Contrary to popular belief, "doggie breath" is not a normal condition. It’s a sign that your dog has poor oral health. It’s probably also a sign that you aren’t brushing your dog’s teeth.
Dental hygiene is important to any mammal with teeth. And the only way to maintain your puppy’s pearly whites is with a regular dental care that includes brushing. Veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least once a day because plaque hardens into tartar in 36 hours.
As in humans, oral health problems develop gradually and can easily be controlled with good oral hygiene. And yet, oral disease is one of the most widespread canine health problems veterinarians treat. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs show signs of oral disease by age 3.
In addition to bad breath, periodontal disease causes swollen, tender and receding gums, bleeding and pain, and, eventually, tooth loss. Even worse, the periodontal infection can enter the bloodstream, potentially reaching the heart, liver and kidneys.
The best way to avoid these problems is to introduce puppy to brushing when he is young.
Supplies You Will Need
Puppy tooth-brushing does require some special equipment:
- Pet toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste or baking soda on your pet’s teeth; both can cause stomach upset and vomiting. Instead, purchase a toothpaste specifically formulated for pets. These products are designed to be swallowed and are formulated with special enzymes that aid in the cleaning process. They also come in dog-friendly flavors, like beef and chicken.
- Medical gauze to clean teeth before the toothbrush is introduced.
- A nubby "finger brush", which slips over your fingertip; and
- A handled dog toothbrush. Don’t use a human toothbrush – even a child’s size – on your pet. It is not shaped or sized properly. Instead, purchase a brush designed for pet’s teeth. Remember that as puppy grows, you will need to change the size of the toothbrush you use.
Inside Puppy’s Mouth
Like us, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lives. First, their 28 baby teeth come in between 4 and 6 weeks of age.
Puppies begin to lose these temporary teeth about 4 months of age, and they are eventually replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth. (There is some variation in breeds).
Despite the fact that puppy’s "baby" teeth are temporary, you should introduce the concept of teeth cleaning right away so he becomes accustomed to the routine before his permanent teeth come in.
Introduce the Brush Slowly
The first step, as with all puppy training, is to help puppy become accustomed to you touching the inside his mouth. You can make this is a pleasant experience to which he looks forward by adding a little flavor: dip your finger in chicken broth or a favorite treat (peanut butter, cheese), let him sniff and lick at it, and then gently touch his teeth and gums.
Once he will allow you to touch his teeth and gums, you can switch to using a small amount of dog toothpaste. Next, put a bit of the flavored toothpaste on some gauze or on a finger brush and endeavor to clean his teeth. Keep the first few "brushing" sessions short and don’t worry if you can’t brush his entire mouth in one session. At the beginning, focus your attention along gum line in two areas: his canine teeth (also called the fangs) and his upper forth premolars (the very last molars at back of mouth). Work in a circular motion, praising him for his cooperation.
When you feel comfortable with the process, you can shift from the gauze to a finger brush, or from the finger brush to a handled dog toothbrush. Try all three and use whichever piece of equipment works best for you and your puppy.
As he comes to accept these sessions, gradually add other teeth a few at a time. Your goal is to have him to sit quietly for his entire mouth. It’s a goal that may take some time to achieve, but the two of you have a lifetime together to work on it.
