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This One Simple Thing Can Extend Your Dog’s Life by Years
I was shocked too...
Bryan Reisberg
July 18, 2024
The Key to Your Dog’s Longevity? Healthy Teeth & Gums
Other than keeping your little chonk at a healthy weight, the other predictor of a long, healthy life…healthy teeth and gums!
According to Veterinarian Jody Berquist (via Rocky Kanaka’s blog), “Brushing a dog’s teeth can increase a dog’s lifespan by about 20 percent,”
Who brushes their dog’s teeth every day? Probably 1 out of every 10 pet parents I know. I try, but I’m probably brushing Maxine’s teeth about 2 times/week. I apparently need to get those numbers up. Why is brushing so important? According to Berquist, brushing prevents severe periodontal disease which “helps prevent heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease from the bacteria floating around in the bloodstream.”
Some studies suggest that severe periodontal disease could reduce a dog's life by up to two years.
According to an article published by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in veterinary medicine. Even if your dog’s teeth look pearly white and clean, studies show that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some component of periodontal disease. It’s worse in smaller breeds, and the incidence increases with age.”
The Culprit
Periodontal disease often sneaks up on us, only showing its ugly face when it's already causing trouble. Why? Because the sneaky culprit behind it all is invisible to the naked eye and doesn't show up during routine checkups. Meet the main villain: Plaque, especially the kind that hides under your gums.
Now, don't mix this up with that ugly golden-brown tartar you see on your dog's teeth. While tartar does harbor bacteria and causes bad breath, it's not the main player in the periodontal disease drama.
Plaque is our real enemy in the fight against periodontal disease and tooth loss. This invisible bacterial slime, or biofilm, loves to cling to your teeth both above and below the gum line. Plaque causes:
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
Creates deep gaps between the teeth and gums (periodontal pockets)
Damages the tissues that hold your teeth in place (periodontitis).
This nasty process can lead to tooth loss, bringing a lot of pain and discomfort along the way. So, remember: in the battle for your dental health, it's the unseen plaque that's the true foe, not the visible tartar!
Prevention
Eric Davis, owner of Animal Dental Specialists of Upstate New York, notes that your efforts in trying to prevent gum disease will go a long way toward keeping your dog healthy, comfortable and alive for as long as possible.
Davis says, “Successful prevention of periodontal disease requires three components: 1. the owner, who must receive proper training and equipment from their vet; 2. a cooperative patient, who becomes part of a slow and methodical training program with positive reinforcement; and 3. annual professional oral evaluation and treatment, which is done under general anesthesia.”
Periodontal disease can cause pain and has been linked to liver and heart problems. Plus, even if your pup isn't showing obvious signs of pain, they might be hurting.
So, how can you tell if your dog has periodontal disease? Look out for these signs:
Pawing or rubbing at the mouth
Drooling
Decreased appetite
Taking longer to finish meals
Changing eating habits (like carrying food away from the bowl and dropping it on the floor)
Mouth odor
Bleeding from the mouth
Avoiding favorite chew toys
Showing aggressive behavior or withdrawal from the family.
If you see any of these signs, your dog's periodontal disease might already be pretty advanced. So keep an eye out and keep those canine teeth clean!
Brushing at Home
I know, I know. This is really difficult not only to do, but to do consistently. But here are some quick tips that might help…
The key to a successful home dental routine for your dog is daily brushing with a special veterinary toothpaste. Human toothpaste is a no-go because it has detergents and fluoride that we spit out but your dog swallows.
Veterinary pastes often contain enzymes that tackle plaque. Brush it on and leave it to work its magic. Daily brushing is essential since bacteria are like busy little beavers, constantly building up plaque. You need to break it up daily to stop it from sneaking under the gums.
Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. The VOHC, founded by veterinary dental specialists, sets high standards and only approves products with solid research backing their claims. So, grab that VOHC-approved paste and keep those canine chompers sparkling!
How-To
As soon as your dog's adult teeth have come in, it's time to start brushing! Kick things off by saying a fun phrase like "teeth time." Begin by running your finger along the outside of their lips and giving them a treat or toy. Once your dog gets excited about this, move on to running your finger along their gums and reward them again.
Next, introduce the toothpaste. Let your pup smell and taste it, then run it along their gums and reward. Once they're comfortable, it's time to bring in the brush. When your dog happily allows you to brush the outsides of all their teeth with the paste, you've both officially graduated!
In addition to daily brushing, your vet might suggest a special diet for plaque and tartar control and a weekly application of Oravet, a waxy tooth sealant. Keep it playful, and soon your dog will be a dental hygiene champ!
In Conclusion
It was pretty shocking when I heard how critical teeth and gum health is to my dog’s quality of life, and length of life. Healthy weight and healthy teeth is what I’ve heard from numerous world-renowned vets.
It’s a really difficult thing to do, but it will absolutely pay off as your dog gets older. I’ve been brushing Maxine’s teeth for years, and she’s about as healthy as can be (knock on wood).
So get going. It sucks to do, but I, as well as many other pet parents around the world, are suffering with you. Go get some toothpaste and get to work.
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