Just like humans, for maintaining overall health in dogs_dnetal cleaning is the essential step. We can brush our teeth but our furry friends rely on us for their dental health. If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth regularly, it might lead your pooch to plaque and tartar buildup that is injurious to their health. If you are unfamiliar with how to clean plaque and tartar off a dog’s teeth, then here are the ultimate tips for your pooch’s oral hygiene.
Tartar vs plaque: what’s the difference?
Plaque and tartar are both worse dental conditions for your pooch, and they require dental care to maintain good oral hygiene. However, there’s a slight difference between the two.
A colorless bacterial film that builds on a dog’s gums and teeth surface over time, is called plaque. If the condition remains unattended it becomes hardened causing gum disorder and tooth decay.
When plaque mineralization becomes excessive, it becomes tartar also called dental calculus.
To the human eye, tartar gives a yellowish-white substance appearance which generally forms along the gumline, under the tongue, on the mouth roof, and behind the teeth. Not only does it look awkward but also gives bad breath to dogs.
How to clean plaque and tartar off a dog’s teeth?
Dental wipes
You can choose dental wipes if your pooch can’t bear tooth brushing. However, it is less effective but still viable. It helps with some debris and plaque removal from your canine teeth. Dental wipes are not as fruitful as a toothbrush specifically the gingival sulcus where gum and teeth meet.
Dental treats and chews
Dental treats aid a lot in maintaining the oral health of your pooch. Using some dental treats will help to strike the progression of periodontal disorder uniting regular dental cleanings by a vet or vet dentist. Remember all the dental chews are not evenly fruitful.
Some dental chews have natural ingredients that obstruct your dog’s teeth’ plaque buildup. Some products also have antimicrobial characteristics to kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms in the mouth. Whereas others contain anti-calculus elements that retards the mineralization of plaque to form tartar.
Some dental chews use mechanical action to lessen plaque. As your canine chews on these dental chews, this chewing physically scrapes away the plaque.
Pet toothpaste
You should go with pet-safe gel and toothpaste for tartar removal and cleaning process. Gastrointestinal problems and serious reactions can occur in the case of human toothpaste which contains fluoride.
While you are choosing a pet-safe toothpaste, select one that has coconut. Coconut has antibacterial characteristics that kill the bacterias in the mouth. Your dog will also love the nice flavor of coconut.
Fruits and veggies
For a healthy wealthy smile we avoid eating candies, so be mindful of giving sugary treats to your dog as well. Limiting the number of treats will also aid in this context. Choosing healthy and crispy treats composed of veggies and fruits will help your canine to prevent dental problems and scrape away plaque and tartar buildup.
Agility toys
If you wanna keep your dog’s teeth away from plaque and tartar but in a fun way then agility toys can be helpful. When your dog chews and pulls on the agility toys, this action helps to scrape away plaque and tartar from dog teeth and gives a fresh breath.
Teeth brushing
The best way for plaque and tartar removal from your dog’s teeth is to brush their teeth regularly with dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Occasional cleaning will not help you out as consistency is the real key to preventing tartar buildup.
Your dog is afraid of the toothbrush. Don’t worry. Allow your dog to smell and taste the toothpaste first. Once they become comfortable with the taste, introduce the toothbrush gradually. Positive reinforcement and patience are needed here.
Dental spray
The dental spray helps with plaque removal even before it converts to tartar. Calm your pooch before applying the spray. Spray it directly on your pooch’s teeth and gum. The canine saliva and dental spray will make a film formation that breaks the plaque and tartar.
For appropriate dosage according to your dog’s size, read the instructions. Apply the product after 30 minutes of canine meal. You might have to use the dental spray very often in case your pooch has much tartar.
Oral gel
Using your fingers to apply the product will be ideal if you are dealing with an anxious pup. There are pet-safe gels available for tartar removal. You will see the prominent result after using the oral gel regularly on your dog’s teeth.
If you are using oral gel, you don’t have to brush your pooch’s teeth as the gel has ingredients that dissolve with your saliva for tartar removal.
Plaque off dog powder
This product is so fruitful for plaque and tartar removal from dog teeth. It also makes the breath fresh and maintains oral hygiene. But you should use it regularly for effective results. You can easily scrape off the tartar with a toothbrush as the tartar begins to brighten. Just mix the plaque off the powder with your dog’s meal and you’ll see the convenient results.
Chewing bone
When your pooch chews on bone, it helps to soften the tartar. Choose an appropriate bone size, it shouldn’t be too large that the pup can’t chew on it or too small that can be swallowed. Raw bones don’t damage your pooch’s teeth and can’t splinter, so is best for tartar removal. However, if your pooch aggressively chews on the bone, take it away to prevent teeth fractures.
Is human toothpaste safe for dog’s dental cleaning?
A dog’s body has different needs and sensitivities than a human, so you should avoid using human toothpaste for your dog’s dental cleaning. Human toothpaste contains fluoride which is extremely toxic for your pooch if he ingests it. Dog-safe toothpaste is best for your pooch’s dental cleaning.
How can you make the dog’s tartar off-cleaning process easy and fun?
If you wanna clean your dog’s teeth but your dog gives a recoiling reaction to the toothbrush, don’t worry! Doing what is great for your canine’s health is essential especially when it comes to their dental you can’t compromise this.
I also have a dog and I would suggest you slowly introduce your dog to toothbrushes in their cleaning routine. So that gradually they can become familiar with the process.
Is coconut oil useful for tartar removal?
Coconut oil helps for tartar removal_says anecdotal evidence. The sweet taste of coconut is pleasing for your canine. Also, it helps with tartar breakdown as it has lauric acid. As a supplement treatment, you can rub some coconut oil on your pooch’s teeth to determine whether it works or not. Remember not to replace this treatment with their regular dental cleaning schedule.
Best tips for dog teeth brushing
If you wanna make your dog more familiar with toothbrushes, start the process when your pooch turns 8 weeks.
Even before the toothbrush, take something that your pooch please like peanut butter or something else, and rub it on their teeth so they can also become familiar with it.
You have to be patient and consistent.
Do not be anxious while brushing your dog’s teeth and try praising them during cleaning.
Choosing the right time for teeth brushing is essential. Try brushing your dog’s teeth after a long walk or a vigorous play.
When should you go for an expert advice?
Sometimes you are putting effort into maintaining your dog’s dental health but if getting a toothbrush near to pooch is impossible, you get worried about that. You can not ignore the problem in case your dog does not accept any alternative toothbrush for their dental hygiene. In this situation, you should consult your vet.
The symptoms of gum disease, plaque buildup, and tartar will also let you know that you should make a move to your vet for your canine’s dental cleaning.
Conclusion
Removing plaque and tartar from dog’s teeth might not be a joyful task yet it is essential for their oral hygiene. However, using simple tips and products makes the process easy. Choosing the right product that suits your dog’s teeth and doing the process at rthe ight time is the utmost important thing.
