Free Dog Training: How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Dogs

Plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth can build up over time if not cleaned off, causing infection that can eventually lead to tooth loss. This infection can also spread to the dog's kidney, liver and heart and cause even more severe problems.
You can prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease (infected gums and tooth support area) in dogs by practicing the same kinds of oral hygiene techniques that you use for your own teeth. Regular teeth brushing, eating foods that prevent plaque build-up and routine dentist visits are simple steps you can take to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy and strong.

Steps

Begin with a visit to a veterinarian skilled in pet dentistry. Your vet will check for tartar buildup and signs of periodontal disease and will conclude with a thorough cleaning. If you have never practiced oral hygiene on your dog this first visit will be expensive, but it will result in clean teeth that gives you a good base from which you can begin practicing dog tooth hygiene at home.
Check your dog's teeth regularly. Check your dog's teeth every time you groom her. The more she is used to you checking them, the more responsive she'll be and the easier it'll be for you to spot anything unusual.
Brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Dog tooth brushing is the primary way to break up deposits that form on your dog's teeth soon after eating. Brushing your dog's teeth should be done on a nightly basis or a few times a week at a minimum.
- Introducing tooth brushing to your dog should be done over the course of a few weeks (and the earlier in her life, the better). The process begins by familiarizing your dog with the sensation of having your fingers in her mouth and ending with stress-free brushing using a dog toothbrush and using a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs (don't use human toothpaste). Alternatively, use a gauze pad, a washcloth or a child's toothbrush in place of a large toothbrush.
Consider feeding a bones-and-raw-food diet, also known as a "BARF" diet or "Biologically Appropriate Diet." Advocates of this diet feed daily servings of raw, meaty bones to address nutritional needs as well as help keep teeth clean through chewing action.
- Select the most organic bones you can find to minimize exposure to pesticides.
- Choose hard bones such as bison bones, which take longer to disintegrate.
Provide some hard toys to chew on. These can assist in keeping the teeth in great shape. Ask at the pet store or at the vet's for suitable toys.
Consider adding tartar removal products into your dog's water dish. Tartar-control products are available in liquid form and are designed to remove food deposits throughout the day.
- If tartar build-up is severe, your vet will need to perform a professional clean. This may have to take place under anesthesia.
Take your dog for regular oral health checkups, at least yearly. Save time by combining the tooth checkup with your pet's annual physical at the vet's.

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Tips

Anesthesia-free dog dental care performed at grooming shops is generally more affordable than having a veterinary professional clean your dog's teeth. However, this procedure only cleans the visible surface area of the teeth; it does not address tartar below the gum line, which is the primary cause of dog periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is reversible if caught early enough. The first signs include bad breath (doggy breath), drooling, nasal discharge and a swollen jaw or neck.

Warnings

Never feed cooked bones to a dog. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking. Uncooked bones have a different molecular structure that does not allow the bones to shatter upon chewing impact.
Use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs to swallow. Human toothpaste has chemical agents that are hazardous if ingested.

Things You'll Need

Dog toothbrush or gauze pad, washcloth or child's toothbrush
Dog toothpaste (flavored for dogs)
Regular checks
Regular vet visits (having an established relationship with one vet is a good idea when you have a pet)