How To Get Plaque Off Dog’s Teeth

How to get plaque off dog’s teeth we all desire our canine companions to flaunt bright and clean teeth, but what if your dog resists toothbrushing sessions? In such cases, dental care might slide, leading to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, potentially causing oral issues for your furry friend.

Plaque and tartar are the culprits behind various dental problems in dogs, including the dreaded periodontal disease. Moreover, if tartar hardens over time, professional intervention by a veterinarian becomes necessary.

So, how can you safeguard your dog’s dental health at home?

In this article, we’ll explore the disparities between plaque and tartar, the associated risks for your pet, and practical strategies for establishing an effective dental care routine in the comfort of your home.

Tartar vs Plaque

Let’s delve into the disparities between tartar and plaque. While both pose significant threats to your dog’s dental health and demand diligent care, they exhibit subtle distinctions.

Plaque is a sticky, white substance that gradually accumulates around the gums and tooth surfaces, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. In the absence of proper brushing, plaque accumulation can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually, tartar formation.

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is the hardened result of excessive plaque mineralization. Minerals in saliva contribute to the calcification of plaque buildup, transforming it into a hardened substance. Visually, tartar appears as a yellowish-white deposit along the gumline, behind the teeth, on the palate, and beneath the tongue. Notably, it emits an unpleasant odor and is a significant contributor to canine halitosis.

Why are plaque and tartar bad for dogs?

If left untreated, plaque and tartar accumulation can harbor bacteria that erode enamel, paving the way for a slew of dental woes. Over time, this can manifest as cavities, gum disease, infections, and ultimately, tooth loss – all hallmark symptoms of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is alarmingly prevalent, affecting approximately 8 in 10 dogs during their lifetime. Despite its commonality, it inflicts significant pain and discomfort on affected pooches. As anyone who’s experienced toothache knows, it’s excruciating. When dogs grapple with dental issues, basic activities like chewing and eating become arduous, severely compromising their quality of life.

Moreover, untreated dental problems can escalate into more grave health issues affecting vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. In essence, prioritizing your dog’s dental health early on is imperative to safeguard their overall well-being.

How do I know if my dog has plaque?

You can gauge the presence of plaque in your dog’s mouth if you haven’t recently brushed their teeth or provided dental sticks for chewing. Plaque tends to develop fairly rapidly. If you gently lift your dog’s lips with your fingers, you may notice plaque accumulating around the gumline. It can manifest as a white, mucus-like substance or as a faint yellowing on the tooth surfaces.

Dog tartar build-up: how does it happen?

Now that we’ve clarified the disparity between tartar and plaque, let’s delve into how tartar accumulation can precipitate serious health concerns for your furry friend, and explore effective methods for tartar removal when it emerges.

Why does my dog have tartar?

As mentioned earlier, tartar accumulation occurs when a dog doesn’t receive sufficient dental care or regular tooth brushing to eliminate plaque. Over time, plaque that remains uncleansed is mineralized by the dog’s saliva, transforming into tartar. This hardened and malodorous substance settles into various areas of the dog’s mouth, posing potential health risks.

Are certain breeds more prone to dog tartar?

Certainly, certain dog breeds are predisposed to dental issues owing to their genetic makeup. Small breeds like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians often have crowded teeth, facilitating rapid plaque and tartar accumulation.

Additionally, breeds such as Greyhounds, Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels, along with those with flat-snouted faces like Boxers, Pugs, and Bulldogs, are prone to dental problems. These dogs require special attention to their dental care to mitigate potential issues as they age.

Tartar and its implications

Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene is crucial to eliminate plaque, as the presence of tartar can lead to significant health ramifications beyond mere dental issues. Here are several ways in which tartar accumulation can trigger major health concerns in your furry companion’s body:

Health issues due to tartar build-up

• Bad breath.One evident consequence of tartar buildup is its unpleasant odor, which is a major contributor to bad breath in dogs.
• Gum disease While bad breath is a common issue in dogs, tartar buildup can accelerate the onset of gum disease symptoms, including pain, bleeding, or receding gums, much earlier than expected.
• Periodontal disease Advanced periodontal disease essentially represents late-stage gum disease, characterized by the presence of infections and abscesses within the mouth. In severe instances, it can culminate in tooth loss.
• Tooth decay Tartar creates an ideal environment for teeth decay and rot, inducing severe pain and discomfort for your pooch.
• Heart issues. While not fully understood, there is evidence suggesting that persistent inflammation and infections in the mouth can potentially spread throughout the body, triggering an immune response that may contribute to heart issues.
• Kidney and liver dysfunction.Likewise, extended infection and inflammation in the mouth can incite a systemic response that may result in dysfunction of the kidneys and liver.
• Jaw fractures.Advanced and untreated periodontal disease, stemming from tartar buildup, can weaken the jaw, rendering your beloved pooch susceptible to jaw fractures.

Advanced techniques to soften dog tartar

Now that we’ve explored the detrimental effects of tartar buildup, how can we effectively remove this stubborn substance from your dog’s smile? Once tartar has reached a certain threshold, professional teeth cleaning for your dog may be necessary.

Fortunately, there are several methods to help soften tartar at home, facilitating its removal.

Tartar-control toothpaste

Employing dog toothpaste formulated for tartar control is a simple yet effective method to address tartar buildup promptly. These toothpastes often contain abrasive components and enzymes designed to disrupt tartar formation, facilitating its removal and promoting dental health for your furry friend.Employing dog toothpaste formulated for tartar control is a simple yet effective method to address tartar buildup promptly. These toothpastes often contain abrasive components and enzymes designed to disrupt tartar formation, facilitating its removal and promoting dental health for your furry friend.

