Oral hygiene in dogs: how to prevent bad breath and tartar

Our dog's smile says a lot - not only about his happiness, but also about his health. Bad breath and tartar are more common than we think, but with a few simple steps we can ensure fresh breath and healthy teeth for our pet.

What causes bad breath in dogs?

Dental plaque, gingivitis, diet

The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is the buildup of soft dental plaque , which is made up of bacteria and food debris. (1*) If not removed regularly, the plaque mineralizes into hard tartar , which irritates the gums and leads to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). (2*)

Diet also plays a role – soft foods and treats that stick to teeth accelerate the formation of plaque.

How to take care of your dog's daily oral hygiene

Using a toothbrush or gel

At BOO Care, we recommend that you brush your teeth every day or at least a few times a week. A soft toothbrush or finger brush combined with gentle BOO Care dental gel is an easy way to remove plaque and freshen your breath.

Our dental gel contains natural ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile to help soothe gums and reduce bacterial growth – without fluoride or harsh chemicals that can be harmful to dogs. (3*) (4*)

View product → Dental gel - for dog teeth and gum care, 50 ml

Tricks for easier cleaning – stress-free!

• Start gradually: let the dog sniff and lick the brush or finger with the gel.
• Clean briefly – a few seconds at first, then increase the time.
• Always end with praise or a treat so that the dog associates hygiene with something pleasant.
• If your dog really can't stand brushing, you can just apply the gel with your finger and gently massage it into their teeth and gums - you'll still do a lot of good.

How often should dental care be performed?

Scientific guidelines recommend daily mechanical plaque removal in dogs, as bacterial biofilm begins to form within hours of brushing. (4*) Although daily brushing is not always feasible, brushing 3–4 times a week significantly reduces the risk of dental disease.

A healthy smile for a happy dog

Taking care of your dog's teeth is more than just aesthetics – it's key to their overall health and well-being. Regular brushing with a toothbrush or gentle Boo Care Dental Gel helps prevent plaque, bad breath and gum disease. Making brushing a part of your daily routine will not only improve your dog's health, but it will also strengthen the bond between you and your pet. With a little patience and love, oral hygiene will become an enjoyable part of everyday life – for you and your canine friend.

Literature: (*)

1. Source: Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Etiopathogenesis, Prevalence, and Significance, (CE Harvey), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195561698501052
2. Source: Effects of an oral hygiene regimen on progression of gingivitis/early periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial, (A. Zini, S. Mazor, H. Timm, ML Barker, JM Grender, RW Gerlach, AR Biesbrock), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34221032/
3. Source: A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile, (A. Sah, PP Naseef, MS Kuruniyan, GK Jain, F. Zakir, G. Aggarwal), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611340/
4. Source: Evaluation of a Thiol-Detection Test to Assess Tooth Brushing Efficacy in Dogs, (S. Kumar, J. Tadakamadla, NW Johnson), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27334438/