Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs and is also the most easily preventable with regular dental care. Dogs aren’t as susceptible to cavities as humans are, but sticky plaque and the resulting tartar buildup can cause gum infections and periodontal disease. Brushing your dog’s teeth is an important part of his regular health care.

It’s easy to get your dog used to having his teeth brushed when you start from puppyhood, but even if you’ve never brushed your adult dog’s teeth it’s never too late to start. If your dog already has tartar buildup (brown or black residue on the teeth and along the gumline) or his gums appear to be bright red and swollen, it’s best to take him to your veterinarian to have his dental condition evaluated and his teeth professionally cleaned. Advanced cases of tartar buildup may require that your dog is anesthetized before having his teeth cleaned, to avoid undue discomfort and stress. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?c=3307&articleid=308&d=155&category=602

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily will help prevent dental disease that can become a major health problem which is expensive to treat. Left untreated, periodontal disease can introduce harmful bacteria into your dog’s blood stream and spread the infection throughout the body, causing serious illness, or even death. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/teeth.htm

To brush your dog’s teeth you will need a toothpaste designed especially for dogs. Human toothpastes are not meant to be swallowed and contain ingredients that may upset your dog’s stomach. Pet toothpastes are meat flavored, edible, and more palatable to dogs, which makes them more likely to cooperate with having their teeth brushed. You will also need a soft-bristled toothbrush; human toothbrushes are OK to use but pet toothbrushes may make the job easier. For very tiny dogs, you may find it easier to wrap a piece of gauze around your finger and brush your dog’s teeth with your fingertip.http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1653&aid=384 Please use this guide to learn how to brush your dog’s teeth.

If you’re starting out with a new puppy, brushing your dog’s teeth should be part of his regular health care and he will readily learn to accept it. Older dogs who aren’t used to having their teeth brushed should be introduced to the process gradually. Approach the tooth brushing regimen gently and patiently, so your dog understands that this is a good thing you want to do for him.

Your dog may not be used to having his mouth handled at all, so the your first step may be to get him to allow you to do so. Begin by stroking his muzzle and lifting his lips. You may have to do this step a few days in a row until he gets accustomed to having his mouth and lips touched, and you may need to get a helper to hold him still if he resists a great deal.

Once your dog accepts having his mouth handled, put a small amount of toothpaste on your fingertip and let the dog taste it so he gets used to its flavor and texture. Next, rub toothpaste along the outside of the gum line. Once you’ve rubbed the toothpaste along the gum line, give your dog a small treat or praise him gently, whichever type of reward seems to work best for your individual dog. He’ll learn to associate tooth brushing with a reward, which will encourage him to cooperate and maybe even look forward to having his teeth brushed. Brushing your dog’s teeth before taking him for a walk or playing games can also encourage your dog to enjoy (or at least tolerate) this new routine.

Put some pet toothpaste on his toothbrush and hold the toothbrush at an angle that allows the bristles to get under the gum line. Work the toothbrush in small circles along the gum line from the back of the mouth to the front.

The upper back teeth are usually the first to have plaque and tartar buildup, so if your dog only lets you brush the outside of his back teeth at first then you’re still helping to reduce his chances of developing periodontal disease. Each successive day, try to brush more teeth until your dog is willing to let you brush all of them.http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-brush-your-dog-s-teeth/page1.aspx

Preventative dental care is as important for dogs as it is for their humans. While daily tooth brushing can help control canine dental disease as well as bad “doggy breath,” your dog will still benefit from regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning as your veterinarian advises.

In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth, take steps to prevent the daily build-up of plaque and tartar. It only takes a few days for sticky plaque to turn into hardened tartar that won’t brush away. The tartar build-up irritates the gums, which invites bacteria to move in and create infections and gum disease. Daily brushing is recommended, but brushing every other day may be adequate to control tartar buildup.

Hard biscuits and dental treats can remove plaque from your dog’s teeth and help keep his breath fresh. Studies have shown that a diet of dry kibble is healthier for your dog’s teeth and gums than moist dog food or table scraps. Your dog won’t need to eat as much if you provide him with a high-quality dry dog food, which reduces the amount of food residue left in his mouth after a meal.http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1653&aid=384

Appropriate chew toys can also help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Some dog toys are designed to promote your dog’s dental health, and rawhide and rope toys can also help control plaque and the resulting tartar buildup.