The Benefits of Healthy Dental Hygiene for Puppies

It’s a sad fact. But dental care for puppies has been taken for granted by most dog owners. Most of them are not aware of the possible negative effects of poor dental hygiene for their puppies. Just like for humans, proper dental care is also needed by dogs, especially by puppies.



Puppy’s "baby teeth" starts to loosen up at the age of six months. Incisor or their front teeth are the first teeth go off. Also during this period, puppies will have a very foul breath. Some owners choose to start brushing their puppy’s teeth during this period. However, some stop the routine during the same period because their puppy can’t take the pain brought by teething. As an owner, it is your responsibility to check the condition of your puppy’s teeth once in a while.



Most owners overlook the real importance of dental hygiene for pets. Healthy dental hygiene for pets can help maintain the health not just of the puppy’s teeth but also the overall health of the puppy. Poor dental hygiene may cause moderate to serious oral problems like tooth loss, oral pain, halitosis and periodontal diseases.



What are the benefits of healthy dental hygiene for Puppies?



Healthy dental hygiene for pets can give him a healthy appetite. On the other hand, poor dental hygiene can make your puppy loss his appetite. There are some cases where puppies don’t want to eat anything at all. When this happens, your puppy will not be able to get the nutrition he needs and he will be sensitive to disease-causing bacteria leading to poor overall health.



Healthy dental hygiene helps prevent bacteria buildups on your puppy’s mouth. If a proper oral hygiene is not maintained, these bacteria can cause plaque that causes inflammation of the gum line. This inflammation is also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis eventually form gum pockets that lead to teeth loss. Just like humans, you puppy will definitely find it difficult to eat when there is a loss tooth.

Brushing their teeth is an easy at the same time complicated task, especially if it’s the first time you’re brushing your puppy’s teeth. Expect to be bitten every now and then. But don’t worry because it is unintentional. As your puppy gets use to it, the routine will be much easier and more fun for you and your puppy.



Proper dental care should be introduced to puppies as early as possible. It is the owner’s responsibility to take care of their puppy’s overall health; this includes proper oral and dental care hygiene. In brushing your puppy’s teeth keep in mind you should not use human toothpaste because according to some studies, human toothpaste has negative effects on the puppy’s body. Start by dabbing a little amount of toothpaste on your finger and slowly rub it on his teeth. After your puppy is comfortable with the routine, you can use a child old toothbrush or you can buy him his own dog toothbrush. Make sure that you don’t mix your puppy’s toothbrush with the family’s toothbrush for obvious reasons.





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Ysabelle is a writer for 6 years and a proud dog owner since she was a child. She is very interested to write about puppies."Well, still I don't like to call myself a writer because I believe that I have not written that much to be named as one."- Ysabelle