Proper dental hygiene is an important part of your dog's overall health, which is why 1stpetnaturals.com is dedicated to providing dog owners with safe, natural, and effective dental care products.

Teeth and gum diseases can have a significant impact on your dog's overall health, but proper dental care is often overlooked by dog owners. Indeed, poor dental hygiene contributes to a number of problems that are easily avoided; and we're not just talking about bad breath. Poor dental care leads to plaque build up on the teeth thereby creating the perfect feeding ground for bacteria. Ultimately, periodontal disease will develop and your dog's teeth and gums will become weakened making it difficult to receive proper nutrition.

Be Vigilant about Tooth and Gum Care

The best way to prevent problems with your dog's teeth is to carefully monitor his dental health. Early detection of dental problems prevents minor issues from becoming more serious dental disease. You should therefore check your dog’s teeth and gums regularly. Lift your dog's lips all the way around his mouth and check the front and back teeth thoroughly. Regular veterinary visits should also include a dental check-up every 6-12 months.

Signs that your dog is suffering a dental problem include:

• Bad breath
• Difficulty or reluctance to chew
• Signs of pain (e.g. crying out) while chewing
• Excessive salivation
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen, red, or puffy gums
• Tartar buildup on the teeth
• Missing or loose teeth
• Sores or lesions in the mouth

Gum disease can be particularly problematic for dogs. Beyond causing bad breath, oral pain and tooth loss are consequences of gum or periodontal disease if left untreated in dogs. Moreover, bacteria in the mouth can affect the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body. As soon as you or your veterinarian have identified dental disease in your dog, treatment is necessary. Yet, prevention is the best method for protecting your dog's dental health.

So what can you do to prevent tooth and gum problems in your dog?

1. Brush your dog's teeth at least weekly with toothpaste designed specifically for dogs. Never use human toothpaste.
2. Though weekly brushing is the minimum necessary, daily brushing is recommended as tartar begins to form within 48 hours.
3. Speak to your veterinarian about the best way to brush your dog's teeth and other practices that will maintain your dog's dental health.