Dog Teeth: A Guide on Your Pet's Dental Health

As loving pet parents, we love to see our furry friends with bright, healthy smiles. Dental health is essential to your dog's overall wellbeing, but it can be so easily overlooked. Let's take a look at some of the facts around dog dental care, from the number of teeth dogs have to the best ways to clean them.

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

Let's start with a fun question: how many teeth do dogs have?

Well puppies, like human babies, are born without teeth. As they grow, they develop 28 baby or “milk” teeth, also known as deciduous teeth. These start to appear at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Then, when your puppy is about 6 months old, these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by 42 adult teeth.

That's right — 42 pearly whites! These include incisors, canines, premolars and molars, all designed to help your dog eat, chew, and play. Each type of tooth has a different function:

Incisor Teeth in Dogs: These are the small teeth at the front of your dog's mouth. They're used for nibbling and grooming.

Canines: These long, pointed teeth give dogs their signature smile. They're perfect for tearing food.

Premolars and Molars: Located at the back of the mouth, these teeth grind and crush food.

Knowing about the different types of teeth and their functions helps you appreciate the importance of maintaining your dog's dental health.

Why Dental Health Is Crucial for Dogs

Just like in humans, dental health in dogs is closely linked to overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to many problems, from bad breath to more serious conditions like gum disease.

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation, infection, and eventually tooth loss.

But gum disease doesn’t only affect your dog's mouth. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys. So proper dental care really is vital to your dog’s overall health.

How to Clean Dogs' Teeth Properly

Now that you know how important dental health is, let's look at how to clean your pooch’s teeth properly.

Brushing Dogs' Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth never needs to be a chore! It's a fun activity for you and your dog. Here's how to make it an enjoyable experience:

Choose the Right Tools: Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Can you use human toothpaste on dogs? The answer is a firm no. Human toothpaste often contains xylitol, a sweetener that's toxic to dogs.
Start Slowly: If your dog isn't used to brushing their teeth, start by letting them sniff and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Gradually introduce brushing, starting with just a few teeth and working up to the entire set. This process of getting them used to the feeling could take a number of days.

Brush Gently: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your dog's teeth and use gentle circular motions. Try to focus on the gum line, where the plaque tends to build up.

Make It Fun: To create a positive association, reward your dog with praise or a treat after every brushing session!

Dog Plaque Removal

Brushing isn't the only way to keep plaque at bay. Giving your dog dental chews and toys can also help remove plaque and tartar. As your dog gets its teeth in, these products are designed to remove plaque. It’s a simple and effective way to clean and maintain the teeth.

Professional Cleaning

Some dogs may need professional cleaning, even with regular brushing and dental chews. Under anaesthesia, your vet will thoroughly clean the teeth, remove tartar, and check for any signs of dental disease or other mouth issues.

Grinding Teeth: Is It a Problem?

You might have noticed your dog grinding their teeth from time to time. While occasional grinding isn't usually a cause for concern, persistent grinding can indicate an underlying issue.

Grinding teeth, also known as bruxism, can be caused by several factors, including:

Pain: Dental pain from a broken tooth or gum disease can cause your dog to grind their teeth.

Stress: Like humans, dogs can grind their teeth when anxious or stressed.

Jaw Abnormalities: Some dogs have misaligned jaws that cause teeth to grind together.

If you notice your dog grinding their teeth frequently, it's best to consult your vet to rule out any underlying issues.

Dog Toothpaste: What's Safe to Use?

As we mentioned earlier, never use human toothpaste on your dog. Instead, opt for a dog-specific toothpaste that's safe for your pet to swallow and provides the best dental care. These toothpastes come in various flavours, like chicken or beef, making brushing more enjoyable for your dog.

When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that contains enzymes. Enzymatic toothpastes help break down plaque and prevent tartar build-up, providing extra protection for your dog's teeth.

How to Prevent Dental Issues in Dogs

Prevention is always better than cure, and that's especially true for dental health.

Here's how you can keep your dog's teeth in top condition:

Regular Brushing: You should aim to brush your dog's teeth a couple of times a week, if not daily.

Dental Chews and Toys: Provide dental chews and toys that help clean teeth and massage gums.

Healthy Diet: Feed your dog a balanced diet that supports overall as well as dental health. You can find some dog foods that are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar. And why not try doggy supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and other essential ingredients they need, such as Zesty Paws© 5-in-1 Chews , or, for older pooches, Zesty Paws© Senior Advanced 9-in-1 Chews.

Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to monitor your dog's dental health and catch any issues early.

Dog dental care is essential to keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. By incorporating regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings into your routine, you can ensure your dog's smile stays bright for years to come. So, pet parents, grab that toothbrush and give your dog's teeth the care they deserve! A little effort goes a long way in keeping your dog healthy, happy, and full of smiles.