The bacterial proliferation on the teeth forms what is known as “bacterial plaque”, which is attached to the teeth. This proliferation can be increased due to saliva and the accumulation of food debris. In turn, if the plaque is not removed, the bacteria generate s alts that mineralize and tartar begins to develop, which is seen as a hard layer on and between the teeth. The accumulation of tartar also favors the proliferation of more bacteria and, therefore, more tartar. But tartar doesn't just stay on the surface, it can also penetrate the gums, inflaming them and causing gingivitis and bad breath.
For this reason it is essential to carry out a daily brushing and/or, if this is not possible, to take into account a series of hygiene recommendations. In this article on our site we explain the different ways to clean a dog's teeth and we will give you some tips to prevent the formation of bacterial plaque.
1. Dog Toothbrush
Using a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs is undoubtedly the best option. The mechanical effect that we perform when rubbing manages to eliminate the bacterial plaque, although not always the tartar in its entirety. How to clean a dog's teeth with tartar? In the market you can find different types of dental hygiene kits for dogs, which in addition to being made especially for them, contain an edible toothpaste that does not pose any risk if the dog ingests it. A good example of this can be found in the Kit Dental Dentican de Stangest This kit is made up of a triple-headed brush, very flexible and comfortable, which facilitates cleaning by reaching the different dental pieces in a more efficient way; and a toothpaste formulated with enzymes such as papain to enhance the anti-plaque action and add a whitening effect.
Remember that you should never use paste for humans, even as children. Likewise, it is important to highlight that to get your dog used to cleaning his mouth with a brush, the ideal is to start when he is a puppy, although not because he is already a adult dog we will oppose using it.
How to brush your dog's teeth?
At first we will use our fingers as a brush and we will pass the paste over the teeth and gums, always carefully and reinforcing it in a positive way so that it associates it with something good. To do this, we can use words of encouragement, caresses or other types of rewards. Of course, we will try to avoid edible prizes in this case.
When the dog is more used to it, we can start using the brush applying a small amount of paste and brushing the teeth in all directions. No need to rinse.
Ideally, brush your dog's teeth every day, but if that's not possible, set a routine of at least three times a week.
two. Brush Cover
Sometimes the toothbrush can be uncomfortable for your dog. For this reason, the use of a dog brush cover is sometimes recommended, which is also very suitable for puppies. This tool allows us to reach the corners of the oral cavity and is usually less invasive, so dogs usually tolerate it better However, it is not usually as precise as the brush due to its shape.
Despite being a less precise tool, it is always preferable to not using anything. In addition, it is also a good way to get the puppy used to handling and cleaning its teeth so that, later, we can use a brush.
How to brush your dog's teeth with the cover?
The process is the same as the one explained in the previous section, so we will have to place the sleeve on our index finger, Apply a small amount of toothpaste and brush the dog's teeth in all directions. Likewise, it is essential to reward so that the experience is related to positive stimuli.
3. Soluble toothpaste
If you're wondering how to clean a dog's teeth that won't let go, this product is the answer! If our dog is not able to withstand brushing or does not allow his mouth to be handled easily, the best alternative is the use of water-soluble liquid toothpastes. These products are specifically designed to fight bacterial plaque and bad breath without the need to brush your teeth or rinse.
This type of product is usually antiseptic and in addition to fighting tartar and plaque it also helps to eliminate the dog's bad breathDentican Soluble by Stangest is an excellent example of this type of product. It is a toothpaste that dissolves in the water that the dog will drink, so that it acts against bacterial plaque in a comfortable way and without the animal noticing it. Only one capful of product should be diluted in one liter of water. It can be used in dogs 6 months or older.
4. Spray toothpaste
A spray toothpaste can also be indicated for those dogs that do not allow their teeth to be brushed easily. However, it is important to note that for those who do not allow their mouths to be touched in any way, the fact of spraying their teeth can be annoying, so it is not recommended for dogs with behavioral problems such as stress, aggressiveness, fear or anxiety.. In these cases, it is preferable to opt for the previous toothpaste.
Now, how do these toothpastes work? How are they used to clean a dog's teeth? As in the previous case, they are formulated to combat bacterial plaque and bad breath. Dentican Spray by Stangest is an example of this type of toothpaste and its use is very simple. In this case, should be sprayed directly on the dog'steeth, and nothing else! No need to brush or rinse or dissolve in water.
5. Nutritional supplements for dental care
Nutritional supplements, also known as nutraceuticals, can provide he alth benefits for our dogs in many ways. Thus, on the market we also find supplements aimed at improving the oral he alth of dogs thanks to their action against the formation of bacterial plaque and tartar. An example of this is Denti'San, a natural nutritional supplement developed by Stangest to take care of the dental he alth of dogs and cats. It is made with brown algae (Ascophyllum nodosum), excellent for preventing plaque and tartar, and artichoke leaves and red cranberries, both with great antioxidant power, among other ingredients. To offer this supplement to our dog, we only have to mix the indicated amount with its food, which corresponds to 1 spoon for every 5 kg of weight.
