Help you pooch keep his teeth clean and healthy. Your doggy will thank you!

Neglecting your pooch’s choppers is a big mistake and can lead to life life-threatening infections and issues for the heart, kidney and liver.

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in pet dogs according to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

If left untreated, gingivitis can weaken the structure of the jaw enough to damage and loosen teeth and cause a gum abscess.

Some breeds are more susceptible to plaque build-up due to the shapes of their mouths.

How to care for your canine’s canines
Unfortunately, without thumbs, dogs can’t use a toothbrush. So you have to brush their teeth for them. Brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most effective way to maintain oral health, says the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC).

Regular brushings help eliminate plaque before it becomes tartar. Tartar is stubborn and can be removed only with a professional cleaning from a veterinarian.

A few tips to help you brush up on your doggie dental hygiene:

1. Take baby steps. First get your dog accustomed to having your fingers in his mouth.

2. After a few days of finger play, introduce the brush.

3. Don’t rely on doggie toothpaste.

4. Take a gentle but firm approach. With one hand, gently grab the top of his muzzle and lift his lips. Use the other hand to start brushing.

5. Gather some treats. Making this a positive experience for your pet will teach him that good things come to dogs who brush!

6. After a few weeks, you should be able to get inside his mouth with the toothbrush. Gently open his jaw and brush the upper and lower teeth on both sides.

Other dental hygiene tips
Start young.

Tired is good. Shults recommends exercising your pet to tire him out before a tooth brushing session.

Never use human toothpaste.
Shults admits that many owners simply don’t devote the time to brushing a dog’s teeth on a consistent basis.

The AVDC also says that special diets and foods — including eating a certain type of kibble and foods made with anti-tartar ingredients — can be help with dental health.

Still not willing to take on the plaque monster? Consider the expense of regular tartar removal. Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay at least $500 for a professional cleaning.

Unless you can teach your dog to brush his own teeth, do what you can to tame that tartar. Clean dog teeth will keep you smiling, too.

With a clean mouth and healthy teeth, your pooch will stay happy! You'll get to enjoy your precious pup's big grin too! LOL!

For more information on doggy dental care, be sure to visit Safe Bee.