Veterinarians recommend that dog owners should brush their pet’s teeth as often as possible – some recommended a daily brushing, some say 2-3 times a week. Brushing a dog’s teeth is the most effective technique of preventing tooth and gum problems, and promotes oral health. This is especially true if you have a dog that is prone to bad teeth, like miniature poodles.

When choosing a toothbrush for your dog, make sure that it is not so rigid because it can hurt your dog’s gums. The ideal toothbrush is one that has soft bristles and can easily fit in your dog’s mouth. Frequent brushing prevents the build-up of plaque before it hardens into tartar (dental calculus). If your dog has tartar, it can only be removed by placing him under general anesthesia.

If you have a dog that does not take well to the tooth brushing routine, wrap gauze around your finger and gently scrub away at your dog’s teeth to remove the plaque. If you are not sure how to brush your pet’s teeth correctly, you should ask your groomer or Richardson, TX veterinarian. See details here.