Dental story online

When most people think of good dog grooming they think only of a bath and brushing to help maintain a beautiful coat and reduce shedding. Well there is one more very important task to good grooming and that is keeping your dog's teeth clean and tartar free. Just think what our mouths would resemble if we did not brush our teeth, have regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Dogs are just as susceptible to the same diseases and oral infections in their mouths as we humans. Plaque and tartar buildup in your dog's mouth can lead to:

• Gingivitis - inflammation of your dogs gums resulting from plaque & tartar buildup.
• Periodontal Disease - The next step after Gingivitis, where cavities around the teeth open and allow bacteria to build eventually attacking the bone resulting in tooth lose and worse.
• Pyorrhea - A more advanced stage of periodontal disease. Infection of the bone that leads to tooth lose and bad breath allowing disease and infection to spread to the rest your dog's body eventually infecting every organ.

In order to prevent this cycle of tooth decay and infection incorporating a twice-weekly regiment of brushing your dog's teeth is recommended. There are many favors and styles of dog toothbrushes and toothpastes on the market to help maintain good dog dental hygiene.

If you're like most people finding the time and patients for this task can be challenging. On the market today, you can find several choices to help offset a brushing regiment. Dog Dental Chews, which are marketed as treats, are a great way for you to accomplish this task. They can be given daily or in between brushings. Although the cost for these dog dental chew treats can seem a little pricey, in the long run they are far less expensive than a visit to vet for the treatment of Pyorrhea.

Veterinary appointments for a regular dog visit is at least twice a year. Schedule a teeth cleaning at the same time so your dog will benefit from a professional cleaning. Maintaining your dog's oral hygiene is a vital part of good pet grooming. If you have your dog professionally groomed ask the groomer if they will brush your dogs teeth as well.

Whether you decide on any one particular solution or a combination of all those mentioned become committed to your dog's dental hygiene. Fresh breath and clean teeth will keep your dog healthy and safe.