Little Lesson Number 12: How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

By Nancy K. Crevier

Life is a series of tasks. Some are easier to perform than others. Some are downright tricky. Some tasks we have mastered, while others remain, for one reason or another, a mystery. The Newtown Bee is presenting a series of short articles, “Little Lessons,” meant to light the way to a new or easier way to tackle those day to day duties, or even those less commonly encountered tasks, each one accompanied by a video at www.NewtownBee.com. Welcome to the classroom.

February is Pet Dental Health Month, the perfect opportunity for pet owners to form the habit of brushing their pets’ teeth every day if it is not already part of daily care.

Cats and dogs are especially susceptible to dental problems, said Dr Chris Mixon of Newtown Veterinary Center on South Main Street. Dr Mixon took the time on Thursday, February 3, to explain why it is important to brush a dog’s (or cat’s) teeth regularly.

“Simply put, it is for the same reasons as people should have regular dental care,” said Dr Mixon. “Plaque builds up on unbrushed teeth. That leads to gum disease over time, and that leads to periodontal disease,” he said. Periodontal disease opens up the pathway for bacterial abundance. When that occurs, bacteria can get into the blood, a symptom called “sepsis,” and pave the way to kidney and liver disease.

Periodontal disease is seen in dogs far more commonly than people realize, said Dr Mixon, adding that along with poor nutrition, he believes that poor dental care is one of the leading reasons veterinarians see late-life complications in canine clients. According to information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association, by the age of just 2 years, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease.

The amount of plaque build up can vary by breed and with genetic dispositions, said Dr Mixon. Smaller breeds of dogs tend not to chew on toys and sticks as often or as vigorously as larger breeds. Because of this, it is crucial that small breed or toy breed dog owners brush their pets’ teeth daily.

“Every dog, though,” he recommended, “should have its teeth brushed, every single day.”

The earlier in life that a pet owner begins conditioning his or her dog to tooth brushing, the easier it becomes, said Dr Mixon. A puppy’s teeth may look sparkling white, and puppies do chew a lot, but daily handling of the mouth and tooth brushing gets the pet used to the process.

“Pick a set time of day, and make it a routine,” said Dr Mixon. He suggested after the evening feeding as an ideal time to brush a dog’s teeth. “That way, bacteria has less chance of building up overnight, just like with people,” he said.

Teach the dog to remain calm when it is time for tooth brushing by starting out with short sessions, and giving lots of praise for good behavior, when finished.

Tools for canine tooth brushing are simple: a soft-bristled toothbrush from the drug store — choose compact or full-sized, depending on the size of the dog’s mouth — or a “finger brush,” a small plastic tube with bristles that fits snugly on the index finger; or a toothbrush specially manufactured for dogs. The only other item needed is a tube of toothpaste.

 “Never use people toothpaste,” warned Dr Mixon. “The fluoride levels are too high, and dogs swallow everything they put in their mouths.”

Special pastes flavored with chicken, malt, or beef are available through veterinarians, or in pet stores, he said. Dogs do not need minty fresh breath. “If you brush the teeth, it gets rid of the bacteria, which is what causes bad breath,” he pointed out.

For most dogs, it is the upper molars in the back that are most prone to plaque build up, so that is a good area in which to start the brushing session, he said, working first on one side, then the other. “If the dog becomes uncooperative, that way at least the teeth that most need it are brushed,” he said. The pet’s veterinarian can recommend which teeth are most in need of brushing, as this can vary from animal to animal.

Work around the dog’s mouth, next brushing the long canine teeth toward the front, on the outside. Then move to the front upper teeth. If the dog remains cooperative, take some time to brush the inner sides of the teeth last of all, working from back to front.

If a toothbrush or finger brush is unavailable, a finger wrapped in cheesecloth and wet with water works just fine in a pinch, said Dr Mixon. “Rubbing the teeth with the cheesecloth will remove the plaque,” he said.

Brushing a dog’s teeth can easily become part of a pet’s daily care and offset serious problems later in life.

 “The chronic effect on kidneys and liver is the biggest reason to get in the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth daily,” urged Dr Mixon. “Dental disease affects the whole body.”

To see Dr Mixon demonstrate how to brush your dog’s teeth, visit www.NewtownBee.com. This story will be posted under the Features tab.