How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean In Between Dental Visits

How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean In Between Dental Visits

Alpha Paw Sale

Jan 14, 2024

Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth In Between Dental Checkups

Keeping your canine friend’s oral health up to par can be quite important when it comes to preventing other conditions such as tartar and plaque buildup. Your dog’s mouth is the first barrier that they have at their disposal as it ensures that no potentially dangerous germs go right into their bloodstream.

When your dog is hungry, you feed him but making sure his mouth is clean after the feeding is just as important as ensuring that he is well-fed.

Most dogs begin to show signs of periodontal disease by the time they are three years of age. Since your dog is supposed to live for at least a decade, it is your responsibility, as the pet’s owner, to make sure that you tend to a dental cleaning routine.

Ideally, you should take your pooch to the vet hospital for a dental cleaning appointment at least once every year, although a professional one would be much better once every six months. Even if he seems healthy, it’s difficult to tell if he is happy with his oral health, so it’s important to have regular visits with the vet.

In today’s article, we are looking at everything that dog dental care entails and several means of keeping your dog’s teeth and gums as healthy for as long as possible, especially in-between appointments at the veterinary clinic.

The Basics of Canine Oral Hygiene

Preventing dental disease is not easy, especially since most dogs do not appreciate having their teeth brushed. In case you did not know, plaque does not take too long to become hard — just as little as forty-eight to seventy-two hours.

Once plaque becomes hard, you have no way of removing it yourself, at home, and without getting your pup extremely stressed. So, therefore, you will have to go to dental cleanings at the animal hospital on a regular basis when you could have just made sure to brush your dog’s teeth once every two to three days, instead.

If you create a teeth cleaning routine, not only will you help keep your dog’s dental health in check for many years to come, but you’ll also be able to prevent having to deal with extremely bad breath.

We recommend that you start brushing your pet’s teeth while it’s a puppy so it can be used to the routine. Even If your fur friend is a few years old already and has a receding gum line, and buildup of plaque, don’t fret.

Old dogs can learn new tricks. They can become friends with a pet toothbrush, toothpaste, dental treats, dog mouth wash, chew toys, or oral sprays so long as you maintain a consistent routine.

How to keep your dog's teeth clean in between dental visits

How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy can be done thanks to a schedule that you’ve created. Make sure you first find a comfortable and quiet place where you can tend to the dog’s dental care procedures. Get your dog used to the idea that they will have their mouth handled on a daily basis.

Leave your dog to inspect the tools you intend to use, such as the toothpaste, the toothbrush, dog dental picks, or even the chew toy you intend to reward your pet for being such a good boy or girl afterward. Make sure to add a water additive to keep your dog’s teeth as fresh as can be in between the cleanings.

Always begin with one specific section of the mouth at a time. Some veterinary professionals recommend starting with the front teeth and then moving to the sides. For some pets, it might not be the same and they could prefer it the other way around.

If your dog starts to show signs of stress, it might be a sign that you are cleaning its teeth too fast. Stop for a while, allow your dog to re-become comfortable, and then continue.

If your dog’s gums begin to bleed, stop altogether and go see a professional and find out what’s wrong. Bleeding is never a good sign and while it might be manageable, you might have to change the products that you use, at least for a while.

Image credit: canva

Tooth Brushing to Remove Plaque

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, daily brushing is the right way of going about things. However, it takes time for a dog to become used to the task, so at first, you can just brush your dog’s teeth once every two to three days and then turn it into a daily habit.

Even though there are many products marketed for the purpose of keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, the fact of the matter is that not all of them work or have safe ingredients. Ask your vet about what products they recommend and what the best toothbrush can be for your specific dog breed.

Owners should know that although all dogs have the same number of teeth and basic configuration, the pet toothbrush they choose should also depend on their size. You cannot use the same brush for a Saint Bernard as you would for a Chihuahua — for obvious reasons.

Pet teeth cleaning products such as toothpaste and dental sticks are particularly made with delicious ingredients so that your dog doesn’t begin to hate the dental routine you have created. Some examples of flavors that your pup might enjoy are chicken or beef, but also peanut butter.

Controlling Plaque and Tartar

Protecting your dog’s teeth from buildups can be done with regular tooth brushing, but it can also be a result of using the right water additives.

In fact, most products that are marketed as mouthwashes for dogs contain ingredients that fight tartar buildup, remove bacteria that leads to the production of plaque, and as a bonus, also get rid of your dog’s bad breath.

Another option you have at your disposal when it comes to ensuring great oral health and preventing buildups is using a canine oral spray. Like mouthwash, a dog mouth spray usually contains substances that kill plaque-producing bacteria.

