When it comes to your pet’s health, their dental care quality is key to various aspects of their wellness. Without good dental care, your pets can develop periodontal disease or even lose their teeth.
Furthermore, they can develop systemic diseases that tie back to a lack of dental hygiene. That is why it is crucial to know how to prevent and remove plaque from your pet’s teeth.
So, are you unsure of how to go about this? You’re reading the right piece! In this article, we’ll comprehensively explore the ways to prevent and remove plaque on your pet’s teeth.
But Firstly, What Is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky substance composed of bacteria, saliva, and food particles, that accumulates on the teeth several hours after a dog eats its food.
If plaque isn’t removed or brushed away after 24 hours, it starts to harden by combining with the salts found in saliva.
So, when plaque builds up, it develops into tartar which creates an environment for bacteria growth. And this bacteria leads to serious, painful problems down the road.
However, the good news is that you can avoid these dental problems with various veterinary dental products. For instance, antibacterial tooth sealants help kill bacteria and reduce plaque formation. This alone reduces the risks of gum infections or diseases.
Furthermore, with the use of dental products, you can be sure that your pet is safe from developing various dental issues such as periodontal diseases.
Also, a constant use of these products allows your pet to stay healthier and happier.
Symptoms of Dental Plaque Accumulation in Pets
The symptoms of dental plaque accumulation in dogs or cats are not as noticeable as they are in people. Evidence of gum disease will likely be noted by your veterinary professional during one of their examinations.
Below are some things that they may notice in your pet, especially if you flip the lips and check your pet’s mouth:
- Bleeding gums
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty or pain with chewing
- Bad breath
- Weight loss
- Pus or mucus on the gum line
- Red or swollen gums
- Lethargy
- Unilateral swelling under one eye, etc.
Having discussed dental plaque, its major cause, and its symptoms, let’s briefly examine oral hygiene in pets.
What Is Pet’s Oral Hygiene?
Like humans, oral hygiene is also crucial. Poor oral hygiene leads to serious life-threatening conditions, including liver, kidney, and heart muscle damage.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs show symptoms of canine periodontal disease prematurely. So, practicing good oral hygiene leads to more than sweeter-smelling kisses; your pets will live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
This said, let’s dive into the main section of this article, which is about how to remove and prevent plaque from your pet’s teeth.
How to Remove and Prevent Plaque from Your Pet’s Teeth
These tips could help to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar in your pet’s mouth:
- Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily or at least thrice weekly is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar formation. However, if your pet isn’t used to having their teeth brushed, you may need to introduce them to the process gradually.
Furthermore, it’s essential to stay patient, as it may take a while for your pet to allow you to brush all their teeth at once. To brush your pet’s teeth, use toothpaste specifically created for them, be it dogs, cats, and other pets.
You may start by applying the toothpaste to your dog or cat’s teeth and gums with your finger. Once they are used to the toothpaste and have their mouth touched, you can gradually introduce the toothbrush.
You can do this by moving at your dog’s rhythm and slowly increasing the number of times you use the toothbrush. Don’t start trying to brush its teeth at once until it is used to the toothbrush.
Also, don’t forget to brush over your pet’s gum line because this is where plaque and tartar can build up.
- Dental Treats and Dog Food
Dental treats can be a great addition to your dog’s oral and dental hygiene care. Many of these products remove food debris and loosen plaque on your dog’s teeth as they chew.
Various brands of dog food available are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and reduce the build of plaque and tartar.
- Add Dental Additives to Water
Dental additives keep the water fresh and free of bacteria that cause tartar. First, consult your vet to recommend a good dental additive, before pouring the adequate amount into your dog’s water bowl
- Limit Table Scraps
Turning your dog into a bonafide beggar, or worse, a food thief, by regularly feeding your dog table scraps increases plaque buildup.
While an occasional table scrap is fine, try not to make it habitual, as you may be increasing the chances of plaque and tartar formation.
- Use Dental Wipes Regularly
Dental wipes help remove calcium that may harden into plaque or tartar. Sit down with your dog, talk in an upbeat voice and place your finger on one of its teeth. If your dog is relaxed and calm, then gently touch its teeth with a dental wipe.
Once your dog or cat adjusts to the dental wipe, use it to rub each tooth in a circular motion.
After placing a dental wipe against your dog’s teeth to let it adjust to the new object, give your pet lots of credit or compliments.
Since dental wipes break down calcium, they also soften tartar, which is made up of calcium deposits that cling onto your dog’s teeth and lead to health problems such as gingivitis.
For instance, dental wipes that contain baking soda remove stains on your dog’s teeth and freshen your pet’s breath.
- Professional Dental Exams & Cleanings at The Vet
Just like humans need to see the dentist regularly for routine dental exams and cleanings, your pets also need to see their vet for this purpose. It is advisable to take your dogs or cats to the vet for routine dental appointments once a year.
During these visits, your vet doctor will thoroughly clean your dog’s teeth and gums, clearing away any plaque or tartar that may be forming. Even if you clean your dog’s mouth regularly, your vet will be able to clean the places you can’t reach.
As stated above, your veterinarian is also the only person who can remove plaque or tartar on your dog’s teeth once it has formed.
Additionally, your vet will conduct a comprehensive examination of your pet’s teeth to make sure its mouth is healthy. If your veterinarian does perceive an issue, they can start medication processes before it gets worse.
Conclusion
As previously stated in the introductory part of this article, your pet’s dental care is key to various aspects of wellness.
Hopefully, this article answers your question as to how to remove and prevent plaque from your pet’s teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Plaque in Pets
- How Often Should I Give My Dog Plaque Off?
Plaqueoff animals should be sprinkled on food daily. For instance, small dogs up to 10kg or cats use 0.5 to 1 scoop. Large dogs and cats up to 25kg use over 2 to 3 scoops.
- How Long Does It Take Plaque to Form on My Pet’s Teeth?
Plaque forms within a few hours after a meal. However, within 24 hours, plaque starts to harden by combining with the salts present in the saliva. An accumulation of plaque results in a tartar formation.
- What Is the Best Way to Remove Plaque from My Dog’s Teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily with a dog toothpaste and toothbrush is one of the best ways to prevent or remove plaque. Regular brushing keeps their teeth and mouth healthy.
