Part of our daily routine includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, but some of us don’t practice the same routine for our dogs.
This is why periodontal disease is a common condition in dogs.
To avoid infections and bad breath, make sure you observe proper dental care for your dog by brushing their teeth regularly.
But you’re probably asking, can I brush my dog’s teeth with human toothpaste?
We share with you why you should brush your dog’s teeth and why you shouldn’t use human toothpaste.
We also discuss the best dog toothpaste you should choose.
Why You Should Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is necessary for their health and well-being.
With good dental care, your dog can avoid the following conditions:
Bad Breath
Dog halitosis can be a symptom of dental, lung, or gastrointestinal issues.
If your dog’s breath smells bad, make sure you’re providing a good dental routine for them. If you are doing this and the odor is still present, contact your vet immediately.
Tooth Decay
Brushing your dog’s teeth, along with regular check-ups, can help avoid tooth decay and tartar buildup.
Always look out for soreness, bleeding, lumps, and growth on your dog’s gums.
What starts out as plaque may actually lead to bacterial growth, tooth loss, and diseases in the internal organs when bacteria spreads to their bloodstream.
These infections are painful, causing your dog to avoid eating or drinking properly.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the tissue around your dog’s teeth, especially the gums.
This very common disease affects your dog’s teeth structure and may lead to gingivitis.
This video explains the symptoms of and treatment for dog gingivitis.
By taking care of your dog’s teeth properly, you can help avoid gum disease.
Can I Brush My Dog’s Teeth with Human Toothpaste?
You should never brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste. These products contain ingredients that may be toxic to your pooch.
Here are some dangerous ingredients you can commonly find in human toothpaste.
Fluoride
Fluoride may be essential to your dog in minute amounts, but high intakes can be toxic.
And besides, human toothpaste is meant to be rinsed out.
Your dog will most likely swallow human toothpaste, ingesting questionable amounts of fluoride.
Frequent ingestion of fluoride may also reach toxic levels in your dog’s body.
Here are signs of fluoride toxicity in dogs:
- drooling
- nausea/vomiting
- restlessness
- weakness
- seizures.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Our toothpaste products are manufactured to froth or foam because marketers agree that it adds experience and awe.
To create this foaming effect, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is usually added.
This chemical is safe for topical use, but there is not enough evidence to prove that it is safe to ingest.
In dogs, the effect of SLS could be a gastrointestinal upset, although no studies have been done to prove how much SLS is toxic for dogs.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can help avoid tooth decay in people.
However, xylitol is harmful to dogs. It can lead to low blood sugar or irreversible liver damage.
These conditions may be fatal, so always check the label of any food or product you give your dog.
Best Dog Toothpaste
Instead of using human toothpaste, choose a formula specially made for our furry friends.
Most types of dog toothpaste contain scrubbing ingredients that help wash away stains and plaque.
You may also consider enzymatic toothpaste which has enzymes that reduce bacteria and lessen tartar buildup.
Try Arm & Hammer’s Dog Dental Care Toothpaste. It has three variants for your dog’s needs, Gum Health, Tartar Control, and Fresh Breath.
This product is made with natural ingredients to leave a fresh mint scent in their mouth. The herbs also help relieve sensitive gums.
Arm & Hammer also includes baking soda, an enzymatic gel that is safe for dogs and puppies that help maintain dog oral hygiene.
FAQ
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth once a day. However, not every dog parent has the time to do this every day.
You may thoroughly brush their teeth two to three times a week to keep their teeth clean and to avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Even if you do it once a week, that’s better than not brushing their teeth at all.
Find out how often you should brush your dog’s teeth now.
Too much baking soda may be toxic to your dog.
You may brush your dog’s teeth with baking soda, although it’s much better to use dog toothpaste.
Learn the effects of brushing your dog’s teeth with baking soda.
Coconut oil is a natural way to brush your dog’s teeth. Its antimicrobial, and antiviral properties can remove and avoid plaque forming in your dog’s teeth and gums.
It has many benefits for your dog’s health and dental care.
Should you brush your dog’s teeth with coconut oil instead of dog toothpaste?
Find out more about coconut oil and your dog’s teeth now!
Yes.
A dental check-up and cleaning for your dog are just as necessary as your children going to the dentist at least twice a year.
It’s not enough to regularly brush their teeth, so make sure a professional also handles dental care for your dog.
Learn when to get your dog’s teeth cleaned by a professional.
Is Human Toothpaste Safe for Dogs?
No.
Human toothpaste products may be good and effective for us, but that doesn’t mean they’re just as beneficial to dogs.
These products contain ingredients that can be fatal for your dog, such as xylitol.
Look for an enzymatic dog toothpaste that directly targets canine plaque and tartar buildup while removing bad breath with safe and effective ingredients.
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to avoid gum disease, tartar buildup, and painful infections!
Discover how often you should brush your dog’s teeth now.
