Importance of brushing your dog’s teeth
Just like humans, it is important for dogs to have their teeth brushed at least twice a day. This helps to remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. Tartar (also known as dental calculus) is the accumulation of plaque and minerals that harden on the teeth’s surface. It coats the exterior of the dog’s teeth and can also invade below the gumline. Additionally, it can only be removed by a veterinarian.
Adverse effects of tartar on your dog’s dental health include bad breath from bacteria buildup, damaged enamel, tooth sensitivity, cavities and even tooth loss. However, a more severe effect of poor dental health would be periodontal disease. Periodontal disease/periodontitis is a progressive inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of the teeth and is the main cause of dental disease and early tooth loss in dogs.
Not only does it affect your dog’s mouth, it can also introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Periodontitis can cause your dog to experience difficulty while eating, as well as affect the organs filtering and pumping blood.
Some dogs may resist brushing in the initial stage. Finding the right dog toothpaste toothbrush, introducing it slowly, and brushing consistently, can help with the process. It is important to ensure that the brushing of your dog’s teeth is a positive experience for the both of you. In fact, once brushing becomes part of their daily routine, most dogs will begin to expect and enjoy it.
Some ingredients to avoid when choosing dog toothpastes
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Alcohol
Although alcohol is great at killing bacteria, it is non-selective and will also kill bacteria important for digestion. It can also cause irritation in your dog’s gums. Effects of long-term use include gum irritation and pain.
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Artificial colours
Artificial colours maybe contaminated with carcinogenic (cancer-causing) heavy metals. These contaminants could also cause allergic reactions, reproductive and developmental toxicity.
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Artificial flavours
Artificial flavours are often thought to be linked to issues such as cancer, behavioural problems, and reproductive damage.
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Artificial preservatives
Different preservatives cause various adverse effects; however, they are generally linked to allergies, immunotoxicity, cancer, and skin irritation.
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Artificial sweeteners
Certain artificial sweeteners that have been found to be safe for human consumption are not necessarily safe for dogs. Sweeteners such as Xylitol and Sorbitol can cause hypoglycaemic shock (sudden drop in blood glucose below safe level) and liver damage if consumed by your pet.
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Antibacterials
Recent studies show that antibacterials are linked to hormone disruption and can lead to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria
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Fluoride
Similar to artificial colours, cheaper fluorides have been found to be heavily contaminated by carcinogenic heavy metals.
Our recommendation
LILA LOVES IT LILADENT DENTAL-CARE Toothpaste is an organic and all-natural mild toothpaste. It intensively cleans the teeth while nourishing the gums and oral mucosa. It also helps to optimise and stablilise your pet’s oral flora. When used regularly, LILADENT DENTAL-CARE has a prophylactic effect against dental plaque, tartar and bad breath. It is also well accepted by all pets due to its neutral odour and taste. Its main ingredients, papain, coconut oil and turmeric, provide a highly effective balm.
Papain, a papaya extract, has wide protein breakdown effects. It helps to remove plaque and teeth discolouration. Coconut oil is known for its positive effects in the oral cavity. Turmeric has been known to strengthen teeth and gums. Combined with coconut oil, turmeric is a real insider tip for natural and gentle tooth whitening.
brioPets is proud to be the sole distributor of LILA LOVES IT products in Singapore. You can explore an extensive range of pet care products here - LILA LOVES IT.
