Taking care of your dog's dental health is at least as important as taking care of your own teeth. But what is the best way to do it, and do I really have to brush my dog's teeth? Check out our 5 tips for better dental health to find out!
1. Visit your vet
Just as you need to go to the dentist now and then, your dog does too. When you take your dog for routine visits or vaccinations, ask your vet to also do a dental check. Most dogs also need a professional dental cleaning regularly. If you want to start brushing your dog's teeth, it is a good idea to have a veterinary check beforehand, to make sure there are no inflammations or other painful problems when you start. Your vet gives guidance and personal recommendations on what is best for your particular dog.
2. Brush your dog's teeth
By far the most common problem with our dogs' oral health is the formation of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a bacterial coating that forms on the dog's teeth, and is caused by both the dog's natural oral flora and diet. When plaque mixes with minerals in the saliva it hardens and builds up, and eventually becomes tartar.
Almost all dogs get problems with tartar at some point in life. However, small breeds or breeds with short noses are clearly overrepresented, and they also often get problems at a younger age. In the long run, tartar leads to a worse problem - tooth loss, and the process can move quickly. And yes, the only effective way to prevent tartar is tooth brushing.
Read more about how to brush your dog's teeth.
3. Complement tooth brushing with dental sticks
In addition to tooth brushing, different forms of chew bones and dental sticks can have a positive impact on your dog's dental health. Chewing is good for preventing tartar, keeping teeth and gums in shape and meeting the dog's mental need to chew.
Many different types of chew bones and bones are good, but so-called dental sticks are specially developed to keep the teeth healthy and have properties that are extra beneficial. The most important property is that they are developed with special fibres that give increased chewing resistance and a brushing effect on the tooth.
Our dental sticks with insects have special fibres in the surface for a brushing effect, and also contain other specific ingredients like zinc, mint and parsley that have a positive effect on dental health.
4. Check your dog's mouth
The routine around tooth brushing is not only good for the brushing itself, but also because the dog gets used to you handling its mouth and lips. You also learn what the dog's mouth looks like when it is healthy, and can then more easily spot any problems, such as damaged teeth or inflamed gums.
5. Avoid these risks to protect your dog's teeth
Too hard bones, like marrow bones, can cause damage or cracks to the dog's teeth. This is especially important for young dogs, which have more sensitive teeth. You should also not let the dog carry stones or other hard/heavy objects in its mouth.
Tennis balls are fun to throw, but do not let the dog gnaw on them. The material in them is surprisingly coarse and wears on the dog's teeth.
There are several dietary supplements for dogs with ingredients that are claimed to prevent tartar, such as powder to mix in the food or additives in the dog's water. Unfortunately, these products lack scientific support, and should therefore never replace tooth brushing and dental chews.
In summary: check the mouth, brush the teeth, and a dental stick a day keeps the doctor away ... A healthy mouth is the key to a healthy dog, so even if tooth brushing can be a challenge - keep at it, it is worth it! 🦷💜