Did you know that, just like humans, dogs can suffer from tooth decay and gum disease? It’s true.
In fact, according to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), up to 80% of dogs over the age of three suffer from some form of periodontal disease. That’s why it’s so important to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis.
Not only does regular brushing help prevent oral health problems, it can also help ensure your pup has fresh breath and healthy gums.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of brushing your dog’s teeth.
1. Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
As mentioned above, up to 80% of dogs over three years old suffer from some form of periodontal disease.
This is often caused by plaque buildup on the surface of their teeth. Plaque is composed of bacteria that feed on the food particles and saliva in your pet’s mouth.
If not removed regularly, this plaque will harden into tartar, which can lead to painful gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventually tooth decay or loss if left untreated. Regular brushing helps prevent these problems by removing plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar.
2. Improves Breath
Nobody likes bad breath, especially when it comes from our furry friends! Unfortunately, when plaque builds up on our pet’s teeth it can cause them to have unpleasant breath odors that linger long after mealtime is over.
Luckily, regular brushing helps eliminate that problem by removing the source of the odor—the plaque—from their teeth before it has a chance to cause any serious damage or bad breath.
3. Reduces Tartar Buildup
Tartar is comprised mostly of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that attach themselves to a hardened plaque near the base of your pet’s teeth near their gums. Over time this tartar buildup can become so severe that even brushing won’t be enough to remove it all.
Instead, you’ll need professional dental cleaning done by a veterinarian or an animal hospital technician in order for it all to be removed safely without causing further damage or infection in your pet’s mouth.
However, regular brushing will greatly reduce tartar buildup so that professional cleanings are needed less often; typically only once every year or two depending on your pet’s individual needs and history with oral health issues or infections related to poor dental hygiene practices such as infrequent brushing or no brushing at all!
Conclusion
Brushing your canine companion’s teeth is essential for maintaining good dental health and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
It also improves their overall breath quality and reduces tartar buildup which can lead to painful infections if left untreated for too long!
Regularly brushing their teeth should be part of any pet owner’s routine; making sure they get adequate dental care will ensure they stay happy and healthy for many years down the line!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to keep your pup’s smile shining bright!
