Plaque is a common but serious problem. When it comes to your dog’s dental health it causes anxiety for you. Ignoring it can lead to discomfort, infection, and other health concerns. Regular care and attention can keep your dog’s teeth healthy and protected from plaque. Let’s look at what plaque is, why it’s a problem, and how to effectively remove plaque from the teeth of your dog.
What is plaque?
The term refers to a sticky, soft layer that builds up along your dog’s teeth. It usually starts when the bacteria mix with food particles in the mouth. It almost forms invisibly, however, if it is not removed regularly, then it becomes tartar.
Once it forms tartar, it is tough to remove this from teeth of your dog without professional cleaning. Tartar leads to irritation of the gums, and poor oral breathing can result in gum disease and tooth loss. When unchecked, the bacteria causing the plaque and tartar can enter your dog’s bloodstream and cause serious health issues, including kidney or heart disease.
Why is plaque harmful?
Dental plaque not only affects your cosmetic beauty but also affects the health of your dog. At some point, this will develop into inflamed and infected gums, thus causing pain and bleeding, especially during meals. It can turn out to be periodontal disease, which affects tissues around the teeth.
Besides the destructive effects on oral health, plaque bacteria spread all over your dog’s body, going even so far as to interfere with the organs of your pet. Good dental care, therefore, saves the pet from such problems and maintains his health.
As soon as plaque starts to build, it forms around the gum line also because most food particles are trapped around that place. Hence, your dog should undergo cleanings regularly for standard oral care. If tartar is left to stay inside a dog’s mouth, further serious dental complications arise such as gum infections, tooth decay, or even loss of teeth.
Why is plaque removal important?
Regular plaque removal is very important for the health of your dog. Failure to remove the accumulated plaque may result in tartar formation in the teeth of your dog which mostly irritates the gums and leads to halitosis. This may lead to more serious disease which can lead to tooth loss and bacterial infections affecting the heart, kidneys, or liver.
Keeping plaque away not only keeps your dog’s mouth fresh but healthy as well. Rather than brushing their teeth or any other form of removing plaque, it’s going to prevent all the risks and keep your beloved son’s smile healthy for years. This is going to make your sweet goodnight kisses quite enjoyable.
Ways to Effectively Remove Plaque from Dog Teeth
Removing plaque is not a difficult task that you or your dog have to do. Instead, keeping plaque off your dog’s teeth can be achieved through the right approach, such as making it part of the grooming routine. Here are some methods that have been proven and tested in removing plaque from your dog’s teeth
Brush your dog’s teeth
Plaque can be easily removed by regular brushing. Use specific toothbrushes and toothpaste made for dogs. Dog toothpaste is formulated especially for canines and does not contain any harmful ingredients like fluoride, which can be toxic to dogs. Human toothpaste contains a large amount of fluoride which is toxic for a dog. Back teeth should be brushed with more focus, as these may have the most plaque.
You will find very interesting tips to make your dog used to brushing in this article if your dog is a starter in brushing.
Home Remedies For Dog Teeth Cleaning
Dental chews and toys
Dog dental chews and toys are a fantastic way to prevent plaque between brushing. These work by eliminating plaque from the teeth as they chew. They come in a variety of forms, including chew sticks, bones, and rubber toys, and can be found in many different forms and sizes to ensure that your dog finds the most enjoyable things.
Dental sprays and gels
No one will hesitate to love your dog if you brush him regularly. It can make sweet, loving moments memorable. Sprays and gels are good for fighting plaque and tartar as they can be applied to your dog’s teeth. They are easy to apply directly to your dog’s teeth and work well in between professional cleanings or regular brushing.
Water additives
Some water additives are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These additives are added directly to your dog’s water. They work by helping to break down plaque and freshen breath. They are an easy way to support oral health, especially for dogs who do not tolerate brushing or can not chew any chewing gum or toy.
Common Signs of Plaque
You may get worried if your dog’s teeth get infected. Some signs of plaque include
- Bad Breath
One of the first signs that plaque is forming is bad breath.
- Teeth Spots
Plaque typically begins as a clear film, but as it becomes tartar, it can leave stains in yellow or brown color on the teeth.
- Swollen Gums
Red and swollen gums may be a sign of gum disease resulting from plaque and tartar.
- Avoid Eating or Chewing
If plaque becomes tartar, your dog will undoubtedly feel pain when chewing, thus, he will begin to avoid his food or toys
- Excessive Drooling Or Sliva Secrition
This can be a sign of gum disease caused by the deposition of plaque.
Methods for Preventing Plaque
Although you can remove plaque, prevention is always the best thing before it builds up on the teeth of your dog. These are some methods that will help you to do that
Establish a regular dental routine
Just like you brush your teeth regularly, also make dental care a routine for your dog. Try to brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week to prevent plaque buildup. The more consistent you are with the brushing, the less plaque your dog will have.
Provide treats
Certain treats are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth while he is chewing. Look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, indicating that they have been proven by science to reduce plaque and tartar.
Feed a balanced diet
A healthy, balanced diet contributes to the general health of your dog, including oral health. Dry food can further scrape away plaque as your dog chews it. However, be more careful with wet food because it remains on the teeth, thereby contributing to plaque buildup. Here I want to mention a quote “An apple a day keeps the doctor away“.
Schedule regular vet checkups
Routine vet checkups are important to identify any oral health issues early. Your vet can perform professional cleanings, advise on how to care for your dog’s teeth and check for issues like gum disease or infections that may need attention.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day. While this is ideal, however, it’s not always applicable, especially if your dog does not like brushing. Try to brush your dog’s teeth 2-3 times a week to prevent the buildup of plaque, from the very start. For a resistant dog, try providing dental chews and toys along with water supplements.
This guide will help you out more I hope
When should you take your dog to the vet for a dental cleaning?
Even if you take good care of your dog’s teeth, sometimes professional cleaning may be needed. Regular vet checkups and cleanings are advisable, especially if your dog is more senstive and exposed to dental issues. Professional cleanings include scaling and polishing of the teeth, which removes plaque and tartar that brushing and home care cannot remove.
You should bring your dog to the vet for a professional cleaning if
- You see heavy deposits of tartar.
- Your dog has some kind of particularly bad breath even after regular brushing.
- Your dog exhibits signs of pain or discomfort in the act of eating and chewing.
- Redness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums is also a sign.
Explore more: Dog Teeth Cleaning price
Final Thoughts
Oral health care is as crucial for your furry friend as the rest of its health care needs. Brushing regularly, providing chews that fight plaque, and regular vet visits will help the dog prevent plaque buildup and keep its mouth fresh and healthy. Removing plaque is not a tough process, indeed it simply requires some time, effort, and consistency.
Giving your dog the best care ever will help them to live a healthy, long life. Take that toothbrush or dental chew, and start taking care of your dog’s teeth today. It will increase the beauty of your dog’s smile more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can plaque be removed at home?
It may prove effective if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly to remove plaque before it can harden into tartar.
- How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times per week, though daily brushing is ideal.
- Can plaque lead to health problems in my dog?
Plaque can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, and if left untreated, even affect your dog’s overall health.
- Is it necessary to remove tartar?
Yes, once plaque turns to tartar, it needs a professional cleaning by a vet.