However, this does not mean that regular teeth cleanings are going to be less necessary in that you will still have to brush your dog’s teeth at least once every two to three days. After all, most humans brush their teeth and tend to their oral care routines twice a day. Why shouldn’t your pup deserve the same consideration as most humans?

Top Products for Effective Dog Tartar Removal

Bid farewell to tartar buildup with our selection of top products crafted for effective dog tartar removal. Designed to tackle stubborn plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene, these products include dental chews, tartar control sprays, and specially formulated toothpaste. Combatting tartar is crucial for preventing dental issues,

Petkin plaque dental kit with convenient storage pouch
9.4
  • The plaque gel toothpaste has a minty fresh flavor.
  • No rinsing required, just brush!
  • The two-sided toothbrush has a small head and a larger head to reach every nook and cranny inside your pet’s mouth.
  • Comes with a finger brush that’s a great, less intimidating option for puppies and kittens.
  • This kit comes in a convenient storage pouch, so you can keep everything in one place.
Vet's best dog toothbrush & enzymatic toothpaste kit - teeth cleaning - made with natural ingredients - reduces plaque, whitens teeth, freshens breath - bonus care guide & finger brush included
9.4
  • SOOTHING AND EFFECTIVE: Keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy with our dog toothbrush and toothpaste kit; our toothpaste is made with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes, which work together to keep you dog's mouth fresh
  • CLEANS AND FRESHENS: Our dog toothpaste gently cleans away plaque and tartar, leaving your dog's teeth and breath fresh and clean; rid your dog of bad breath and gift them a healthier mouth with our dog tooth brushing kit
  • TRIPLE HEAD TOOTHBRUSH: Our dog toothbrush features a triple-sided head that cleans all sides of your dog's teeth at once, making tooth brushing faster and more efficient; no more struggling to clean those hard to reach back teeth
  • NATURAL FLAVORS: Our toothpaste for dogs has natural flavors that your furry friend will love, making dog tooth brushing a more enjoyable experience even for the pickiest of pups, so you can keep their dog breath fresh without any fuss
  • HEALTHY REGIMEN: Regular dog teeth cleaning is an important part of your pet's overall health regimen; use our dog toothbrush and toothpaste in between annual vet appointments to keep your dog's mouth healthy and free of plaque and tartar buildup
Jasper dog toothbrush, 360º dog tooth brushing kit, cat toothbrush, dog teeth cleaning, dog finger
9.4
  • The unique 360º design allows you to clean your pet's entire mouth with just a few swipes.
  • The silicone bristles are soft, yet abrasive enough to remove plaque.
  • Fits thin and thicker fingers, just add a few drops of water to make the silicone expand. It will also create a seal for smaller fingers!
  • The 100% silicone material is free from BPA and phthalate.
  • Available in different colors and counts to suit your needs!
Arm & hammer for pets dental water additive for dogs, tartar control | dog dental care reduces plaqu
9.4
  • Baking soda helps to clean and deodorize your dog's teeth and gums.
  • Powerful enzymes break down and help prevent tartar buildup.
  • Easy-to-use, just mix with your sidekick’s drinking water each time you refill the bowl.
  • Flavorless and odorless, so your dog won't even notice the difference!
  • Formulated with naturally derived ingredients.
Arm & hammer for pets dental water additive for dogs, tartar control | dog dental care reduces plaqu
9.4
  • Baking soda helps to clean and deodorize your dog's teeth and gums.
  • Powerful enzymes break down and help prevent tartar buildup.
  • Easy-to-use, just mix with your sidekick’s drinking water each time you refill the bowl.
  • Flavorless and odorless, so your dog won't even notice the difference!
  • Formulated with naturally derived ingredients.

Dental Chew Toys

While using a toothbrush, a dental spray, as well as a mouthwash for dogs is great, you can indirectly clean your dog’s teeth by using the right treats and toys.

Chew treats are made specifically to be a little abrasive so that they mechanically remove the plaque on your dog’s teeth.

Also, many chews these days combine the benefits of several different products into one. For example, omega chews can have an abrasive surface, too, thereby giving them teeth cleaning capabilities, and the same goes for allergy or hip & joint chews. But you should know that in the end, dog dental treats aren’t a replacer for toothbrushes and toothpaste cleanings.

Chew toys can be made of a variety of materials, some of which can keep your pup’s teeth clean more or less.

Whether chews are made of nylon, rubber, or rope, if your dog is a great chewer, why not take advantage of this feature and conveniently keep their dental health in check? After all, your pooch isn’t going to chew on your shoes or furniture, so that’s another benefit to consider.

Can A Dog Use A Human Toothpaste?

