You brush your teeth every day, but what about your dog’s teeth? Pet parents often make the mistake of neglecting this essential task, and that’s a big problem. “Brushing your dog’s teeth is important for the same reason it is important to brush your own teeth: to remove food particles from the mouth and prevent bacterial buildup that leads to plaque formation and gum disease,” explains Emily Ward, a veterinarian dentist with MedVet and an ambassador for Purrch, a pet-first social media app. Learning how to care for those pearly whites with the best dog toothbrush for the job is a key part of grooming your dog properly, and your precious fluffball is counting on you.
So, how often should you brush your dog’s teeth? Dr. Ward says at least once a day, every day, is the only truly effective way to remove the film of oral bacteria that colonizes the surfaces of teeth. Otherwise, your dog is at risk of developing gingivitis, which can lead to gum recession, root exposure, and a weakening of the jawbone. Eventually, periodontal disease can even increase your pet’s risk of developing liver and heart problems.
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The best dog toothbrush is the one that you feel good about using every day. To help you find the right one, we’ve rounded up top options below, including those recommended by veterinarians and raved about by happy pet parents. Once you’ve chosen the right one for your pup, make sure you also have the best dog grooming tools, dog shampoos, and dog nail clippers to keep your pet in tip-top shape. Stock up on dog diapers, too, if your pup is in the middle of potty training.
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