Effect of domestic dental care in dogs on unexplored teeth
Inspired by the article by Brenda L. Mulherin, DVM, DAVDC, Iowa State University
- Effect of domestic dental care in dogs on unexplored teeth
- In the specialist literature
- Introduction
- 🪥 1. Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
- 🦴 2. Dental care coarse
- 💧 3. Additions for drinking water
- 🗓️ 4th combinations of several products
- A study on dental care for dogs
- The knowledge
- Common questions about dental care for dogs
- Summary dental care for dogs
- Sources & recommended literature
In the specialist literature
Gawor J, Jank M, Harvey CE, Nicolas CS.
Effectiveness of domestic dental care protocols in unladen dogs.
J Vet dent. 2024: 8987564241292769. DOI: 10.1177/08987564241292769
Introduction
More than 80 % of the dogs show signs of periodontal disease at the age of 3.
The tooth keeping apparatus (periodontium) includes:
- The gums (gingiva),
- The dental cement,
- the Desmodont (periodontal league),
- And the alveolar bone.
Inflammation, dismantling or loss of one of these structures means periodontal disease.
An oral examination with diagnostic imaging under anesthesia is required for a complete assessment of these structures above and below the gum.
However, animal owners often have concerns about anesthesia, and such procedures can also be cost -intensive.
🪥 1. Toothbrush and dog toothpaste
Description:
The mechanical cleaning with a special dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste is considered the gold standard of domestic dental care. Here, dental plaque (plaque) is removed by direct brushes.
Advantages:
- Direct distance from plaque and leftovers
- Also reaches difficult areas
- Particularly effective in combination with enzymatic toothpaste
Important:
Please only use special toothpaste for dogs! Human toothpaste often contains fluoride or xylitol, which can be poisonous for dogs.
Recommendation:
daily or at least several times a week to achieve optimal results.
🦴 2. Dental care coarse
Description:
These are specially developed chewing products that mechanically remove dental pads due to the chewing movement and at the same time promote the chewing muscles.
Advantages:
- Promotes natural tooth cleaning
- Popular with dogs - you see it as a reward!
- Reduces plaque and tartar formation
- Also helps against bad breath
Important:
Pay attention to tested products (e.g. VOHC seal) that have been shown to contribute to dental health.
Recommendation:
daily use is optimal.
💧 3. Additions for drinking water
Description:
These liquid products are simply attached to the dog's drinking water. They contain active ingredients that reduce the adherence of plaque and improve the mouth flora.
Advantages:
- Simply in the application, since there is no getting used to cleaning
- Can be a sensible addition, especially for dogs that do not accept mechanical cleaning
- Helps to change the biofilm in the mouth and reduce bad breath
Important:
also pay attention to quality here. Some products contain active ingredients such as chlorhexidine or enzymes.
Recommendation:
daily application to support dental health.
🗓️ 4th combinations of several products
Description:
In practice, a combination of several dental care measures is often the most effective. For example: regular brushes plus chewing items and drinking water additives.
Advantages:
- Increased effect through various mechanisms of action
- Increased flexibility in care (especially in keyful dogs)
- All-round protection for the teeth
Recommendation:
Depending on the dog type and acceptance of the individual measures, put together individually!
A study on dental care for dogs
The study examined six different oral hygiene protocols compared to a control group without dental care.
Study endails:
- 125 dogs privately owned
- No prior tooth renovation under anesthesia
- Good general health, various breeds, age groups and genders
Evaluation times:
- Day 0
- Week 8
- Week 16
Were particularly examined:
- Right and left upper third incisors
- Corner teeth
- Third and fourth premolars
Study process:
- In the first 8 weeks: no domestic dental care
- Then: random assignment to the following groups:
- No oral hygiene (control group)
- Brushing your teeth every other day with toothbrush and toothpaste
- Daily dental care coats
- Daily addition in drinking water
- Brushing your teeth week and daily chewing items
- Brushing your teeth weekly and daily drinking water additive
- Daily chewing items and daily drinking water additive
Results after 16 weeks:
- In all groups: significant reduction in dental pads
- Particularly good results at:
- Cleaning daily
- Daily caustic
- Weekly cleaning + daily water additive
- Weekly cleaning + daily caustic
Periodontal health improved in all treatment groups between week 8 and 16, but:
- Only in the group with a weekly cleaning and daily water additive
- And in the group with daily chewing items and daily water additive,
the improvement was significant.
| Treatment group | Reduction of the dental pads (after 16 weeks) | Improvement of periodontal health |
|---|---|---|
| No oral hygiene (control group) | No significant reduction | No improvement |
| Brushing your teeth every other day with toothbrush and toothpaste | Significant reduction | Improvement, but not significant |
| Daily dental care coats | Significant reduction | Improvement, but not significant |
| Daily addition in drinking water | Significant reduction | Improvement, but not significant |
| Brushing your teeth weekly + daily chewing items | Significant reduction | Improvement, but not significant |
| Brushing your teeth weekly + daily drinking water additive | Significant reduction | Significant improvement |
| Daily chewing items + daily drinking water additive | Significant reduction | Significant improvement |
The knowledge
Important points for practice:
- In the case of serious periodontal disease (e.g. severe attachment loss, tooth loosening), professional tooth cleaning, examination and treatment under anesthesia are essential.
