A dental routine is an essential part of your pet’s overall health. However, your dog will need different types of dental care at various stages of his life.
For example, the enamel on puppy teeth is not as strong as on adult teeth. Therefore, puppy teeth are sensitive, vulnerable, and need extra care, but they are not strong enough for some adult dog dental treatments. The good news is that puppies are in a learning phase of life when it may be easier to incorporate an oral health routine.
Adult dogs teeth are much less fragile and can withstand a more rigorous dental routine. It is essential to care for adult dogs teeth because they need them for the rest of their lives; like adult human teeth, they do not grow back.
Older dogs are at greater risk for dental problems because their teeth are more fragile and have worn down over time.
Puppy Teeth
Caring for a puppy’s teeth can be tricky. Puppies’ mouths and teeth are constantly growing and changing, so it’s essential to monitor their dental health.
When your puppy is three to four weeks old, his first teeth should have started to come in. Like humans, dogs have puppy teeth before their adult teeth come in.
Once puppy teeth appear, it takes three to four months before they begin to fall out and adult dog teeth take their place. Despite the short existence of your dog’s puppy teeth, it is essential to take care of them.
After all, at this young age, puppies are putting objects in their mouths to learn about the environment around them. This means they are under a lot of stress and wear and tear, as they are not as strong as adult teeth.
The following tips can help keep your puppy’s teeth healthy during its first year.
Check teeth regularly: Since your puppy’s teeth are constantly changing, it’s essential to check them often. This allows you to identify early dental problems in your dog’s mouth, such as an abnormal bite (malocclusion) or a persistent baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out with the others.
Give your puppy toys: chew toys are essential during your puppy’s teething period. Not only will they help keep his teeth clean, but they will also relieve teething pain. When choosing a chew toy for your puppy, make sure it is age appropriate by comparing puppy toys to adult dog toys. Look for a soft but sturdy toy large enough for your puppy to swallow but not so large that he can’t put it in his mouth.
Keep your veterinarian informed: After about three to four months, your puppy’s teeth should start to fall out. Watch for baby teeth that are slow to fall out, and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned. In the meantime, discuss your puppy’s dental progress at each checkup.
Brushing your puppy’s teeth early is integral to dental health for dogs. Not only does it help keep their teeth healthy, but it also gets them used to the idea of brushing their teeth at an early age. Start by slowly rubbing your puppy’s mouth with your fingers. Once your puppy is used to it, start using toothpaste on your finger and a toothbrush. You can also wrap gauze around your finger and run it over his teeth and gums to acclimate him. Remember to praise and reward your dog after each cleaning session.
Discuss dental health annually with your veterinarian: Get in the habit of discussing dental health at your dog’s annual checkup. Asking veterinarians for advice and opinions can help you maintain your puppy’s oral health into adulthood.
Adult dog teeth
Your dog’s adult life begins at around 12 months, depending on his breed. By then, he’ll have a complete set of permanent teeth to care for. Here are some ways to do this effectively:
Clean your dog’s teeth: Brushing his teeth is even more critical once it has entered his adult phase. It would help if you tried to brush your dog’s teeth every day, but even twice a week can make a difference in his dental health. Try to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle when cleaning your dog’s teeth.
Water additives: Water additives are relatively new and are designed to promote clean teeth and fresh breath in dogs. Although water additives can promote healthy teeth and gums, they should not replace daily brushing and chewing sticks. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
Introduce dental chews for dogs: Dog Chews are a great way to reinforce their dental health. Dental chews with a porous texture can go a long way toward reducing tartar buildup in your dog’s mouth. Dental chews often contain natural ingredients or fluoride to support the health of your dog’s teeth and gums. Always supervise your dog when eating a dental chew.
Make an appointment for a dental cleaning: Some dogs never need professional dental cleaning, while others need one every two years. These cleanings, performed under anesthesia, allow your veterinarian to understand your dog’s oral health better while removing accumulated plaque and tartar. These cleanings also allow your veterinarian to evaluate whether minor surgical procedures, such as tooth extractions, may be necessary.
Older Dog Teeth
Keeping your senior dog’s teeth and gums healthy and strong is essential. Older dogs are more prone to gum disease than younger dogs. The most common dental problems in older dogs are.
Cavities: Cavities in the teeth that can occur more frequently in older dogs. Be sure to regularly check your dog’s mouth for dull spots in the enamel or areas of the tooth that appear dark or delayed, as these can lead to pain and tooth loss.
Tooth extraction in dogs: A dog’s age, some teeth may need to be extracted. The need to remove a tooth usually arises from broken or cracked teeth, tooth root infections, or abscesses. This process requires general anesthesia. If you think a tooth extraction is necessary, talk to your veterinarian.
An essential part of grooming is ensuring your dog follows its regular dental routine from infancy to old age. This involves regular brushing and the use of dental rinses when necessary. Daily dental treatment can also have positive effects.
