Gum Disease
April 2010
On how to get your pet to accept a toothbrush... Start by dipping your finger in some beef or chicken bouillon or other highly flavored substance and gently rubbing the teeth and gums. When your dog is comfortable with this procedure, dip a toothbrush, finger brush, or folded gauze square in the same flavoring and gently rub the teeth and gums with a circular motion. At first it may be necessary to let your pet lick or lightly chew on the bristles of the brush or finger brush. When your pet is comfortable with this procedure, you can begin regular brushing. Remember to use a toothpaste designed for dogs since they don't know how to 'spit' like humans.
On what you should focus on brushing... The majority of the plaque and tartar will accumulate on the upper row of teeth on the outside and on the larger teeth toward the rear of the mouth. Don't worry about the inner surfaces of the teeth, as the normal tongue action and the meshing of the upper and lower rows of teeth keep these surfaces quite clean. While daily brushing is advisable, even brushing two to three times a week will go a long way in keeping your pet's mouth healthy.
On what you should be looking for... Check the small teeth in front of the four fangs for bits of hair, string, or other materials caught in them. Dogs use these teeth when they are pulling things apart and extracting burrs and other objects from their coat and feet. Check the fangs for accumulations of yellow-brown tartar and fractures on the tips. The fourth teeth behind the upper fangs should be examined carefully. These teeth are frequently fractured from chewing on bones, rocks, and other hard objects. Look for thickening of the gums, bleeding gums, or excessive mouth odor.
And of course, regular professional evaluation of your pet's dental health is the final line of defense, especially if your pet already has significant accumulations of tarter. Cleanings are usually done under a general anesthesia to allow cleaning of all the surfaces, examination of the throat and tongue, and polishing of all the teeth
by Dave Erlewein, DVM
Quick Dental Tips
Did you know that four out of five dogs over the age of 3 have gum disease, and gum disease is also one of the most preventable and treatable diseases.
What can you do about it? Tartar contributes to gum disease, so controlling tartar buildup will help control gum disease. Here are two simple things that you can do to help prevent this very common problem in your dog:
Daily brushing Brushing your dog's teeth every day (or at least 3 times a week) will work to remove tartar. Start by offering your dog a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. Position the bristles of the brush along the gum line of the upper back teeth and angle slightly up, so the bristles get under the gum line. Work from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth.
Tartar control treats. A good tartar control treat can remove tartar and help keep your dog's mouth healthy. They may have an X-shape design and a special texture that helps clean between teeth and down to the gum line. Several healthy brands are available, check the bag ingredients.
A lot of people struggle with brushing their dog's teeth, so tartar control treats are a great alternative. I must admit that I use a child’s soft brush as it fits in my hand and the small brush head is easy to use in the dogs mouth. I do use the beef flavour dog toothpaste and the dogs love it.