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Ouch! Few things are worse than dental pain. Just like humans, dogs experience oral pain for a variety of reasons, whether it be infection, poor oral hygiene, cavities, cracked teeth, or other dental woes. Green Dog Dental has put together some information that will help you prevent or at least know the signs of an issue.
Dogs and Tooth Pain
Most of the time, though, dogs don’t suffer from dental sensitivity the way some people do. While dogs can definitely experience sensitivity in the mouth, it’s not just “one of those things” like it can be with human beings.
For people, there are a variety of toothpastes and oral rinses for people that are aimed at reducing tooth sensitivity (which often presents as sensitivity to very cold or very hot foods). For dogs, on the other hand, it’s often necessary to get to the root cause of the problem in order to fix it.
Signs of a Dental Problem
If you suspect that your dog has mouth sensitivity, it’s likely that there is some underlying cause. You may notice signs like reluctance to eat hard kibble or treats, pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, reddened gums, or bleeding.
Often, though, the behavioral signs can be very subtle. Dogs are biologically hardwired to hide when they are in pain, so it’s up to us as caregivers to keep an eye out and to know the signs. As with nearly all dental problems in dogs, an ounce of prevention is worth is a pound of cure.
Preventative Dental Care for Dogs
Taking care of your dog’s oral health is the best way to keep them pain and sensitivity free. The most effective way to prevent dental sensitivity and pain is to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
Healthy and clean teeth are pain-free teeth. Enzymatic pet toothpaste continues to work even after you have finished brushing, as the enzymes eat away at tartar and plaque.
Pet Dental Products
There are also dental hygiene additives that you can add to your pet’s drinking water that can help fight the formation of plaque every time they take a drink. We’ve also created smileSPRAY, an additive to make dental care easier for owners and pets alike. This amazing product from Green Dog Dental is one of the most effective and easiest ways to maintain your dog’s dental health.
How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth & Gums
You can use it three times a week on your dog for healthier gums and better breath, and it’s remarkably simple to use and well tolerated by both dogs and cats. You simply spray a bit on a cotton swab or piece of gauze and wipe the surface of your pet’s teeth.
It does not taste bad, and many pets prefer the sensation over having their teeth brushed. It’s also easier to reach your dog’s back teeth, which are often the dirtiest, with your finger and some gauze rather than a doggy toothbrush. The blend of essential oils and other natural products will help eliminate bad breath caused by tartar and plaque buildup and will help keep your pet’s mouth and teeth healthy and clean.
Regular Care is Important
In order to prevent dental problems in your dog, brush their teeth regularly, bring them for check-ups at the vet to have their teeth professionally cleaned, and take advantage of special products to help keep your pet’s teeth clean, such as sprays, dental chews, and water additives.
For more tips, see our article on Preventative Dental Care for your dog or visit the Green Dog Gazette.