Introduction
If you’re a dog owner, then you know that it’s important to take care of your dog’s teeth. But what do you do if your dog has tartar buildup on their teeth?
In this article, we’ll show you how to scrape the tartar off your dog’s teeth and why it’s important to do so. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove the tartar from your dog’s teeth.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is a yellow or brown deposit that forms on the teeth. It can be hard and crusty, or soft and sticky. It is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Tartar can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Tartar can only be removed with a professional cleaning by a veterinarian or dental specialist. However, you can help prevent tartar buildup by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly at home.
Why Tartar Builds up on Your Dog’s Teeth?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened deposit of plaque that forms on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it hardens and turns into tartar.
How Tartar Affects your Dog’s Health?
- Tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, which is the inflammation of the gums. Gum disease can cause pain, tooth loss, and other problems. In severe cases, gum disease can even lead to death.
- Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can be painless, but it can also lead to bleeding gums and bad breath.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, which is a serious infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss.
- Tartar can also contribute to tooth decay by providing a place for bacteria to grow. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that eat away at the enamel of the teeth. This eventually leads to cavities (tooth decay).
- Bad breath (halitosis) is another common problem caused by tartar buildup. The bacteria that live in plaque produce sulfur compounds that have an unpleasant odor.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup?
Schedule Regular Professional Teeth Cleanings
Regular professional teeth cleanings are important in order to prevent tartar buildup. During these cleanings, your dog’s teeth will be examined and cleaned by a professional, which will help remove any tartar that has already begun to form.
Incorporate Oral Care at Home
In addition to scheduling professional teeth cleanings, you can also incorporate oral care at home into your dog’s routine. This can be done by brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis using a pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.
Additionally, you can give your dog chew toys or treats that are specifically designed to help reduce tartar buildup.
Feed your Dog Tartar-Control Dog Food
Another way to help prevent tartar buildup is to feed your dog tartar-control dog food. This type of food typically contains ingredients that help reduce the formation of tartar, such as vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Why is it Important to Scrape Tartar off your Dog’s Teeth?
Tartar is a hard, mineralized deposit that forms on the teeth. It consists of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Over time, tartar can build up and cause gum disease.
Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. Scraping tartar off your dog’s teeth can help prevent gum disease and keep their teeth healthy.
How Scraping Tartar off your Dog’s Teeth can Improve Their Health?
Scraping tartar off your dog’s teeth can help improve their oral health by:
–Reducing plaque buildup
-Preventing gum disease
-Keeping their teeth clean and healthy
-Improving their breath
-Making it easier for you to brush their teeth properly
How to Scrape Tartar off your Dog’s Teeth Step-by-Step?
In order to scrape tartar off your dog’s teeth, you’ll need:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- A scraper (you can purchase one at your local pet store or online at Amazon)
- Gloves
- A mask
- A cup of water
- A treat for your dog (optional)
Step 1: Gather the supplies you’ll need
Before you start scraping tartar off your dog’s teeth, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need gloves, a mask, a toothbrush, and a scraper. You can find all of these supplies at your local pet store or online.
Step 2: Put on gloves and a mask
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to put on gloves and a mask. This will protect you from any bacteria that may be present in the tartar.
Step 3: Wet your dog’s teeth and brush with a toothbrush
Next, wet your dog’s teeth with water and brush them with a toothbrush. This will help loosen the tartar so that it’s easier to scrape off.
Step 4: Use a scraper to remove the Tartar
Once the tartar is loose, use a scraper to remove it from your dog’s teeth. Be careful not to scratch their teeth in the process.
Step 5 : After Brushing Care
Once you have finished brushing your dog’s teeth, give them plenty of praise! You may also want to give them a treat as a reward for being such a good sport.
It is also important to rinse their mouth out with water after brushing to remove any residual toothpaste from their teeth and gums. Finally, towel dry their mouth and face so they don’t drip water all over the house!
FAQs
Q: How do I get hard plaque of my dog’s teeth?
A: You can remove tartar from your dog’s teeth with a professional teeth cleaning, which will require anesthesia. You can also remove tartar at home with a few simple steps that include brushing your dog’s teeth and using an enzyme toothpaste.
Q: What breaks down tartar on dog’s teeth?
A: Tartar is made up of calcium, phosphate, and other minerals that are found in the saliva. When these minerals mix with bacteria, they form plaque. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that eat away at the enamel on your dog’s teeth, leading to tartar buildup.
Q: Will coconut remove tartar from dog’s teeth?
A: Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to fight the bacteria that cause tartar buildup. To use coconut oil for tartar control, simply rub it onto your dog’s teeth and gums once daily.
Q: will baking soda remove tartar from dog’s teeth?
A: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. To use baking soda for tartar control, simply add a teaspoon to your dog’s toothbrush and brush as usual.
Q: How much does it cost to remove tartars from dog teeth?
A: The cost of professional dental cleaning varies depending on the size of your dogs mouth and the severity of the tartar buildup. Generally, the procedure starts around $200 but could be more depending on the circumstances
Q: Is wet or dry food better for dogs teeth?
A: While there are benefits to both wet and dry food for dogs, wet food is generally better for their teeth. Wet food can help keep a dog’s teeth clean and free of tartar build-up, as well as providing them with needed moisture. Dry food, on the other hand, can actually contribute to tartar build-up on a dog’s teeth.
Q: Does dry food cause tartar?
A: While dry food doesn’t CAUSE tartar, it can certainly contribute to its formation. Dry food is often high in carbohydrates and sugars, which can promote plaque formation on a dog’s teeth.
Plaque is the sticky film that forms on teeth and eventually hardens into tartar. So while dry food itself doesn’t cause tartar, it can indirectly lead to its formation.
Q: What food cleans dog’s teeth?
A: There is no one “miracle” food that will clean a dog’s teeth completely. However, there are certain foods that can help reduce plaque and tartar formation on their teeth.
These include lean meats, vegetables, and certain types of kibble that are designed specifically for dental health. Feeding your dog these types of foods regularly can help keep their teeth cleaner and healthier overall.
Q: What food causes Tartar in dogs?
A: As we mentioned before, plaque is the sticky film that forms on teeth and eventually hardens into tartar. Plaque is mostly made up of bacteria, saliva, and bits of food debris. Any type of diet that promotes plaque formation (such as a high-carb diet) can also contribute to the formation of tartar on a dog’s teeth.
Conclusion
The best way to scrape Tartar off your dog’s teeth is by using a toothbrush and scraper. This will remove the Tartar and improve your dog’s health.
We hope that this article has helped you to understand what tartar is, how to prevent its buildup, and how to remove it if necessary. While it is important to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, remember that there are health risks involved with tartar buildup.
If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.
