustomed.  

• Sensitive gums: if your dog has sensitive gums or is experiencing dental issues, consult your vet before beginning a brushing routine.  

Alternative to brushing your dog's teeth 

While daily brushing is the gold standard for dog dental care, it might not always be achievable based on your dog's temperament or even your lifestyle. Here are some alternatives to help maintain your dog’s oral health: 

• Dental chews and toys: Chew toys and dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while keeping your dog entertained.  

• Dental rinses and additivites: These products can help reduce bacteria and freshen breath. You can use them in your dog’s water bowl or sprinkle them in their food to help with keeping plaque at bay and their breath fresh.  

• Professional cleaning: Regular dental check ups and cleanings by your vet are essential for maintaining your dog’s oral health, especially if brushing daily isn’t possible. At some point, your dog will need a professional cleaning just like we do because no amount of cleaning can keep all the plaque and decay at bay. But by incorporating a brushing routine you can   

• Professional Cleanings: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings by your vet are essential for maintaining your dog’s oral health, especially if brushing daily isn’t possible. 

Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is an important part of their health care routine. It prevents dental issues, reduces bad breath, and contributes to their overall wellbeing. While it may take some time for both you and your dog to get used to the process, the benefits are well worth the effort. Start with small steps, be patient, and make it a positive experience for your dog. For more dental care tips and products, consult your veterinarian and explore our range of dental care solutions designed specifically for dogs.