Basic Care and Maintenance for your pup’s pearly whites

Many people do not realize the importance of caring for their dog’s teeth.  As dogs age, the need for dental care increases.  The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to start while they are very young.

Many dogs do not like their mouths touched.  It is important for you as a dog owner to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age.  The veterinarian is always going to need to examine your dog’s mouth and you do not want to have problems with this.  The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup.  Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way.  Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.

Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily.  Many manufacturers make special toothpaste and brushes for dogs.  You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them.  To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth.  Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn’t mind this.  You can then try a finger brush, available at your veterinarian’s office or pet supply store.  Eventually, especially for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush.  Regular brushing will help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog’s teeth.

Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog’s teeth is by using rawhide chews specially formulated for dental care.  Many companies manufacture these chews.  One of the best available is by C.E.T.  Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products.  C.E.T. chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria.  Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy.  C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.

Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.

Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from your veterinarian.  If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you follow through.  If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.

A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning, however your dog will need to be sedated.  The anesthesia is light and with today’s technology is extremely safe.  Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human medicine.  A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired.  Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased teeth.  After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning.  First, they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. This will be done with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment.  After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them.  Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment.  This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming.  If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull them.  Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other intensive dental work.  Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.

It is very important to take good care of your dog’s teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent infections.  Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and if you have further questions, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.

CET HEXtra Premium Chews for Dogs - X Large - 180 Chews - $ 131.88 CET HEXtra Premium Chews for dogs combines the mechanical action of rawhide, antibacterial power of chlorhexidine, and the C.E.T. Dual Enzyme System for added antibacterial action and superior plaque control. Made from select beef hide, the added plaque-fighting enzymes and natural abrasive cleansing action of C.E.T. Chews help to keep breath fresh and teeth clean.

CET Enzymatic Chews for Dogs - Large - 6 Bags - 180 Chews - $ 72.98 CET Oral Hygiene Chews for dogs. As simple as giving a daily treat, great tasting C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews feature the exclusive Dual-Enzyme System to remove plaque and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria. The plaque-fighting enzymes and natural abrasive cleansing action of C.E.T. Chews help to keep breath fresh and teeth clean. Use C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews daily as a first step toward oral hygiene or on those days when brushing isn't possible.

PNP Dental Care for Dogs - 48 oz - $ 26.82 Pet Nutrition Products Healthy Teeth Dental Care Wash for dogs is a canine oral care and breath freshening product that is simply added to your dogs drinking water. This safe and effective product is veterinarian formulated using a special blend of all natural ingredients and does not effect the taste of the water. It promotes fresh breath, clean teeth and healthy gums by reducing odor causing compounds in your dog's mouth and protecting the natural oral environment.

Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Gloves for Dogs and Cats - 50 Gloves - $ 15.97 Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Gloves present an easy alternative to brushing your pets' teeth. These unique disposable, medical-grade PVC gloves feature bristles on thumb and forefinger.Clean hard-to-reach teeth easier than toothbrushes. Latex free! Each box contains 50 average-sized, right-handed gloves. For use on dogs. and cats

CET Oral Hygiene Rinse for Dogs and Cats - 8 oz Bottle - $ 10.79 C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse for dogs and cats combines 0.12% Chlorhexidine and Zinc Gluconate in a plaque-fighting formulation that may be used with or without brushing. It also contains Cetylpyridinium chloride for fresh breath fast.With periodontal disease affecting 85% of adult dogs and cats, it is important to provide your pet a proper oral hygiene program that includes the use of an oral rinse.A unique bent-stem applicator is also included for easy administration. C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse will leave your pet with clean teeth and fresh breath.For us on dogs and cats

ClearQuest Dental Wipes for Dogs - 100 Wipes - $ 7.19 ClearQuest Dental Wipes for Dogs are safe and effective pre-moistened wipes designed specifically to make it easy to clean your dogs teeth. They are enclosed in a convenient snap-close dispenser for freshness. Regular use helps to eliminate plaque and build up on your dogs teeth. They also control mouth odors and leave breath minty fresh. Great for dogs that resist tooth brushing. For use on dogs.

CET Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs and Cats - Poultry - $ 5.75 C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste for dogs and cats is an enzymatic toothpaste designed specifically for brushing your pets teeth. The single most effective step to good dental health is regular teeth brushing. Periodontal disease affects 85 percent of adult dogs and cats. This can lead to pain, bad breath and tooth loss. Even worse, chronic oral infection can spread harmful bacteria to other parts of the body, including the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. Fortunately most periodontal disease is preventable through a program of oral hygiene and regular professional care.

Top Performance ProDental Triple Head Toothbrush for Pets - $ 3.97 Top Performance ProDental Triple Head Pet Toothbrush uses a unique, patented design that cleans the front, back, and sides of teeth to remove plaque build-up more efficiently with each stroke.Three flexible brush heads are angled to reach the whole tooth at once, saving time and effort. Regular brushing helps freshen breath and prevent plaque build-up for cleaner, healthier teeth and gums. Padded handle ensures a firm grip for better control and comfort.Colors may vary. The head measures approximately 3/4 inches long, 3/4 inch inches in diameter, and 2 1/4 inches in circumference. The handle, including the head, measures 6 inches long. For use on dogs and cats.