V.M.D. Dogs benefit from good dental care, just as people do. The benefits of good dental care include more than just sweet-smelling breath. Healthy teeth and gums decrease the risk of heart, kidney and liver disease, since bacteria in diseased gums travel through the bloodstream to these organs. In addition, good dental health keeps gums free from pain and reduces the need for tooth extractions.
Some pets even become lethargic as their mouths become more painful.
One of the best ways to maintain good dental health is to brush your dog's teeth. Buy an enzymatic pet toothpaste at a pet supply store or your veterinary hospital. Pet toothpastes, which come in poultry, beef, malt and mint flavors, contain fluoride plus enzymes specific to the chemistry of the canine mouth. Human toothpastes are not recommended because they are ineffective, foam too much and cause stomach upset when dogs swallow them. Start by softening the bristles of an ordinary soft toothbrush with warm water and applying pet toothpaste to the brush.