How to Ensure Optimal Gum Care for Dogs

Generally, a dog's health is significantly related to its dental health, but many owners fail to recognize this. Healthy teeth enable dogs to chew hard biscuits and bones, while toothless dogs can only consume softer or liquid foods. Unlike other animals, dogs rely almost entirely on their teeth as their first line of defense.

All pet owners should always monitor their dog's condition and not wait until health issues arise. Some owners use a toothbrush and some tasteless toothpaste, magnesium oxide, or milk to regularly clean their dog's teeth two to three times a week. This practice has a mild antibacterial effect on the dog's gums and can prevent tartar buildup.

If teeth become loose due to tartar accumulation, the dog's breath may seem aggressive, or there may be abnormal nasal discharge. Dogs with such conditions may inexplicably sneeze repeatedly.

Less active dogs (for example, those that spend most of their time chewing toys) are more likely to develop dental diseases compared to more active breeds like terriers and large dogs. Proper feeding can usually ensure a dog's oral health. Occasional bones and hard biscuits can strengthen the gums and stimulate salivary glands.

To remove tartar, you can choose some tartar removal tools from pet supply stores. Alternatively, you can use the tip of a pencil sharpener or a regular steel nail file to scrape off tartar from the teeth, but be careful to ensure that the gums are not injured. After scraping off tartar, you can wipe the gums with a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with warm water. If the tartar buildup is too thick and causes the gums to ulcerate, preventing the dog from eating, please consult a veterinarian.

Regular exercise, periodic diet checks, and gum cleaning are essential for maintaining your dog's health.