Taking care of your animals is a joy, no matter how much trouble it is sometimes. From their wagging tails to their silly smiles, you can see how much they appreciate the care you give them – but are you really hitting all the bases?

Oral care is one of the most often overlooked and undertreated areas of dog grooming. Yet without it, dogs can get cavities, abscesses, gingivitis, and all sorts of painful infections and illnesses. This handy guide will walk you through the basics of canine oral care and its importance for your pup’s health.

A healthy dog mouth

Most dogs suffer from teeth or gum issues by the time they are three years old. Knowing what a healthy dog mouth looks like before you start taking care of a pup’s teeth can help you spot trouble in its earliest stages. All 42 teeth should be clean of tartar and plaque. They should be intact and not ragged, cracked, or broken.

The tongue should be wet without cuts, lumps, or inflammation. Gums should be pink or black (depending on the breed) without inflamed or discolored tissue. Ask your vet or pup professional what your breed’s mouth should look like, and familiarize yourself with a normal, healthy smile

Brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective way to keep his mouth clean and healthy throughout his life. Use dog-specific brushes and toothpaste to get the best results. If this is his first time, start slowly, and let him get used to the toothbrush and your movements.

Begin by lifting your dog’s lips and softly brushing his front teeth. Next, work your way to the back of his mouth, carefully examining the outside teeth. You may be able to do only a few teeth at a time if he’s skittish. Once you’re both used to the procedure, you’ll find it’s quick and simple.

Nutrition

What you feed your dog has a lot to do with his oral health. We’re not talking about hard or soft food but rather the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it contains. Feeding your dog a healthy diet of fruits and veggies, raw, meaty bones, and probiotics like yogurt or kefir helps keep his teeth strong and his mouth and gums healthy.

Wipes, dental treats, and chew toys

Dog mouth wipes are great for wiping off tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth. Unfortunately, they don’t help get into the cracks and crevices between the teeth. Brushing, dental treats, and chew toys can help get to the out-of-reach spaces where bacteria can grow.

Professional cleaning

No matter how well you take care of your pup’s mouth at home, he’ll need occasional professional cleanings to keep his mouth in tip-top shape. It’s nearly impossible to brush between every tooth every time, and cavities can quickly get a foothold. Grooming pros are trained to spot early signs of trouble during professional cleanings. A veterinarian will treat cavities and mouth diseases you can’t deal with effectively at home.

Taking care of your dog means maintaining his oral health. A routine of brushing, dental treats, healthy nutrition, and professional cleanings is the key to a lifelong healthy mouth.

Teeth are a part of our S.C.E.N.T Checks

Scenthound SCENT Techs perform a five-point S.C.E.N.T (skin, coat, ears, nails, and tail) checkup at every visit and provide you with the online tools to keep up with all results. Scenthound is a convenient, affordable solution for routine dog care and essential grooming that has revolutionized how pet parents can keep their dogs clean and healthy. Find your Scenthound location today.