Keeping a dog’s teeth healthy can increase life expectancy

Did you know that oral hygiene is tied to your pet’s overall health? Studies show that keeping a pet’s mouth healthy may increase life expectancy as much as two years.

Owners can prevent or reduce their dog’s chances of developing oral disease by beginning a hygiene regimen at an early age.

“It’s important to start good oral hygiene as early as possible,” recommended Bob Scharf, president of Sergeant’s Pet Care Products. “According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs show symptoms of oral disease by the age of 3. However, it’s never too late to take better care of your dog’s teeth.”

Signs of oral disease

Keep an eye out for bad breath and unusual or excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth, as they can be signs of dental problems.

In addition to bad breath, poor oral health can lead to kidney and heart disease. The bacteria in the mouth can build up, entering the bloodstream via the gums. This puts extra work on the kidneys to filter out bacteria. And these bacteria can set up house in a dog’s heart valves, potentially leading to a condition called valvular endocarditis.

Establish a routine

To ensure better dental health, brush your dog’s teeth daily. This can be daunting, but half the challenge is getting started and developing a routine.

Look for canine dental products that target plaque – a buildup of bacteria – and tartar, which occurs when plaque hardens and adheres to tooth enamel.

Get dogs used to the experience by squeezing canine toothpaste on your finger and putting it between their cheeks and gums. Canine toothpaste has special food flavoring, making it appealing to pets. As they lick the paste, praise them constantly.

Keep initial brushing sessions to a few gentle seconds. Once the dog is used to having its teeth brushed, increase the time to about a minute every day.

Treats can help

Treats and other items can help with canine oral care, such as dental chews and rawhide, which promote chewing and mechanically remove plaque. Products such as Sentry Petrodex Filled Dental Bones, available at retailers including PetSmart and Petco can help prevent plaque while keeping teeth clean and breath fresh. In addition, paste inside the bone has a residual component that adheres to dogs’ teeth and helps whiten by cleaning away plaque and tartar, according to the manufacturer.

Additionally, feeding dogs hard kibbles instead of soft, moist food is slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating.


Source: