How to Care for Your Pet's Teeth
To brush your pet's teeth you must train your pet gradually over several weeks. Small dogs are most easily done on a table or counter. Larger dogs can be sitting on the floor. One person may need to hold the dog and someone else may have to actually do the brushing. Make it fun!
WEEK 1
Start by just looking at the teeth. Do this once a day. Pull the lips back from the from the front of the muzzle and check the long canine teeth. Then, pull your finger back towards the corners of the mouth to see the premolars and molars, checking both top and bottom. Rub your finger along the gums. Then do the same for the other side of the mouth and the front incisor teeth. This takes about 30 seconds. Be sure to praise your pet as you do this. Give him a treat or favorite toy at the end.
WEEK 2
Once a day, use a toothbrush to play with your pet's mouth, using the same rubbing motion as with your finger.
WEEK 3
This week, use toothpaste. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for the type to use. There are gels, solutions, and sprays on the market. Human toothpaste, salt, or baking soda should NOT be used. Human toothpaste has detergent in it that foams and may cause gastric upsets if swallowed. Salt and baking soda are NOT as effective as modern toothpaste in removing plaque and their sodium content may be dangerous in elderly pets with their heart problems.
It is important to brush your pet's teeth daily. Brushing less frequently really does not remove plaque often enough to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Remember, plaque builds up just 6-8 hours after brushing! Also, pets respond to regular routine. If done daily, most pets will actually enjoy the attention. If done less frequently, they will fight and resent the procedure.
DENTAL FACTS
* Puppies have 28 temporary teeth, 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. These deciduous teeth erupt at about three to four weeks of age.
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Dogs have 42 permanent teeth, 20 on the top, and 22 on the bottom. These begin to emerge at about four months of age.
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Dogs have 6 permanent teeth that have 3 roots each, and 14 teeth that each have 2 roots.
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Puppies should lose a puppy tooth before the corresponding adult tooth emerges. If a puppy tooth is still in place when an adult tooth begins to show it is called a retained deciduous teeth. If this occurs, see your veterinarian so the dog's occlusion is not affected.
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Studies show that by age three, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown buildup of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.
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Facial swelling below the eye is usually due to an infection of the 4th premolar (carnassial) tooth.
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Sneezing and nasal discharge may be due to an infection of the upper canine tooth. The infection may lead to an opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity. This is called an oronasal fistula.
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Small dog breeds are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth of small dogs are often too large for their mouths, according to veterinary dentistry experts.
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A broken tooth is a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. The canine teeth of working dogs are essential to allowing the dogs to carry prey and other objects. If these teeth become broken, a canine dentist can prepare a metal crown.
