Canine Tooth Brushing

"Canine Tooth Brushing is as important as brushing human teeth since many tooth problems are irreversible. Dog teeth are susceptible to the same types of illnesses and brushing helps protect the gums and protect against gingivitis. "

1. Start fresh - This means have your Veterinarian do a thorough teeth cleaning.

2. Taste – To familiarize your dog with the toothpaste (use specially formulated toothpaste for dogs – available in multiple flavors (beef, poultry and malt flavor is popular – yummy - from most Veterinarians) have your dog taste a small amount.

Another option for canine tooth brushing is to introduce the brush first. Try using the brush without paste 2x a day for two weeks. Once your dog is comfortable with the brush, add toothpaste.

See below for different home made and store bought toothpastes.

Do not use human toothpaste. Unlike ourselves, human toothpaste requires someone to spit it out. Unless your dog can spit on command (which would be a neat trick), avoid it.

3. Touch – The next time, have your dog taste the toothpaste and then run your finger along his upper gums. Give your dog a treat or some loving afterward. Use gauze or a nylon stocking around one finger to get them used to the idea of brushing. Try not to go longer than a minute.

An alternative to a brush is your finger. Wrap a cloth around a finger, put a bit of paste on the end, lift the dog’s lips and rub in a circular motion along the teeth and gums. Focus on the outside of the teeth as your dog’s tongue does a pretty good job inside.

Canine tooth brushing should use 10 up and down motions, covering 3 to 4 teeth at a time.

5. Brush all the teeth – Always start with the upper since these are more vulnerable to plaque. After the top, go ahead and brush the bottoms. Put the toothpaste between the bristles instead of on top of the bristles. This will allow more of the toothpaste to come in contact with the teeth.

Tip: Make your canine tooth brushing routine part of your own. Let your dog see you brush before your brush theirs. They will see it is a normal part of what your dog’s best friend (you) does.

Electric Dog Toothbrush for Canine Tooth Brushing

Bleeding Gums After Canine Tooth Brushing

Canine Toothpaste

Toothpastes made for dogs is pefereable to home remedies. However, here are a few suggested by our readers:

Homemade Toothpastes

You can make toothpaste at home using one table-spoon baking soda with one teaspoon of water. Use potassium chloride instead of baking soda if you dog has a problem with salt.

Although paste is preferred, you can also try dipping a toothbrush in chicken or beef broth.

Dog Teeth Natural Care

Calculus is the brown build-up of plaque found extending downwards on the tooth from the gum line. Calculus is a haven for bacteria which can have serious consequences for your pet’s general health. These bacteria can not only cause abscesses and tooth loss but can have effects further afield - even resulting in organ damage as the bacteria are carried from the mouth, through the bloodstream.

Damage to the teeth and gums in pets is permanent and irreversible - as it is in humans. What’s more - pets can’t wear dentures! Therefore, the best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s dental health is to embark on a prevention program and look out for your pet’s teeth and gums before it’s too late.

Natural supplmentts wiht herbal and homeopathic ingredients can help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth decay as well as improving general dental health in dogs. Herbs to look for include;

Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina): is a single celled micro-organism found in the sea and known to be an excellent source of chlorophyll. Widely used for its nutritive properties, Spirulina contains high concentrations of protein, vitamins (including B12 and folic acid) and carotenoids. Spirulina also makes vitamin A available for use in the body. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes, teeth and immune functioning.

Equisetum arvense (Horsetail): This medicinal herb is an effective tissue healer due to its high silica content. Silica is essential in the maintenance of healthy and strong teeth, skin, bones, claws and fur and is the main component in all connective body tissues including the myelin sheaths around nerve cells and the membranes of the brain and spinal cord.

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion): Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. These vitamins and minerals are all essential for the health of the digestive system, bones, teeth and gums.

Silica (6c): is also known as the 'homeopathic surgeon' due to its unique ability to cleanse the cells of toxins and rid the body of bad odors. Silica is naturally occurring in the body, especially in hair, nails, skin, nerve sheaths and all mucous membranes, including the mouth and digestive tract. This biochemic tissue salt is also frequently prescribed for gum disease (including gum boils and mouth abscess), mouth ulcers and chronic mucous infections. Silica acts as a natural cleanser and purifier and will also eliminate all foreign matter in the body.

Calc. Fluor. (6C) (Calcium fluoride): is a biochemic tissue salt which is important for teeth, skin and bones. Calc. Fluor. is also useful for teething pain and toothaches. It is found in the enamel of teeth and bone surfaces and is excellent for maintaining the health and integrity of teeth.

Calc. Phos. (6C): is also a biochemic tissue salt useful for healthy teeth and gums and is particularly important in times of growth and development. This salt is found in the bones, connective tissue, teeth etc. and is necessary for providing the strength/solidity of these tissues. Calc Phos. is excellent for improving circulation, bones and teeth.

A good commercial source for information and herbal supplements is Pet Alive for Gums-n-Teeth

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