Teeth
Caring for your dog's teeth

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem. To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution so you do not accidentally get nipped!

The Dangers of Dental Disease
Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth - they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart, and gastrointestinal problems kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor. Better yet, work hard to prevent it!
Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs
There are several things you can do to help keep your dog's teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog's life so he get used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog's teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
1.NEVER brush your dog's teeth with human toothpaste - it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.
2.Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog's tooth brushing into your own routine - consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.
3.Use a "finger brush" or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushings, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.
4.Before you begin, ask your vet to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.
If you are not able to brush your dog's teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones - not only can they lead
Above are three types of tooth brushes all designed especially for dogs
If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special dental treats. Avoid real bones - not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.

Most of all make sure your Vet examines your Basset Hounds mouth when you visit for his annual boosters. You should always be aware of your Bassets behaviour if it should suddenly loose its appetite or have difficulty in eating, pawing or rubbing its face - you should seek Vet advice immediately.
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