Did you know that poor oral hygiene in dogs is, not only the cause of painful inflammation and possible tooth loss, but is also linked to other health issues? Complications from dental disease can include diabetes and heart disease, and it can even lead to a broken jaw. And since our dogs don’t always tell us when something is wrong, you may not even realize there’s a problem.

Maintaining the health of a dog’s teeth can be daunting (and potentially costly) for pet parents, but it doesn’t have to be.

Daily maintenance is the best deterrent of dental disease. Brushing twice a day with a pet friendly enzymatic toothpaste is ideal. The associations your dog has with this task will determine whether it is a chore or not. Starting early with positive brushing experiences on a consistent basis will help your dog adjust and even enjoy the brushing routine. Your job of creating healthy habits is easiest if you begin with a puppy, however, it is not impossible with an older dog. Here are some tips to get your dog accustomed to daily brushing.

1. Tire them out first

2. Get them used to your fingers in their mouth

3. Use a great tasting toothpaste meant for dogs

4. Give treats for good behavior

5. Start slow and work up to a full brushing

Did you know 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 have some stage of periodontal disease? The stages of this disease are determined by the percent of irreversible bone loss. Here are some common signs to be on the lookout for:

1. Persistent bad breath

2. Loss of appetite

3. Swollen or bleeding gums

4. Loose or missing teeth

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, will display symptoms like some of those listed above and, if left untreated, will continue to progress. Gingivitis can be reversed at home by regular brushing and good oral health habits. However, periodontal disease is irreversible, and a trip to the vet is the only treatment. The cost of a professional cleaning varies by the severity of the disease and the age and size of your dog. During the cleaning, the plaque and tarter are scaled and teeth and polished. General anesthesia is administered to keep your pet free of pain and to allow the vet to conduct a thorough inspection of the tongue, lips, gums and teeth. Impacted and fractured teeth may need removal and will add additional cost.

As with humans, daily brushing habits are the best preventative for dental disease. However, there are some other preventative measures that can make a big difference as well. Follow these steps to help keep your dog’s mouth clean and prevent the advancement of periodontal disease.

1. Daily brushing – start a routine!

2. Plaque prevention products – Water additives and toothwipes are easy and effective ways to keep plaque at bay.

3. Dental Diets – Healthier diets with less bi-product ingredients tend to help improve your dog’s overall health and well-being, and that includes their dental health.

4. Dental Treats – Grain free, low calorie, enzymatic treats might be your dog’s favorite way to combat plaque, tarter and periodontal disease.

Staying on top of your dog’s dental health has lasting positive effects — some studies suggest that maintaining good oral health can add up to five years to your pet’s life!