How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean and Healthy: Tips from My Best Friend Vet
Good oral hygiene is an important part of your dog’s overall health. At My Best Friend Vet in Olivette, our team recommends taking proactive steps at home to help prevent dental disease and keep your pet’s breath fresh. In our recent video, we demonstrate simple ways to care for your dog’s teeth and gums — featuring our sweet helper, Iris.
Watch the full demonstration: Dog Dental Care Tips | My Best Friend Vet
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly
The most effective way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup is by brushing your dog’s teeth. Aim for once a day or every other day to maintain good oral health and fresh breath.
Daily brushing helps:
- Prevent tartar and calculus buildup
- Reduce bad breath (halitosis)
- Decrease the frequency of professional dental cleanings as your pet ages
If your dog isn’t used to brushing yet, start slowly with pet-safe toothpaste and reward them for cooperating. Our team can demonstrate proper brushing technique during your next wellness visit.
Choose Larger Kibble Sizes
Kibble size matters more than many pet owners realize. Smaller kibble pieces are often swallowed whole, while larger kibble encourages chewing, which helps naturally reduce tartar buildup on teeth.
Ask our veterinary team which dental-friendly diets or kibble sizes would best suit your dog’s breed and dental needs.
Offer Dental Chews
Dental chews are a fun and effective way to supplement your dog’s brushing routine. They help clean teeth mechanically as your dog chews and some have a special coating that breaks down tartar enzymatically.
To get the most benefit:
- Make sure your dog chews for 3 to 5 minutes
- Monitor to ensure they’re not swallowing the chew too quickly
- Choose reputable dental products approved by your veterinarian
Popular options include OraVet, Greenies, or DentaStix — all designed to reduce plaque and tartar when used consistently.
When to Schedule a Dental Exam
Even with good home care, most dogs need periodic professional dental cleanings. Every annual exam at My Best Friend includes an evaluation of your pet’s teeth. If your pet shows the following signs between annual visits, give us a call to schedule a visit:
- Persistent bad breath
- Visible tartar coating over 50% of your dogs teeth
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Reluctance to eat or chew, or dropping kibble while chewing
- Red or swollen gums
- Loose or broken teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact My Best Friend Vet to schedule an oral health evaluation.
Schedule your dog’s dental checkup at My Best Friend Vet in Olivette today — we’ll help your furry friend maintain a clean, healthy smile for years to come.
Watch the full dental care demo: Dog Dental Care Tips | My Best Friend Vet
