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When we have a dog we pamper them with everything that can make their life better. We ensure they have the proper food to eat, we dress them in warm clothes on a cold winter's day and we take them to the vet on regular bases. Despite this care and attention we sometimes overlook the most important part of their health and that is their teeth. Caring for your dog's teeth should be top priority to ensure they have healthy teeth for the rest of their lives.

Concern for your dog's teeth should be started when they are a puppy. It is much easier to get them use to it at a young age versus when they are older. It is very important that your dog's teeth are kept free of plaque during his lifetime. By starting when your dog is young also gives you and your dog a head start on having healthy teeth that will serve him well all of his life. Cleaning your dog's teeth will not always be an easy thing to do but it a very necessary one.

Sometimes our dogs are older when we have to start the process of cleaning but regardless of the age of your dog you have to start somewhere. Start by fondling your dog's mouth. Get him use to the feel of your fingers on the inside of his mouth. You can enlist the aid of some enticing flavor on your fingers to make it a positive experience for him. You can change to toothpaste later and there are many flavors on the market to choose from. Work your way up to placing a finger inside his mouth and massage his gums.

Once he is comfortable with this procedure introduce him to a tooth brush. Have the same flavor on the toothbrush that you were using on your finger. Let him investigate the tooth brush any way he feels like doing. If he bites it just leave him do it. You are half way to your goal. If the toothbrush doesn't work there is also a rubber finger stall that can be placed on top of your finger that would also work well.

Now is the time to change from that enticing flavor on your finger to enticing toothpaste. Place your finger inside his mouth as usual and spread the toothpaste over his gums and teeth. If this is getting a little messy for you try to use a little gauze at this time. This will also help him to accept other foreign objects into his mouth. If you have found success with this method you can now start using the toothbrush with tooth paste. Gently rub it on his gums and teeth as you are cleaning. He is more likely to accept the tooth brush now that you have taken this procedure in steps. Soon your dog will look forward to the experience especially the taste of the yummy toothpaste you can use.

If you don't pay attention to your dog's teeth there are many diseases that can occur such as gingivitis which is an inflammation of gums and periodontitis which is a more serious infection that can travel to the tissues and bone and can cause your dog to lose his teeth.

The symptoms to watch for when your dog is having problems with his teeth are a yellow or brown buildup on the surface of his teeth. Watch for any bleeding coming from the tooth or surrounding gums. Bad breath is a sign of decay in the mouth and is much stronger than the usual doggie breath. Check the gums for any sign of inflammation which will present itself with redness or a purplish look on the gums. If your dog has difficulty in chewing or a change in his eating habits is another good indication that your dog has a problem with his teeth.

To keep your dog's mouth healthy brush his teeth on a daily bases, check his mouth for signs of disease and make sure you take him to the vet regularly for a checkup on his teeth. When you have done all of this you have done your best in caring for your dog's teeth.

Learn more about this author, Betty Carew.
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