February 23 is National Dog Biscuit Day. But besides biscuits, what else are you giving your dogs to chew? They could have an adverse effect on their teeth. Allowing access to bones and hard nylon or plastic chews is controversial; I have seen many fractured teeth and digestive-tract problems from bones and dental fractures from the hard nylon chews. Rawhides that soften as the dog chews are quite effective in cleaning the teeth, but small pieces can get lodged in the teeth or esophagus, or be inhaled. Swallowing large pieces of rawhide can also result in intestinal obstruction.

Home dental evaluation and teeth cleaning is the first line of defense against canine gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Quick Dental Tips:

On how to get your pet to accept a toothbrush... Start by dipping your finger in some beef or chicken bouillon or other highly flavored substance and gently rubbing the teeth and gums. When your dog is comfortable with this procedure, dip a toothbrush, finger brush, or folded gauze square in the same flavoring and gently rub the teeth and gums with a circular motion. At first it may be necessary to let your pet lick or lightly chew on the bristles of the brush or finger brush. When your pet is comfortable with this procedure, you can begin regular brushing. Remember to use a toothpaste designed for dogs since they don't know how to 'spit' like humans.

On what you should focus on brushing... The majority of the plaque and tartar will accumulate on the upper row of teeth on the outside and on the larger teeth toward the rear of the mouth. Don't worry about the inner surfaces of the teeth, as the normal tongue action and the meshing of the upper and lower rows of teeth keep these surfaces quite clean. While daily brushing is advisable, even brushing two to three times a week will go a long way in keeping your pet's mouth healthy.

On what you should be looking for... Check the small teeth in front of the four fangs for bits of hair, string, or other materials caught in them. Dogs use these teeth when they are pulling things apart and extracting burrs and other objects from their coat and feet. Check the fangs for accumulations of yellow-brown tartar and fractures on the tips. The fourth teeth behind the upper fangs should be examined carefully. These teeth are frequently fractured from chewing on bones, rocks, and other hard objects. Look for thickening of the gums, bleeding gums, or excessive mouth odor.

And of course, regular professional evaluation of your pet's dental health is the final line of defense, especially if your pet already has significant accumulations of tarter. Cleanings are usually done under a general anesthesia to allow cleaning of all the surfaces, examination of the throat and tongue, and polishing of all the teeth.

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