6. Dog Dental Toys
In some cases there is difficulty brushing every day, especially when combined with toothpaste for dogs. For this reason, it may be interesting to look for options that complement the previous methods, such as dental toys for dogs.
Although they look like toys, these accessories are designed to clean the dog's teeth, since they have bristles similar to those of toothbrushes. Also, some of them may even have a cavity to add toothpaste. All you have to do is leave the accessory within the dog's reach so that he can clean his own teeth.
We recommend choosing those made with safe and resistant materials, such as natural rubber, to encourage proper chewing and prevent it from ending up destroyed. These toys are also great for entertainment or as a way to mental stimulation, so they are ideal to complement brushing or the use of liquid toothpastes.
In the market we will find them in different shapes and sizes, the important thing is to choose those suitable to the characteristics and needs of our dog.
7. Dental food for dogs
In the same way that we find specific food for various pathologies, on the market we will also find specific dental feed to take care of oral he alth.
This type of product is designed especially for adult dogs, never for puppies. In addition to helping the dog maintain proper dental hygiene by scraping, they also help combat bad breath and limit the development of plaque On the contrary, the Soft food, the leftovers of our food or wet food, generate a greater accumulation of tartar and bad breath in your dog, so it is advisable to limit them to specific occasions. This is not the case with homemade food prepared especially for the dog. In this case, and together with good oral hygiene, the dog can prevent the formation of tartar. Of course, the homemade diet must be prepared by a veterinarian specialized in canine nutrition to ensure that all their nutritional needs are met.
8. Dental Snacks
dental snacks are becoming more and more popular to clean dogs' teeth. However, it's important to note that these supplements are not as effective as a daily brushing routine. In addition, the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (ANFAAC) [1] does not recommend abusing this type of product, or prizes in general, because they can increase daily calorie consumption and lead to some he alth problems, such as breaking teeth depending on the type of snack or getting stuck if the dog swallows it whole. Of course, these situations occur with the improper use of snacks or prizes, such as offering them in an excessive quantity. The ideal is to use them from time to time and always as a complement.
A proper diet not only helps maintain the good he alth of the dog, but also favors teeth. Therefore, it is very important that we offer our dogs a balanced, complete and quality diet. In a complementary way, we can use snacks that are also of quality. Regarding rewards to reinforce behaviors, we must remember that positive reinforcement can also be carried out with words of encouragement and caresses, not only with edible rewards
9. Dental Bones for Dogs
Unlike the previous products, dental bones for dogs are long-lasting supplements that allow the dog to maintain an adequate routine dental hygiene while having fun and lowering your stress levels. Likewise, encourages chewing on suitable objects in adult dogs and puppies, something essential for their well-being, because let's not forget that it is a behavior typical of the species.
Avoid leather bones and opt for those that are specific for oral care or, better yet, natural ones. Likewise, there are other similar products such as deer antlers for dogs that fulfill the same function and are 100% natural. If you choose natural bones to clean your dog's teeth and keep him entertained, we recommend meaty ones, previously frozen and thawed for greater safety. No cooked or raw bones without first freezing them.
10. Oral cleaning for dogs
If our dog suffers from gingivitis or periodontal disease (grades II and III) it will be very important to consult with our veterinarian about the option of performing a mouth cleaning at the veterinary clinicTo perform this operation, an ultrasonic cleaning machine is used, very similar to that used by human dentists. Cleaning removes tartar, plaque and resident bacteria.
This is a very simple operation, but it requires the use of general anesthesia, so it is not indicated in elderly dogs. It should be noted that while this type of hygiene is recommended in mild cases, it is not recommended in cases of severe periodontal disease (grade IV), as it can cause the affected teeth to fall out. In any case, our veterinarian will tell us if it is advisable or not.
Also remember that even if you regularly clean your dog's mouth, it will be essential to continue brushing hygiene to prevent the accumulation of tartar.
Home remedies to clean dogs' teeth
So far we have seen different ways to clean a dog's teeth based on commercial products. However, there are some home remedies that are useful to complement the dog's hygiene and that we have in our own home. They won't be as effective, but they can help prevent tartar buildup:
- Use gauze instead of a brush: actually cleaning the mouth will never be as effective if we use gauze, since that the brush allows us to reach all corners. However, it can be a good way to replace this tool in an emergency. It will suffice to moisten the gauze and wrap it around our index finger, rubbing all the dog's teeth gently.
- Make your own homemade toothpaste: There are many homemade toothpaste recipes for dogs. If you have the main ingredient, baking soda, you can make a very effective mixture in your own home.
- Offer apple and carrot to your dog: although both contain sugar, in moderate and punctual doses they can help us maintain the dog's hygiene. In addition, they will love it, because it will be like offering them one more treat.
- Use natural herbs for gingivitis: especially if the dog has swollen gums, we can use healing herbs that we will find in any herbalist or holistic vet. Among them we highlight the Oregon grape, calendula or aloe vera.
- Includes the meaty bones: As discussed, the meaty bones are a good way to keep your dog's teeth clean while he gnaws on them. In addition, they are perfect for you to be entertained. Of course, we insist, they must be frozen and thawed to guarantee that they do not have pathogens.
