Having your pet’s teeth cleaned by a professional on a regular schedule is an important part of caring for your pet’s oral hygiene. But did you know that you can maintain their healthy mouth from home in a variety of manageable ways? Whether you are a seasoned pro at brushing your pet’s teeth or if you cringe at the thought of putting your hand in your pet’s mouth, you can help your pet to maintain good oral hygiene in more ways than you might think.
Why are clean teeth important?
The leading health issue affecting adult dogs is periodontal disease. More than half of cats over the age of 4 also suffer from some form of dental disease. Periodontal disease is progressive and starts as gingivitis, advances as tartar build-up, and can result in periodontal disease, inflammation of the gum and bone surrounding the teeth, that can lead to more serious health issues for your pet.
Oral health can directly impact your pet’s gut health, and vice versa. An overgrowth of bad bacteria in the mouth can lead to chronic issues in the gut. Bacterial communities within the body are prudently balanced and any imbalances are directly linked to other diseases. In the oral microbiome, these diseases can be present as gingivitis or periodontal disease in the mouth, hence why brushing your pet’s teeth is so important. Early signs of digestive diseases can sometimes be detected in your pet’s mouth.
This is why pet owners are constantly told that one of the keys to longevity lies in good oral hygiene and there is definitely some truth to that.
Is brushing your pet’s teeth enough?
The short answer is … no. More than half the tooth exists beneath the gum line, therefore brushing alone is not enough to protect your pet’s mouth from harmful bacteria. Teeth brushing is certainly beneficial and should be done regularly, and with a naturally sourced toothpaste, to promote the overall health of the mouth. While some dogs and cats have no problem with you brushing their teeth, others may require a slow and steady approach to build up their tolerance. Then there are those dogs and cats who let you know that there is no way you are getting inside their mouth! While tooth brushing is an uncomplicated way that you can engage in your pet’s overall wellness from home, there are many more ways in which you can support a healthy oral microbiome for your pet.
What you can do to promote pearly whites from home
Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth once daily and ensure you schedule regular cleanings in partnership with veterinary care for your pet’s mouth. But in addition to brushing your pet’s teeth, there are several more ways you can help promote a healthy mouth for your cats and dogs.
At Pearly Whites for Pets, we perform regular cleaning of your pet’s teeth that compliments the veterinary care you provide your pet to support their oral hygiene. We offer teeth cleaning for dogs and cats of all sizes and ages, supporting clean teeth and healthy gums. We recommend regularly scheduled visits to maintain good oral health and always remain one step ahead of any dental issues in your pet’s mouth.
In addition to teeth cleaning, you can use a water additive to help neutralize harmful bacteria and prolong the benefits of cleaning your pet’s teeth. We like a natural product, with prebiotics to support the gut microbiome.
Dental wipes can help eliminate plaque build-up on your pet’s teeth. By gently massaging your pet’s teeth with a dental wipe every day, you can help support their oral hygiene through cleaner teeth, healthier gums and fresher breath.
Give your pet synbiotic supplements – supplements that contain both pre and probiotics – to repopulate the beneficial bacteria and help to restore the natural microbial balance in their mouth. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus, have been proven to prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria, changing the pH of the mouth and supporting the immune system. Lactobacillus species have also shown to be proactive against inflammation that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Dental sprays and gels are another great way to support your pet’s oral hygiene. Ideally, most of these types of products need to be applied directly to the teeth and/or gums but can be applied with a toothbrush, finger-brush or Q-tip. Naturally sourced ingredients in dental sprays and gels can be great not only for oral hygiene but also to aid in digestion, freshen breath and help to heal wounds in the mouth.
Dental toys can also be used as a part of your regimen to support oral hygiene for your pet. These toys work in the same way as dental chews. Natural rubber nubs on dental-specific toys can help to support healthy teeth and gums while your pet plays!
The bottom line is combination care
Whether you use these methods on their own or find a combination that works for you, every step you take to promote your pet’s oral hygiene is worthwhile and beneficial to their overall health and wellness. Combination care is often the best way to provide your pet with their healthiest teeth and gums. Visit our on-line boutique for a wide variety of products to fulfil all of the combination care options listed here!