What do you think will happen if you stop looking after your teeth? You may get severe problems related to teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing, gargling, you do it all to keep dental issues at bay.

Now, imagine the consequences of your dog not getting proper oral care? They are as prone to oral issues and diseases as their human friends.

After turning 3, a major population of dogs develops dental diseases popularly known as periodontal disease. These can be detrimental to your dog’s overall health. Thus, one should give equal importance to a dog’s dental care. Their teeth, gums, and the dental structure that supports their teeth may get affected if not paid adequate attention to.

It starts with plaque build-up that sticks to the teeth and turns into tartar. Tartar is formed under the gumline, so it doesn’t mean whether your dog has sparkling teeth or not. Remember, looks can be deceptive!

Tartar can severely damage the teeth by causing inflammation and unbearable pain. Plaque busters are a good way to get rid of the buildup and prevent pain, bad breath, and other oral issues.

You must look for symptoms of dental problems in your dog. These symptoms include teeth loosening, broken teeth, bleeding in the mouth, drooling, or inability/refusal to eat or drink. It is critical to spot these symptoms to ensure good health for your dog.

While the plethora of products available on pet store shelves and in online stores may overwhelm you, it is essential to invest in those that are proven to be good for your dog.

Here’s why it is essential to prioritize the dental health of dogs so that they can stay healthy:

1. Halitosis prevention:

Halitosis is a medical term used to describe an oral health problem characterized by odor from the mouth. If you get an unpleasant odor from your dog’s mouth, it may be time to visit the doctor. Your doctor will check for underlying causes of the bad breath and may prescribe dental treats and diet changes that will help fix it.

2. Prevent tooth loss

Fully grown dogs have 42 teeth. Plaque or other dental issues may affect the dental structure of your dog. This may lead to loosening of teeth and falling off from the jaw. Not only is it excruciatingly painful for the dog but also affects their chewing and eating experience.

3. Prevent dental issues from worsening

Dental diseases begin as early as 3 years of age in your dog. Sometimes, you may not be able to prevent the onset of dental issues, but optimum dental care will prevent the issue from worsening.

4. Prevent Oral pain

Dental issues may cause severe and unbearable pain to your fur baby. Maintaining oral hygiene helps to maintain their gums and teeth and saves them from pain.

5. Prevent organ damage because of bacteremia: Plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth may lead to bacteria entering their bloodstream. This further leads to damage to essential organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys. Regular dental care and the use of plaque busters can help prevent bacteremia, i.e. the spread of bacteria into the bloodstream. This will help the organs to stay safe from damage.

Preventing plaque buildup in your dog’s teeth:

Wondering how to save your dog from the multitude of problems that poor dental health may cause? You can do it at home without having to spend a lot of money at the vet’s office.

The first step is to keep inspecting their teeth regularly to spot any signs of plaque or other issues. While you can take steps towards good dental health for your pooch, do not skip annual vet appointments and tooth cleaning sessions. Here are some practices to adopt at home:

  1. Brushing their teeth: A good dog toothpaste and toothbrush are beneficial investments towards your dog’s dental health. If your dog doesn’t allow you to use the brush, here is a brushless toothpaste that you may consider.

  2. Dog treats: Dog treats help to maintain healthy gums and teeth in your dog and ensure good oral hygiene. You can choose among the wide variety of dog treats available here.

  3. Dental toys: Some dog toys help to clean the dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. These go for a long time and thus are a cost-effective way to prevent plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth.

  4. Balanced nutrition: Your dog’s diet also plays an important role in determining the appearance and health of their teeth. Pay attention to their diet and include healthy food.

Professional tooth cleaning by a vet requires general anesthesia. They do it to be able to clean above and below the gumline. Your dog’s age and overall health will determine if they are fit for professional teeth cleaning.

A discussion with your vet will also enable you to make the right decisions for your dog’s dental health. You can come up with a proper dental care plan for your dog. If you wish to maintain their oral hygiene with minimal intervention, these plaque busters may be your best bet. They make oral care for your canine easy and are a natural way to keep tartar and plaque at bay. They are fully digestible dental treats that reduce oral bacteria and promote healthy teeth.

It may sometimes be tempting to skip the additional expenditure because teeth look sparkling white. However, plaque and tartar may live out of your sight, below the gums. Thus, both vet visits and oral care at home are indispensable.