The short answer to this question is a no. Dogs cannot use human toothpaste.  Human toothpaste often has potentially dangerous ingredients, so dog owners should avoid using it.

Not only can human toothpaste contain a lot of xylitol or other artificial sweeteners, to which dogs don’t respond too well, but it can also contain menthol (which isn’t supposed to be swallowed) to which your dog might have a severe adverse reaction.

Although you might want your dog’s breath to be fresh, mint or menthol products are not the best for the purpose, and neither are eucalyptus ones. However, be aware that there are many common household foods that are toxic to your dog, so double-check anything you feed your pup.

If you know that you keep your dog’s teeth healthy with dog-specific products on a regular basis, you don’t have to worry about them developing dental disease or stinky breath too soon, for that matter.

Image credit: canva

Canine Tooth Extractions

As uncomfortable it might be to have to think about it, dogs sometimes have to have their teeth extracted just like humans do. Some of the most common causes of teeth extractions in our canine friends are the following:

  • Fractures
  • Oral trauma
  • Deciduous teeth (baby teeth)
  • Oral tumors
  • Abnormalities (where the tooth location hinders your dog’s feeding abilities

Periodontal disease is another reason and it’s not just smelly and quite uncomfortable for your pooch – it also leads the way to sepsis. Fido is much more likely to develop a generalized infection if they’re suffering from periodontosis.

The extraction involves initial cleaning, at least an x-ray, the use of an anesthetic, and the actual surgery where the bad tooth is removed. There are several different techniques that a board-certified veterinary dentist can use for this purpose, but they are quite complicated.

When it comes to recovery, most dogs get back to their former selves in the course of 48 to 72 hours following the operation. Most vets recommend hospitalizing the patient so that they can be fed intravenously since they are not going to be able to use their mouths due to local pain.

When your dog comes home from a dental procedure as serious as that, be sure to have their living space as comfortable as can be. A cozy, calming blanket and a calming bed can ease the stress and help them in the recovery process.

In dogs whose periodontosis is so severe that it has affected all of their teeth, it sometimes makes more sense to extract all of them rather than to try to uselessly treat the disease (since periodontosis basically has no cure).

It might seem heartbreaking, but the truth is that many toothless dogs live a happy and healthy life for many years after the surgery. Luckily, pets are fully capable of feeding (granted, they have to receive a soft or liquid diet) even after they’ve undergone full mouth extractions.
Image credit: canva

See the Dentist At Least Once Per Year

Professional dental cleaning is excellent, but such an appointment usually involves painful procedures, such as the manual removal of tartar, which could cause gum soreness. Therefore, anesthesia is typically necessary for most such procedures as dogs are unwilling to withstand them otherwise.

And if you didn’t know, pets shouldn’t undergo procedures where anesthesia is used more often than once or twice a year (tops). Dental cleanings are by far the best at removing both tartar and plaque and preventing periodontosis.

Some dog breeds have a higher likelihood of developing oral health issues. As such, they have to get professional cleanings done more often. Here are some examples:

But how much does a dental appointment cost? Well, it differs largely on what your dog is supposed to have done. The average cost for teeth cleaning is somewhere in the range of $200 to $700 or more.

Owners should know that the cost can be much higher if your dog needs to be induced with anesthesia or if the veterinarian has to perform other procedures, such as x-rays, blood work, or if your dog has an infection and needs to receive specific medication for it.

But what are the signs that should convince you to take your pooch to the hospital for professional cleaning? Here are some:

If you notice any of these in your canine friend, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

In the end, taking preventive measures such as using the right water additive, making sure your dog’s chewing on oral treats and toys, and practicing regular brushing can prevent a lot of general health and care problems and can also make the frequency of cleanings fewer.

Alpha Paw Sale
author image

Dr. Christina Vulpe, DVM

Member of Alpha Paw’s Board of Pet Experts

Dr. Cristina Vulpe is a board-certified small animal veterinarian. She earned her veterinary degree in 2011 from USAMV in Iasi, Romania, and her PhD in Canine Oncology in 2015 from USAMV in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She is passionate about anything from animal nutrition & welfare to veterinary parasitology & infectious diseases. As a responsible pet parent herself, she enjoys giving reliable medical advice that pet owners can trust, which is why she joined Alpha Paw’s Board of Pet Experts on our mission to help our readers give their pets the happy & healthy lives they deserve.

Disclaimer

The medical, nutritional, or behavioral advice we provide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our editorial content is not a substitute for formal or personalized medical advice from a veterinary professional. Only board-certified veterinary specialists who have examined your pet should diagnose medical conditions, provide personalized treatment, or prescribe appropriate medication. For questions regarding your pet’s health, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness, injury, or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.