By age three, the majority of dogs show some signs of periodontal disease. Untreated, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and strain the heart, liver, and kidneys — dental care is whole-body care.
Daily toothbrushing with a dog-specific toothpaste (never human paste, which contains xylitol and fluoride unsafe to swallow) is the gold standard. Introduce it slowly with praise and a finger brush.
Dental chews and prescription diets can reduce plaque, but they do not replace brushing or professional cleanings. Choose products with recognized dental claims and the right size for your dog.
Annual veterinary dental exams catch problems early. A professional cleaning under anesthesia lets the vet scale below the gumline and take dental X-rays — the only way to see root and bone disease.
Watch for bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating, or bleeding gums. These signal pain your stoic dog may hide until it is severe.
