Dogs get plaque and tartar just like humans do. It is important to keep their teeth clean. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems to your dog. There are many ways on how to clean your dog’s teeth naturally.
But first, let’s see how to spot dental problems in dogs.
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Signs of dental problems in dogs
Bad breath: Your dog will get bad breath and will have problems in their teeth as the bacteria multiplies and leads to bad breath.
Plaque and tartar build up: Their teeth shouldn’t be coated with yellow to brown plaque and tartar. Plaque is formed by having bacteria and food combine together to form it. If plaque is left for a long time, it will form into tartar and become attached to the teeth.
Loss of appetite: If your dog isn’t eating normally, it can be because they have dental pain. You may also find changes in their mood such as irritability.
Red or inflamed gums: Irritated gums can lead to bleeding and become painful.
Missing teeth or loose teeth: Dental problems also cause tooth decay by causing teeth to become wobbly and in poor condition.
How often to see a vet
You should have your dog’s teeth checked every six to twelve months. Your vet will give a dental examination with a normal checkup.
Proper teeth maintenance leads to your dog having a healthy dental condition and you saving money. Not taking care of your dog’s teeth will lead to them having painful vet visits.
How to handle a serious case
If your dog has a dental problem that is serious, your vet will make a professional cleaning with tools and anesthesia. In this procedure, your vet will remove the tartar. Vet cleaning is the most effective in removing it.
If there is periodontal disease, a disease in which tartar grows on gums and results in creating pockets that bacteria grow in to cause the teeth to loosen. It results in teeth being removal.
Another option that vets make is to prescribe antibiotics to fight off bacteria. This prescription is in serious conditions.
Effects of poor dental care
Dental disease is a highly occurring problem affecting about 85 % of adult dogs. Some of the dental diseases that affect dogs are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Other problems relate to oral bacteria which when released in the bloodstream can cause problems such as diseases in heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Another side effect is that your dog begins to lose their teeth and experience bone loss in the jaw and mouth.
Top 7 ways on how to clean your dog’s teeth naturally
1.) Give them a chew toy
Give your dog a chew toy which is great for your dog’s teeth. These are toys that your dog can chew on during their spare time reducing the bacteria in their mouth.
Some of these toys have tiny bristle-like shavings that work on cleaning the teeth when the dog chews the toy. Others brush your dog’s teeth while they play.
2.) Use coconut oil on your dog’s teeth
Brush your dog’s teeth with coconut oil. Coconut oil has a lot of benefits such as it cleans your dog’s teeth and removes bad breath; it can keep their teeth white.
To brush with coconut oil, apply the coconut oil on a soft baby toothbrush and brush in a circular motion.
Another method is to soak the chew toy into coconut oil. This is done through first melting the coconut oil by putting it in the microwave for 15 seconds.
Then, putting the chew toy in it. Let the chew toy dry for a while before giving it to your dog. This method does not remove tartar but rather it keeps your dog’s teeth healthy.
The last method is to give your dog coconut oil in their daily food. It is not the best dental cleaning technique but it will fight off some dental problems.
3.) Provide your dog with a raw diet
Kibble contains high levels of sugars and carbohydrates that promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth, do not support the immune system and contribute to the degeneration of all body tissues such as inflamed gums.
One of the most common problems these foods can lead to is dental diseases.
While feeding your dog a raw diet helps in preventing and reducing dental problems. The reason is that raw foods contain enzymes that help protect the teeth and gums.
These enzymes prevent tartar from building inside the teeth and do not stick in your dog’s teeth.
They don’t contain unhealthy carbohydrates and sugars and also they don’t contain harmful chemical compounds that affect the immune system badly.
4.) Use Grapefruit Seed Extract
After brushing your dog’s teeth, use a diluted mixture of grapefruit and water by dropping a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in the water.
Then soak the mixture into a cotton swab or gauze and apply it on your dog’s gum line. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal nature, it prevents and protects teeth from dental infections.
5.) Give your dog healthy dogs treats or chews
There are natural chew treats that are free from chemicals. They offer benefits such as removing plaque and tartar and providing your dog with an activity where their stress is relieved.
6.) Add cinnamon to their food
If raw food isn’t something that you want to try, then you can try adding cinnamon on your dog’s kibble, dry food, and wet food. Just sprinkle a teaspoon into their bowl of food.
Cinnamon has been known for being full of antioxidants and its antibacterial benefits that prevents tooth decay and lets your dog have a good breath. It works best in between teeth fighting off the leftovers
. 7.) Merge probiotics with their diet
The bacteria that is found in your dog’s gut is also found in their mouth and can be harmful to your dog’s health.
Probiotics are good bacteria that help make your gut remain healthy. Some of the foods that are good for your dog and contain probiotics are apples, bananas, mushrooms, and leafy green vegetables.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are natural ways on how to clean your dog’s teeth naturally. These ways can be applied when your dog’s dental condition isn’t serious and you want to keep and maintain your dog’s dental health.
Another effective way of keeping your dog’s teeth clean is by brushing their teeth. for more information regarding brushing your dog’s teeth, check Top 9 Steps on How to Brush Dog’s Teeth.