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- What comprises plaque?<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Is plaque bad for dogs?<\/a>\n\n
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- What medical problems result from plaque and tartar?<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Gingivitis<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Periodontal Disease<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Dental Abscess<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Cavities<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Remote Infections<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- How do I get plaque off my dog's teeth?<\/a>\n\n
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- 1. Tooth Brushing<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- 2. Dental Supplement<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- How can I remove persistent tartar?<\/a>\n\n
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- 1. Chew Toys<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- 2. Dental Dog Food<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- 3. Professional Cleaning<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Are certain breeds more prone to dental issues?<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- What is the best tartar remover for dogs?<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- What about dogs in poor health?<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Grateful Kisses<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat comprises plaque?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plaque is a byproduct of your dog’s saliva, oral bacteria, and food residues. When combined, they form a sticky coating on your dog’s teeth and gums. Plaque is colourless to pale yellow, arising within a few hours of eating.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIs plaque bad for dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plaque sets the stage for many diseases. Thus, you’ll want to expel it daily. Otherwise, the calcium in your dog’s saliva mixes with plaque, hardening it. Such calcium deposits are called tooth tartar, a yellow or brown crust, pictured here.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When ignored, the tartar on a dog’s teeth invades their gums. Since bacteria feed on both plaque and tartar, they flourish, endangering a dog’s health body-wide.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What medical problems result from plaque and tartar?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Below are five associated ailments, along with how to spot them.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.walkiesandwhiskers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/How-to-Remove-Plaque-and-Tartar-from-a-Dogs-Teeth_Walkies-and-Whiskers-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGingivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your dog’s gums are inflamed, evidenced by swelling, redness, and bleeding. The resulting soreness makes chewing painful. How can you tell? One sign is your pup trying to eat but dropping the food from its mouth. Meanwhile, if your dog kisses you, their bad breath makes you wince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Periodontal Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bacteria overtake the gums. Now, they weaken the tissues and bone supporting your dog’s teeth. Symptoms include gum pockets, yellow pus, loosening teeth, and tooth loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, tartar buildup separates the gums from your dog’s teeth, exposing the roots. Thus, chewing is agonizing. Consequently, your dog won’t eat, becoming listless and losing weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dental Abscess<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is a pocket of infection pervading a tooth or gum tissue, appearing as a bump. As the condition worsens, the bump may ooze green, yellow, or bloody pus. Your dog may refuse to eat, spending much of the day napping. Additionally, your pup may cringe when you pet its head, prompted by mouth pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cavities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The bacteria in plaque produce acids, adhering to your dog’s teeth. The acids erode their tooth enamel, the hard shell protecting the tooth surfaces. By this, plaque causes tooth holes called cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The bacteria camped in plaque and tartar can enter your dog’s bloodstream. From there, they can harm your dog’s vital organs, such as their kidneys, liver, and heart.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.walkiesandwhiskers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/How-to-Remove-Plaque-and-Tartar-from-a-Dogs-Teeth_Walkies-and-Whiskers-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow do I get plaque off my dog’s teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Tooth Brushing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vets recommend a daily practice of brushing your dog’s teeth, beginning at age six months. It’s best to form this habit by degrees, giving your pup time to adapt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before using a toothbrush, you’ll clean your dog’s mouth with your finger. This way, your pup acclimates to the feeling of rubbing against their gums and teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gearing Up<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
First, buy dog toothpaste. It comes in flavours canines love, such as beef and chicken. Never use human toothpaste! It can make your dog terribly ill. Fluoride, in particular, can be fatal for dogs.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always choose a time for home dental care when your pup is relaxed and calm. With your supplies handy, take a friendly position, such as sitting before them or at their side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finger Swabbing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Squeeze some toothpaste onto your finger, letting your dog sample it. Then, reapply the paste to your second finger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the other hand, lift your dog’s upper lip. Using circular motions, gently rub your dog’s front teeth and gums with toothpaste. Include the gum line, where the gums touch the teeth. Bacteria collect there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is your pup anxious and restless? In that case, stop the training, putting the toothpaste away until tomorrow. Then, each day, spend a few seconds finger swabbing your dog’s mouth with toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gradually, with repetition, your pup should warm up to having their mouth cleaned. Toward this end, reward your dog after every session with healthy treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enter, Toothbrush!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Once your dog accepts finger swabbing, introduce a dog toothbrush, perfectly angled for your dog’s teeth. Canine toothbrushes come in two styles. One designed for small-mouthed dogs is a finger brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 2. Dental Dog Food<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- 2. Dental Supplement<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Gingivitis<\/a>\n<\/li>\n
- Is plaque bad for dogs?<\/a>\n\n
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