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How important brushing your dog’s teeth?  It sounds ridiculous, but is it really?  You can’t imagine how many people ask groomers to brush their dogs’ teeth.  People typically have their dogs groomed once every four to eight weeks depending on the breed.  Grooming establishments frequently offer this service for an additional fee.  Now think for a moment.  Would you ever dream of brushing your teeth once every four to eight weeks?  What do you think would happen to your teeth?  It takes only a few days of neglect for plaque and tartar to develop for people and dogs as well.  If your think that crunchy food and treats would suffice, then think again.  That’s like saying that when we chew on crunchy food and snacks there would be no need to brush our teeth.  Some dogs just have great teeth that keep clean without intervention, but for the majority of dogs that is not the case. 

The most common disease amongst dogs is gum disease.  Gum begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth.  Plaque is the substance that makes your teeth feel like they are wearing sweaters.  Daily brushing removes the majority of plaque (depending upon the diligence of the person brushing.)  Remember, in only a few days when plaque begins to  harden and tartar forms.  The scene is being set for problems to develop. As the condition progresses, a professional dental cleaning will be the only way to remove the buildup.  Dental cleaning are usually a big expense.

Tooth decay leads to loss of teeth and gum disease.  As bacteria grows under the gum tissue, the teeth separate from the gum line causing bacteria to grow and spread further.  The roots of the teeth become infected, weaken and to the point that the gums become unable to hold the teeth.  Teeth rot and fall out.

Gum disease leads to many serious health issues including abscesses, bone loss, and sinus infections because the sinuses are so close to the infected area.  The bacteria and infection travel to the roots of the teeth.  Once this happens the bloodstream becomes contaminated.  Studies have confirmed that as bacteria travels throughout the dog’s system, the lungs, kidneys, heart and liver become diseased.  A Purdue University study found that there is a strong link between gum tissue degeneration and heart disease and infections of the heart valves.

The most common disease amongst dogs is gum disease.  Gum begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth.  Plaque is the substance that makes your teeth feel like they are wearing sweaters.  Daily brushing removes the majority of plaque (depending upon the diligence of the person brushing.)  Remember, in only a few days when plaque begins to  harden and tartar forms.  The scene is being set for problems to develop. As the condition progresses, a professional dental cleaning will be the only way to remove the buildup.  Dental cleaning are usually a big expense.

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