Have you ever brushed your dog's teeth for healthy today?
If the idea seems a bit 'crazy for you - to give your dog a pedicure, maybe - you should have a talk with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will probably tell you the oral care of your dog regularly is so important to their well-being in the long term, as is yours.
But what really dogs need dental care?
It is true that dogs have thousands of years without brushing teeth, cleaning teeth and x-rays, but if people have. And the mouth, like those of our four-legged friends have suffered for it - with gum disease, tooth loss, chronic pain, and more.
Today, most of us see the advantage of daily brushing, cleaning twice a year, and regular dental radiographs for ourselves. And even if the dogs do not eat the variety of foods that cause tooth decay that we enjoy, they need regular dental care for many of the same reasons we do:
* To avoid the accumulation of plaque, tartar and calculation
* To control and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease
* To find this type of injury in fractured or broken teeth
* To inspect the problems of development and orthodontics
For now the dogs are 3 years old, most dogs are already signs of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Therefore, dogs may be at risk for some of the same problems that can cause chronic infection in humans, including heart, liver and kidney problems.
Dental care can protect your dog against pain
Most dog owners believe they know if your dog was in pain. In fact, they are not.
"The animals do not show the pain of dental disease," says Tony M. Woodward, a dentist, veterinarian, Colorado and diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College. "When you want a dog leg in pain in my face or stop eating, but do not."
In fact, your dog may have an abscess in his mouth full of teeth, and eating very well, Woodward tells.
"This is the main reason why people should be concerned about dental problems in pets: it hurts," he said.
If the idea seems a bit 'crazy for you - to give your dog a pedicure, maybe - you should have a talk with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will probably tell you the oral care of your dog regularly is so important to their well-being in the long term, as is yours.
But what really dogs need dental care?
It is true that dogs have thousands of years without brushing teeth, cleaning teeth and x-rays, but if people have. And the mouth, like those of our four-legged friends have suffered for it - with gum disease, tooth loss, chronic pain, and more.
Today, most of us see the advantage of daily brushing, cleaning twice a year, and regular dental radiographs for ourselves. And even if the dogs do not eat the variety of foods that cause tooth decay that we enjoy, they need regular dental care for many of the same reasons we do:
* To avoid the accumulation of plaque, tartar and calculation
* To control and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease
* To find this type of injury in fractured or broken teeth
* To inspect the problems of development and orthodontics
For now the dogs are 3 years old, most dogs are already signs of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Therefore, dogs may be at risk for some of the same problems that can cause chronic infection in humans, including heart, liver and kidney problems.
Dental care can protect your dog against pain
Most dog owners believe they know if your dog was in pain. In fact, they are not.
"The animals do not show the pain of dental disease," says Tony M. Woodward, a dentist, veterinarian, Colorado and diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College. "When you want a dog leg in pain in my face or stop eating, but do not."
In fact, your dog may have an abscess in his mouth full of teeth, and eating very well, Woodward tells.
"This is the main reason why people should be concerned about dental problems in pets: it hurts," he said.