What You Need to Know About Dog Tooth Cleaning! It Could Save Your Dog's Life!

Many people underestimate the importance of good dental care for their canines. In dogs, as well as humans, it's critical that the teeth and gums be kept clean and free of plaque and tartar. When the gums become inflamed due to the presence of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing serious health consequences. Gum disease has been correlated with such serious health problems as heart and kidney disease. Those same little bacteria that set up an infection in the gums can cause an inflammatory process that affects the entire body which in extreme cases can result in death. For this reason, it's important that you be informed about dog tooth cleaning and how to do it right.

It's recommended that you brush our dog's teeth at least twice a week Always approach toothbrushing in as nonthreatening a manner as possible. Try adding some peanut butter to a toothbrush and let your dog lick if off it's surface for several days until he becomes comfortable with it. When you dog is comfortable with the toothbrush:

1. Have your dog maintain a sitting position.

2. Lift your dog's upper cheek on one side to expose his teeth and gums.

3. Isolating one tooth at a time, gently brush each tooth with the brush using an up and down motion.

4. Do the same thing to the teeth on the other side of the upper cheek.

6. Repeat this process to the lower teeth on each side.

6. Aim for anywhere from 45 second to 60 seconds devoted to brushing each tooth. You may need to start out with less time until your pet becomes comfortable with the process.

7. After the brushing is complete, praise your pet and give him a treat.

8. If you use a toothpaste, make sure it's designed for dogs. Human toothpaste can cause stomach upset in dogs.

9. Remember to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating your dog's gums.

Other ways to help maintain your dog's dental health include giving him dental friendly bones that can help remove plaque and tartar. You can also help to preserve your dog's dental health by feeding him dry dog food which can help to keep the surfaces of his teeth free of tartar.