Caring for Your Canines Teeth

We all know that dental care is important, but did you know good dental care is just as vital for your pet? Beyond your routine Veterinary appointments, you can do at-home dental care to help improve your dog’s teeth and gums.

Plaque and tartar can buildup on a canine’s teeth and gums. Over time, this can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. Dental problems can be painful and cause inflammation, tooth decay, and tooth or bone loss. Plaque and bacteria can also enter your dog’s bloodstream and affect their heart, liver, and kidneys. Cleaning your dog’s teeth can minimize plaque and tartar. Your dog relies on their teeth and consistent dental care helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy and supports their overall health.

The good news is there are many new options and applications in pet dental care to make things easier; from traditional toothbrushes, dental gels and dental sprays, to chews and rinses. Pure and Natural Pet specializes in a variety of USDA Certified Organic Dental Solutions for your canine.

You will have better success if you start when your dog is a puppy. We realize sometimes this isn’t an option, especially if you adopt an older pet and are uncertain of their dental routine. The training process may take a little longer, but it’s worth the effort.

To start training for brushing, choose a quiet time and place to begin. If your dog is small, hold them in your lap with his head facing away from you. If your dog is larger, you should sit on a chair and have your dog facing you, so you can comfortably handle their mouth.

Start by rubbing your finger, or a soft cloth, over the outer surfaces of your dog's teeth and gums. Rub only a few teeth rather than the whole mouth, especially if your pet is nervous about brushing. Work up to more teeth and use a back-and-forth motion to simulate brushing and focus on the gum line. Once your dog is comfortable with this process, let them taste a small amount of pet toothpaste from your finger. Do not use human toothpaste – it is not formulated to be swallowed and can be toxic to dogs.

If your dog has accepted the taste of pet toothpaste, apply a small amount to the cloth and rub it over their teeth. Once your dog is completely used to you handling their mouth and teeth, you are ready to use a toothbrush with a pet safe toothpaste or gel.

For many dogs, once brushing becomes a part of their daily routine they’ll begin to anticipate dental time and enjoy it. Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent the buildup of tartar. Choosing the right brush is equally important. Some brushes have paint that can be toxic if chewed, or are made from plastic that can be harmful to your pet and the environment.

Our eco-friendly Bamboo Toothbrush is made from a single piece of Moso Bamboo to avoid splintering.  The ergonomic handle is coated with organic soybean wax for improved grip and comes with medical-grade bristles that can be recycled.

Dog breath is no joke. The number one cause of bad breath in dogs, just like people, is the build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Some small breeds are especially prone to dental problems like gum disease. Another problem specific to certain breeds is Gingival Hyperplasia, the overgrowth of the gums that can harbor small bits of food and produce a rotten smell. The routine brushing of your dogs’ teeth reduces plaque and tartar, improving their breath for a healthier and more pleasant-smelling mouth.

It’s important to only brush your pets’ teeth with a pet dental product. Do not use a human toothpaste for dogs, not even one designed for toddlers. The majority of “human” toothpastes contain Xylitol. Xylitol is highly TOXIC TO PETS! Even small amounts of Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs. 

Our Organic Dental Solutions Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Dental Gel is USDA Certified Organic and made to food-grade ingredients, so it’s safe if ingested. It’s rich in multi-functional ingredients to help improve overall wellness; like Kelp Extract with vitamins and amino acids to naturally reduce plaque and tartar. It also includes Coconut Oil an antibacterial that reduces bad breath and plaque.

Looking for a different flavor, we also carry a USDA Certified Organic Plaque & Tartar Fighting Dental Gel in Clean Mint. The Organic Peppermint is a natural breath freshener with antiseptic properties. Peppermint kills anaerobic bacteria, the type that thrives in mouths and can cause gum disease. It also features Grapefruit Essential Oil a great preventative and anti-inflammatory, and Grape Seed Oil. While the skin of grapes can be toxic to pets, the SEEDS ARE SAFE & NOT TOXIC and actually help extend the life of teeth and aid in reversing early tooth decay.

If your dog has an aversion to brushing, or sensitive and inflamed gums, then our USDA Certified Organic Plaque & Tartar Dental Spray in Clean Mint is for you. It has the same pet safe ingredients as our mint Dental Gel, but also includes Organic Aloe Leaf Juice to prevent plaque build-up on the teeth and helps fight tooth decay and gingivitis. Our Dental Spray is ideal for travel and senior dogs. Simply spray the teeth and gums and you’re done.  We’re all about options in the dental care for your pet. 

Our USDA Certified Organic Dental Solutions Kits is your perfect combo. It comes with our eco-friendly Moso Bamboo Toothbrush and a trial size of our USDA Certified Organic Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Dental Gel.  This also makes a great gift for a new pet parent. The bonus; our bamboo toothbrushes and dental kits aid in our philanthropy with One Tree Planted, an environmental charity focused on reforestation where we’ve helped plant thousands of trees.

Consistency in your pets’ dental routine is key. Your home care can greatly reduce veterinary costs but does not replace your canines’ dental appointments with your veterinarian. At home dental helps improve your canines’ teeth and overall wellbeing – now that’s really something to smile about!

For more Pure and Natural Pet products, and Organic Dental Solutions® visit PureAndNaturalPet.com.