Imagine you just spent $400-1,000 on your pet’s dental prophylaxis and now their oral health is perfect. The teeth are free of tarter and the breath is fresh. So, how do you keep it this way and prevent needing a dental again next year?

Of course, brushing their teeth two to three times a week is ideal. But let’s be honest, this is not easy even for the most determined owners with the help of tasty rewards. Luckily, there are many products you can use to help keep your pet’s teeth clean.

One very easy oral health aid is a dental water additive. These have antibacterial agents that help decrease the bacteria in the mouth. Many similar solutions can be used to drizzle on the teeth and gums. Another aid is a probiotic powder made to improve the pH and bacterial flora in the mouth. They all work to prevent the formation of bacterial plaque that becomes hard, brown tarter.

A few larger pet food companies make a prescription food diet that have been proven to mechanically keep the plaque from forming on the teeth. They are most beneficial to use as the sole diet but they can also be used as treats.

The key for dental treats is to look for the VOHC seal of approval as these have been proven to improve and maintain oral health. Large rope pull can help them sink their teeth into the strings to remove plaque but watch that they don’t pull it apart and swallow pieces. Many bones and deer horns can be too hard on teeth, causing teeth to fracture. Hard, plastic chew toys can also get rough and harm gum tissue.

With the right combination, you will keep your pet’s teeth clean and breath fresher.

Courtesy – Dr. Carla Edwards