One research paper explained what they found as an answer to the best way to brush dogs teeth.
One research paper explained what they found as an answer to the best way to brush dogs teeth. This study used a bacterial counter to examine the number of oral bacteria in dogs. It found that a week after cleaning the teeth, the number of bacteria increased. However, if teeth were polished after scaling, the bacteria level remained relatively stable for about a month. Surprisingly teeth care for dogs seems just as important as clean teeth for people.
Daily Brushing
Surprisingly, the combination of “scaling” (special tools to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth) with daily brushing resulted in significantly fewer teeth bacteria, regardless of whether polishing was done or not! This suggests that daily brushing can more effectively limit the growth of bacteria more than just having the dogs teeth cleaned after there is build up in the teeth. To read more insights on research click here!
Polishing appeared to be effective mainly when combined with brushing. So, the study concluded that the best way to prevent gum diseases in dogs is to maintain a daily brushing routine. A dog tooth brush is one way to clean a dogs teeth. There are also a few other options; a finger toothbrush, dental wipes or even dog mouth wash which is typically added to the dogs water bowl.
What are some signs of bad teeth?
If you notice any issues with your dog's teeth, that could be a sign that something is up! An unexpected foul odor from your dog's breath could be the first indicator that something could be wrong. It's more than just doggy breath – it smells akin to rotten food or has a very strong stench. Additionally, you might notice a change in your dog's eating habits. Your dog, once enthusiastic about their crunchy meals, might now be favoring softer foods. Another symptom to watch for is if the dog rubs their face frequently, as though trying to soothe an aching tooth in their mouth. This is usually accompanied by an increase in saliva, possibly due to discomfort or difficulty swallowing. Also, if you observe any swelling around the dog's mouth, that could be related to the dog's dental health
Merlin the Dog
The physical appearance of the teeth and gums is also very telling. Broken or discolored teeth are signs of oral problems, as are very red or swollen gums. Finally, the presence of a yellow or brown buildup on your dog's teeth, especially near the gum line, indicates tartar formation. All these signs are indicative of potential oral health issues, and you should go out and seek out a veterinary professional to help the puppy! To learn more check out this Swedish study about dog owners and veterinarians! I will share a snippet of what the research paper concluded. There seems to be a misunderstanding between dog owners and veterinary professionals about whether and how the advice of tooth brushing is shared and received. The study also reveals that there's a lack of knowledge about dental care among both dog owners and veterinary professionals, as well as preconceived notions veterinary professionals have about dog owners' attitudes towards dental care at home.
There is also a story about a dog that might be good to know about too! A rescued poodle named Merlin from a shelter, thinking it was more ethical and affordable than buying a hypoallergenic puppy from a breeder due to personal allergies. However, Merlin was not a 2-year-old silver poodle as they were told, but an older poodle with severe gingivitis and closer to 5 years of dog age! Despite multiple dental surgeries and extractions, they failed to establish a regular dental care routine for Merlin the poodle. His picky eating habits made dental treats useless, and he eventually refused to eat his kibble, desiring only wet food and hand-fed chicken morsels instead. A third surgery later, Merlin's meals now consist solely of refrigerated dog food. They learned the hard way that the cost of rescue isn't just the adoption fee, but also unexpected vet bills, which, in Merlin's case, were mostly due to neglected dental care! Click here to find the original story.
I hope this has helped shine a light on the all dog owners out there looking out for dogs bite!