- The combination of domestic dental care protocols such as brushing your teeth daily, caustticks or water additives can help to improve periodontal health and reduce dental pads.
- Water additives are less effective in dogs with a strong plaque and tartar.
- Even if professional tooth cleaning under anesthesia is optimal, domestic dental care can still positively influence oral health.
- Such dental care is less crucial in cats because they develop dental pads less quickly than dogs.
Common questions about dental care for dogs
Why is dental care so important in dogs?
The dental health of your dog is not just a question of aesthetics or fresh breath - it is a central component of the general state of health. Dogs tend to develop denture and tartar very early in life. Studies show that over 80 % of dogs at the age of only three years have signs of periodontal disease.
If the dental plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens to tartar. This leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), and untreated, periodontitis can arise. With periodontitis, not only the gums, but also the structures underneath, such as the tooth bed and the jawbone are damaged.
The consequences go far beyond the mouth: bacteria made of inflamed gums can get through the bloodstream into organs such as heart, liver and kidneys and cause serious illnesses there.
Therefore: Good dental care not only protects against tooth loss and pain, but also contributes to the general health and quality of life of your dog!
From what age should I start with my dog's dental care?
The best answer is: as early as possible.
It is best to start in puppy age, i.e. as soon as your dog has its milk teeth and can be used to regular care. Even if the milk teeth fail later, it is ideal if your dog learns early on that dental care is a pleasant and normal routine.
By getting used to the toothbrush early and fiddling with the mouth you build trust and avoid later stress. In addition, the maintenance effort in adulthood becomes less, since the teeth remain clean from the start by regular cleaning.
Important to know: Even if you only start care in adulthood, it is never too late! The benefits are given at any age. However, the following applies: the later you start, the more likely it is that dental pads or tartar have already formed. In this case, professional tooth cleaning at the veterinarian is often advisable before the start of home care.
How do I best pasture my dog to brush your teeth?
Patience and positive reinforcements are the key to success. Many dogs first have to learn that the toothbrush is not an enemy, but a friend for their health.
Here is a proven timetable:
slowly approaching:
Get your dog to touch your mouth. Panze over lips and teeth without starting the brush immediately.
Create a positive link:
Work with treats or praise to feel pleasant.
Introduction of the toothbrush or finger brush:
Let your dog sniff and taste on the brush and on the special dog toothpaste. Most pastes have a taste for dogs, such as: B. chicken or beef.
Short training sessions:
start with a few seconds, for example only to brush the canines, and slowly increase.
Regularity:
daily or at least several times a week help your dog to accept the routine.
Important: never exert pressure. If your dog arises at the beginning, give it time. Cleaning with chewing items or water additives can also be supportive until the acceptance for the toothbrush is there.
Are dental care coarse a real alternative to brushing your teeth?
Dental care coats are an excellent addition, but not a complete replacement for brushing the mechanical tooth.
When chewing, the friction plaque is removed, especially on the larger buying surfaces of the molars. In addition, caustricks stimulate the flow of saliva, which also has a cleaning effect and has a positive impact on the oral flora.
However, not all tooth surfaces achieve chewing items equally well - especially the hard -to -reach inside of the teeth often remain untreated. In addition, you cannot effectively solve the already hardened deposits such as tartar.
Chewing items in combination with daily or repeated brushing your teeth look best. You should also pay attention to quality: Choose products that are checked and are awarded with recognized seals such as the VOHC seal (Veterinary Oral Health Council).
In short: chewing articles are sensible support and especially for dogs that do not (immediately) put up with brushing your teeth - but you achieve the optimal effect with a combination of both.
How do I recognize whether my dog already has dental problems?
This is a very important question, because dental problems often remain unnoticed in dogs for a long time. Dogs rarely show pain in the mouth area because they naturally hide pain well.
Therefore, pay attention to the following warning signals:
bad breath (halitosis):
one of the most common indications of dental diseases.
Colored teeth or tartar:
particularly yellowish or brownish coverings on the tooth surfaces.
Gentilic infections:
red, swollen or bleeding gums.
Changes in eating:
Your dog eats more slowly, chews one -sided or drops dry food.
