{"id":4111,"date":"2024-02-13T12:29:31","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T17:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mightypet.net\/staging\/7056\/?p=4111"},"modified":"2024-02-13T12:29:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T17:29:31","slug":"pet-dental-health-month-all-about-dog-dental-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mightypet.net\/staging\/7056\/pet-dental-health-month-all-about-dog-dental-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Dental Health Month: All About Dog Dental Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dental health is an important component of our pets\u2019 overall wellbeing, just as it is for our own wellbeing. Unfortunately, we often overlook our pets\u2019 dental health. We assume that dental problems will be obvious, or that it\u2019s normal for animals to have yellowing teeth and yucky breath.
\nIn this blog post, we\u2019ll correct some of those misconceptions. We\u2019ll also give you some information on how to prevent dog dental problems, as well as how to spot issues when they do occur.<\/p>\n

\nDog Dental Health<\/h2>\n

Adult dogs have 42 teeth: 20 on the top and 22 on the bottom. Puppies have 28 temporary teeth, which they typically lose by the time they are six months old. Dogs have four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
\nEach type of tooth serves specific functions, much like human teeth do. It\u2019s important that all of your dog\u2019s teeth are healthy and intact so that his or her mouth can keep working properly!<\/p>\n

\"\"

How to brush a dog\u2019s teeth<\/h3>\n

Veterinarians recommend that you brush your dog\u2019s teeth a minimum of three times per week, and up to twice per day. How often you brush your dog\u2019s teeth will probably depend on your schedule and your dog\u2019s willingness to cooperate, but always try to hit that three-per-week minimum.
\nIt\u2019s best to train your dog to accept tooth brushing while he or she is still a puppy, if possible. The earlier you can get your dog used to this routine, the better. However, that\u2019s not an option for everyone. You can still teach your dog how to accept tooth brushing regardless of age. Here are a few key steps to follow.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Choose the right time and place. Pick a time when your dog is relaxed, and take him or her to a calm, quiet place. This will keep your dog from becoming anxious, excited or otherwise overstimulated during the process.<\/li>\n
  2. Get in a comfortable position. You should position yourself so that you can easily reach into your dog\u2019s mouth and brush all their teeth. If you have a small dog, you may be able to hold him or her in your lap during the process. If you have a large dog, sit in a chair next to your dog and securely hold his or her head.<\/li>\n
  3. If your dog is used to brushing, you can give him or her a little taste of toothpaste to make sure they are still okay with the taste. Then, you can begin brushing: place the toothbrush at your dog\u2019s gum line, at a 45-degree angle against their teeth, and focus on cleaning plaque away from the gum line. Use circular motions, like you would on your own teeth. Always be gentle and reassuring to your dog throughout the process.\"\"