Keeping your dog’s teeth clean should be part of your grooming routine. Regularly brushing your Cavalier’s teeth can guard against health problems because plaque can build up and eventually harden into tartar that continues to collect on tooth surfaces. Tartar causes gum abscesses, and bacteria from those abscesses can circulate through your dog’s blood system causing heart, liver, or kidney problems.

Examine your dog’s teeth frequently, especially the teeth of a new puppy. Cavaliers will often retain a baby canine tooth, which will be firmly planted next to the adult canine. The baby canine tooth needs to be removed if it doesn’t come out by itself because it will cause a variety of problems for your dog.

The Brushing Process

Start brushing your Cavalier’s teeth when he is a puppy. By getting him used to the routine while he is young, he will not make a big fuss over it later on. If you can brush his teeth every day, great. If not, try to do it two or three times a week. Of course, continue this routine when your dog is an adult as well.

To begin getting your dog used to brushing, wrap your finger in gauze and rub it over his teeth and gums. Use a dab of flavored toothpaste made for pets; these come in meaty flavors that your dog will enjoy. Never use toothpaste made for humans; they are too foamy, and the added fluoride is not good for your dog. Once your dog accepts this, you can advance to a doggy toothbrush.

While cleaning your dog’s teeth, take note of any problems that may need attention. If he has bad breath or it smells differently, he may have a problem with his teeth. Broken or cracked teeth will also need attention. Regularly scheduled dental appointments with your vet are extremely important because tooth decay and dental infections have been implicated in so many diseases.

Cardiac disease and infertility and sterility are thought to have a connection with bad oral hygiene. If you show your dog, he must have all of his teeth because he will be showing them to a vet at every show. Be aware that the dental cleaning done by your vet will probably require anesthesia, although some vet techs can scale the teeth of almost any dog without anesthesia. These services are often offered at dog shows and are well worth searching out in your area.

Be very conscientious about your dog’s dental care. A diet of high-quality dry dog food can help slow the formation of plaque,
 and some companies now offer special foods that are supposed to help prevent plaque. Nylabone chew toys and dental devices, as well as raw or sterilized beef bones, may also help.