Pawing at the Mouth / Moul contact:
Some dogs grate the mouth with the paw.
Withdrawal or irritability:
The behavior can change, especially in the case of advanced toothing.
If you notice one or more of these signs, you should not hesitate to consult your vet. Early action can prevent small problems from developing to larger - and painful - diseases.
Summary dental care for dogs
Dental care for dogs is a central part of general health care. Unfortunately, many animal owners underestimate the importance of dental care in dogs , although they decisively contribute to avoiding serious illnesses. Without regular dental care in dogs, plaque and tartar can quickly accumulate, which can lead to inflammation, pain and even systemic diseases.
Studies show that consistent dental care for dogs is already necessary at the young age to prevent periodontal diseases. The combination of mechanical cleaning through brushing your teeth and supporting measures such as special chewing items or water additives is particularly effective. Dental care in dogs should therefore start as early as possible, preferably in puppy age, so that the animals get used to the routine.
Once dogs have had positive experiences with dental care for dogs , they can be easily integrated into everyday life. Regular dental care in dogs not only improves oral hygiene, but also the general well -being of the animal. In addition, careful dental care in dogs prevent expensive veterinary interventions that are often necessary for untreated dental problems.
Another advantage of dental care in dogs is to improve the quality of life. A healthy mouth means less pain, better feeding behavior and a completely satisfied dog. optimal dental care for dogs in order to identify any problems at an early stage.
The most important products for dental care for dogs include special toothbrushes, enzymatic toothpaste, dental care coats and drinking water additives. The selection of the right means of dental care for dogs should ideally be made in consultation with the veterinarian in order to take individual needs into account. Some dogs easily accept the daily cleaning, others need a gentle introduction to dental care in dogs .
Dental care for dogs important in older animals Even if tartar has already formed, it is worth starting with dental care for dogs and preventing further deterioration. Dental care important for dogs in dogs of smaller breeds
The market today offers numerous aids for dental care for dogs , so that suitable products are available for every dog type. It is important dental care in dogs as a daily matter of course, similar to the brush of fur or claw care. If you have any questions about dental care for dogs , veterinarians and specialist staff are available to advise.
Last but not least, regular dental care in dogs also contributes to the binding between the animal and the holder. The calm nursing moments strengthen trust and dental care for dogs becomes a ritual that both sides can enjoy. An early established dental care for dogs accompanies the animal for a lifetime and is an important contribution to responsible animal husbandry.
In summary, dental care in dogs is essential, versatile and indispensable for a healthy dog life. Whether by cleaning, chewing or additional products - any form of dental care for dogs is a profit for your four -legged friend's health!
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Sources & recommended literature
- Enlund KB, Brunius C, Hanson J, et al. Dog Owners' Perspective on Canine Dental Health - A Questionnaire Study in Sweden. Front Vet Sci . 2020; 7: 298. Doi: 10.3389/Fvets.2020.00298
- Bellows J, Berg ML, Dennis S, et al. 2019 Aaha Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc . 2019; 55 (2): 49-69. Doi: 10.5326/Jaaha-Ms-6933
- Caused FJ, Kass PH, Terpak CH. Diagnostic Value of Full-Mouth Radiography in Dogs. At J Vet Res . 1998; 59 (6): 686-691.
- Peak M. Marketing Veterinary Dentistry: Creating Value. In: Florida Veterinary Medical Association Convention, 2008.
- Benson J, Tincher EM. Cost of Care, Access to Care, and Payment options in Veterinary Practice. Vet Clin North am Small Anim Pract . 2024; 54 (2): 235-250. DOI: 10.1016/J.CVSM.2023.10.007
Further information
- AVDC nomenclature. American Veterinary Dental College. Accessed January 23, 2025. Https://avdc.org/avdc-nomeclature
- Olsén L, Brissman A, Wiman S, Eriksson F, Kaj C, Brunius Enlund K. Impovered Oral Health and Adaptation to Treatment in Dogs Using Manual or Ultrasonic Toothbrush or Textile of Nylon or Microfiber for Active Dental Home Care. Animals (Basel) . 2021; 11 (9): 2481. Doi: 10.3390/Ani11092481
- Ryu Y, Kim Se, Huh EA, et al. Initial screening for dental abnormalities identified by labial and buccal photographer in Dogs and Cats. At J Vet Res . 2024; 85 (9): AJVR.24.03.0085. DOI: 10.2460/AJVR.24.03.0085
- Svärd J, Brunius Enlund K. Adherence to Dental Home Care in Dogs with Periodontitis: A Post-Treatment Survey. Acta Vet Scand . 2023; 65 (1): 59. DOI: 10.1186/S13028-023-00718-6