Let's be real, no one likes a sloppy stinky kiss from your pup. Or to smell their bad breath from across the room as they pant hot & heavy stinky breaths.
Not only is it gross, but it is also unhealthy!
The Health Issues linked to bad dental heath can be directly linked to the mouth like periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth decay, cracked teeth, etc.
But there are also systemic diseases that stem from an unhealthy mouth, such as diabetes and heart disease.
So what can we do to fix this before there is an even bigger issue that arises?
First off let's get the Pet Myth out of the way that kibble cleans the teeth. This is one I hear all of the time from pet parents and even from vets!
The starchy carbohydrate components of kibble mixed with wet saliva create a perfect consistency that gets stuck between the teeth.
There is no cleaning happening there and if not removed it creates a buildup that can lead to plaque and tartar housing all sorts of bad bacteria leading to stinky breath and various health risks.
Think about the analogy of you eating a crunchy granola bar or a bowl of cereal for breakfast and calling that "brushing your teeth;" it doesn't make sense does it? Same goes for a bowl of kibble for your pet.
So unless you are going in and brushing your pet's teeth after every meal, that kibble is going to get stuck in the crevices and over time builds up to create a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to live.
PS this also applies to all of those "dental" chews out there (greenies, whimzees, etc.). They are a fun chew, but they still have some sort of starchy component and aren't nearly hard enough or abrasive enough to be of much help as far as dental cleaning goes.
What can you do to help?
This will depend on your pet and the current status of their teeth and breath. If they have never had a dental cleaning and you can see that dark brown plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth, it may be time for an in depth cleaning to start on clean slate.
If you go in right away with a toothbrush or other things I will mention later, you may find that to not be the most beneficial. If there is a heavy buildup, brushing and trying to clean it yourself can release too much of that bacteria sitting under all of that and cause your pet to get sick.
They may also have tooth decay or cracked teeth that you will need a vet to take a look at.
It wouldn't hurt to ask your vet to take a look at your pet's teeth before starting up any of these tips & tricks to a healthier mouth beforehand.
If they recommend a dental cleaning be sure to weigh the risk - older pets or ones with underlying health issues may not do well with going under. This is something to discuss with your vet and your family.
An alternative is anesthesia-free dental cleanings where your pet is not put under and can still be very effective at cleaning their teeth. It doesn't require the bloodwork prior, there is no recovery time and none of the risk associated with being put under. This is a great option for older pets or those with underlying health conditions.
Just search for anesthesia-free dental cleanings in your area and make some calls.
For this route it is important to note that your pet has to be okay with being held down and having their mouth messed with. So it isn't for every pup. Or if there is heavy buildup, cracked teeth, etc. then that would probably require vet visit to get that all taken care of.
How to Maintain the Pearly Whites & a Healthy Mouth:
Try brushing your pet's teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste. This would be for maintenance after a good cleaning or if your pup is still young and there isn't a lot of buildup already there. Here is a pack with both toothbrush & paste! Or this gel that will help break down some of the plaque and you can brush with it or use as a leave on treatment. They also make wipes where you put it over your finger and rub the teeth.
Add a dental water treatment to your pet's bowl. I really like Mad About Organics brand. You just add a capful to the water bowl and it helps to loosen up the plaque and tartar. You can then follow up with brushing or giving your dog a chew that is abrasive and will remove that plaque after it is loosened up.
Chews that can help break off the plaque & tarter: Antlers, Bully Sticks, Tracheas, and the best in my opinion are Raw Marrow Bones - Here is a link for all of these and more!
Part of a healthy mouth is a healthy gut. Giving a probiotic can help ensure there isn't an imbalance in the gut and help with stinky breath. Here are two high-quality options: Four Leaf Rover Protect and Herbsmith Microflora Plus
More Dental Health Tips & Tricks:
Try to implement at least a few of the options above
Shoot for brushing once a day (mostly necessary if you feed kibble)
Give an abrasive Chew at least 2-3x per week. My dog chews just about every day and is fed a raw diet.
Ditch the kibble. It is only causing more buildup day after day, meal after meal. A moist diet, whether that be freeze dried, air dried, or raw will help all aspects of health. More on that Hot Topic in the Pet Parent Roadmap coming soon!
DISCLAIMER:
The information offered by The Balanced Companion is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. I strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a holistic veterinarian that supports your efforts to incorporate species appropriate nutrition and holistic lifestyle choices into your pet’s life. To locate a holistic integrative vet, please visit www.ahvma.org or ask me for a referral.
This blog post contains affiliate links for purchases of products on Amazon that I may receive commission for. Thank you for your support.
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