Dog - Dental Homecare

Why is dental home care important?

Dental disease is very common in dogs over the age of three years. It is known that regular teeth cleaning is the best way to prevent periodontal disease which can result in the loss of many otherwise healthy teeth.

Periodontal disease is infection of the gums and all the structures surrounding the teeth. It is known to occur in approximately 85% of dogs over the age of three years unless you provide some form of dental homecare.

Today there are many toys, treats and even specially formulated foods available, designed to help with oral health.

Regular brushing has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Although preferable to train your dog to accept the procedure as a puppy, older dogs can be trained to accept and even enjoy regular brushing, particularly if you train by reward!

Dogs, unlike people, have a fairly long flexible tongue which cleans the inside or lingual surfaces of the teeth fairly effectively so that most brushing procedures are confined to the outside or 'buccal' surface of the teeth.

How do I train my dog to accept teeth cleaning?

Make it a fun game! For the first few days hold your dog as you normally do when petting him, paying particular attention to handling him round the head using treats and praise as rewards. Do this particularly at meal times which, for most dogs is the most pleasurable part of the day.

It is worthwhile starting off with a specially designed canine toothbrush although an old human toothbrush can be used. Initially dip the brush in his favourite food or something meat tasting and insert the brush gently between the lips with the bristles against the teeth at an angle of approximately 45º to the tooth and gum surface. Gently move the bristles against teeth and gums. Most owners report their dogs tolerate the cheek teeth being cleaned but won’t allow their front teeth (incisors) to be touched. Again praise and perseverance are both necessary together with lots of treats and there are still a significant number of dogs that never tolerate the procedure. You can but try. By contrast some dogs used to having the outside of the teeth cleaned will actually consent to having the inside surfaces brushed. Initially concentrate on the large molar (cheek) teeth and allow the dog to consume some of the meal between brushing sessions.

Gradually move forward to the small incisors (front teeth). This is the most sensitive part of the mouth. They frequently resent incisors being cleaned.

Fortunately calculus usually builds up mainly on the canines (or fangs) so if you experience difficulties concentrate on these teeth. Once used to the procedure some dogs become sufficiently tolerant to allow you to attempt to clean the lingual (inside) surface of the teeth. If you place a thumb or finger on the roof of your dog’s mouth it will prevent him from shutting his mouth.

If you find you are unable to make much progress with these dental procedures, do not despair. As already mentioned in addition to special foods, treats and chews that have been formulated there are also gels and other antiseptic solutions that can be applied on a daily basis.

Please contact us for further advice.