Too many people wait until there’s a problem to start taking care of their dogs’ teeth. The earlier you start the less you’ll have to worry about later. A good preventive dental care will save your puppy unnecessary pain and disease – and will save on vet bills. New research shows that by their first birthday, up to 90 percent of dogs already have some level of gum disease.

How can you get your dog to relax and be able to brush his teeth without a struggle?

We recommend you to start training your pet for brushing as soon as you get him. Puppies are much more responsive to training than older dogs. We suggest just holding your dog’s mouth open and getting a finger under the gum. Then you can introduce the brush for a second or two. Slowly build up your pup’s tolerance until you’re actually brushing his teeth. Reward each step, either with a treat, playtime or a walk.

How often should you brush his teeth? How much time should you spend doing it?

Plaque forms in 24 hours, and tartar starts forming in three days. Once tartar forms, professional cleaning is necessary. So once a day is ideal – it also reinforces a pattern. Try to brush for 30 to 60 seconds.

Can young dogs get gum disease, causing tooth loss?

Yes, especially small breed dogs. It’s not uncommon for 2-year-old small breed dogs to need numerous extractions. According to older studies, 80 percent of dogs have some form of gum disease at just 3 years of age. But newer research says that as many as 90 percent have gum disease by the time they reach their first birthday.

Is there anything beyond brushing you can do to improve your dog’s dental health?

Nothing replaces brushing. The most common and effective method of home care besides brushing are the chew-based treats and diets. These products act as abrasives on the teeth to clean them. The short list of home-care products and treatments we recommend are:

• Brushing
• Chlorhexidine-based rinses or Maxiguard
• Greenies brand treats
• Hills TD
• Rawhide chews
• Healthymouth Water Additive

Don’t force it on your pet.

Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a positive bonding experience. If it isn’t, it can damage the human-pet bond and actually become a negative. And we certainly don’t want that.