Water flossers

Water flossers serve as a canine-friendly alternative to traditional flossing, utilizing a powerful stream of water to act as a form of dental hygiene for your dog. By directing the water between teeth, a water flosser effectively removes plaque and helps soften any tartar buildup. However, it’s important to note that while beneficial, water flossing should be complemented with other dental care practices for optimal effectiveness.

Dental massage

Gently massaging your dog’s gums, if they permit it, can promote blood circulation, enhance saliva production, and dislodge any stubborn plaque or tartar buildup. Additionally, gum massage can help alleviate stress in dogs and acclimate them to oral care activities, facilitating easier implementation of future dental care routines or procedures.

Professional dental cleaning

When tartar becomes problematic, many pet parents opt for professional teeth cleaning for their dogs, sometimes even considering dental lasers to stimulate gums and address stubborn plaque. In cases of severe tartar buildup, seeking the assistance of a veterinarian or a specialized dog dentist may be the only viable option for its removal.

How much does dog tartar removal cost?

The cost of professional tartar removal for your dog can vary significantly, ranging from £150 to £600, contingent upon your location and the extent of the procedure’s thoroughness.

Can tartar removal be painful for my dog?

Frequently, dogs undergoing tartar removal undergo general anesthesia. This is because they might experience significant stress, discomfort, and pain during this stage of dental care, and it’s simpler to perform the treatment while they’re completely calm. Your pooch may be prescribed painkillers to manage any discomfort following the procedure.

Preventing plaque build-up

Now, let’s explore methods for removing plaque – the precursor to tartar – from your dog’s valuable teeth to enhance their overall dental well-being.

Best plaque removers for dogs

Here are some simple tools and techniques to help prevent plaque buildup in dogs:

Regular brushing

The most effective method for maintaining your dog’s dental health is regular brushing using a dog toothbrush and specially formulated dog toothpaste. Introducing your dog to tooth brushing from a young age, ideally around 6 months, makes it easier to maintain this routine throughout their life. However, it’s never too late to start – you can begin a brushing regimen at any age.

Dental chews and chew bones

Another effective method, although not a substitute for brushing, is incorporating dental chews into your dog’s routine. These include healthy dental sticks in flavors like peanut butter and dental chew bones. At Pooch & Mutt, we offer long-lasting dog chews made from natural fish skin, which are excellent for teeth cleaning. Chewing stimulates your dog’s gums and helps break down plaque buildup on their teeth.

Enzymatic dental treats

Certain specialized dental treats contain enzymes like protease, amylase, and glucose oxidase. These clever enzymes work to break down plaque components on your dog’s teeth while they enjoy a chewing session.

Fruit and veggies

Offering your dog nutritious fruits or vegetables to chew on, such as apple chunks or peeled carrots, is an excellent way for them to naturally strengthen and clean their teeth while stimulating their gums.

Water additives

Dental additives, which can be added to your dog’s water, contain active ingredients designed to break down plaque and rinse away bacteria in the mouth, contributing to improved dental hygiene.

Oral gels and rinses

Using an oral gel or rinse specially formulated for dogs is an effective way to introduce antibacterial solution into your dog’s mouth, providing a refreshing sensation akin to mouthwash for humans.

Dental wipes and sprays

Dental wipes serve as a valuable supplement to routine dental care, particularly for dogs resistant to tooth brushing. These textured wipes are saturated with antibacterial solution and can be gently rubbed along your dog’s teeth and gums using your fingers, effectively removing plaque. Additionally, dental sprays can provide similar benefits in promoting oral hygiene.

Professional cleaning

As previously discussed, scheduling regular professional teeth cleanings for your dog can significantly enhance their overall dental health. The frequency of these cleanings depends on the thoroughness of your dog’s dental routine, but veterinarians typically recommend a check-up at least once a year to evaluate your dog’s dental health.

How to make dog teeth cleaning easy and fun

Many dog owners face the challenge of wanting to brush their dog’s teeth, only to be met with resistance from their furry friends. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re striving to prioritize your dog’s dental health and protect them from periodontal disease.

Fortunately, there are methods to gradually introduce teeth cleaning into your dog’s routine, allowing them to acclimate to the process over time.

What’s the best method for cleaning my dog’s teeth?

Consistent brushing remains the most effective method for maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene, complemented by supplementary dental sticks, chew toys, and annual dental check-ups. Here’s our comprehensive guidance on cleaning your dog’s teeth.

When to seek expert advice…

If you’re struggling to implement dental care for your dog, and traditional methods like toothbrushes or dental sticks aren’t effective, it’s important not to ignore the issue. Reach out to a veterinarian for guidance and advice on alternative approaches.

Furthermore, if you’ve noticed any signs of plaque buildup, tartar, or gum disease in your dog (such as mouth pain, reddening or bleeding gums, excessive drooling, or bad breath), it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. We’re almost finished with this discussion on plaque and tartar removal from a dog’s mouth and teeth! If you have any final questions, feel free to ask.

How can coconut oil assist in tartar removal?

There’s anecdotal evidence suggesting that coconut oil may aid in removing tartar from a dog’s teeth. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can help break down stubborn tartar, and its sweet taste may be appealing to dogs. While you can try rubbing coconut oil into your dog’s mouth as a supplementary treatment, it’s important to note that this should not replace regular dental care.

Can I use human toothpaste for my dog’s teeth?

No, it’s advisable to steer clear of using human products on dogs due to their heightened sensitivity and unique requirements. Human toothpaste often contains fluoride, which can be potentially toxic to dogs if ingested. Special dog toothpastes are a safer alternative, formulated with ingredients tailored to canine needs and often available in tasty meaty flavors that dogs enjoy.