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Regular teeth brushing is one of the main factors that support dogs’ dental health. It removes plaque from the teeth and helps prevent dental disease. But, it’s not the only factor affecting dogs’ dental health.A healthy and nutritious diet is the most important aspect of a dog’s dental care. It contains micro and macronutrients that support bones’ and teeth’ health. That’s why it’s essential to feed your pup with food that contains a lot of nutrients.
10 Nutrients for Dental Health and Dental Disease Prevention in Dogs
There is a great variety of dog food on the market, even special dental chews for dogs. But, you need to ensure your dog eats foods that contain the nutrients necessary for healthy teeth. Those are:
Vitamin C
Vitamins C is a powerful antioxidant and a leader among vitamins when it comes to health. It’s needed for collagen formation in the body, thus directly supporting dog teeth’ health. As an antioxidant, this nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties which help with bacteria and inflammations in the mouth.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bones’ health. It supports bones’ structure, thus directly affecting the teeth. It is very important to give your dog food with enough calcium, otherwise, it will absorb the mineral from its bones. With that, the area where the teeth attach to the jaw becomes weaker which leads to loosening teeth.
Keep in mind that you should never give your dog extra calcium if its food contains it. Excess calcium increases the chance of kidney and bladder stones.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is mostly needed for maximum absorption of calcium in the body. But, it’s also needed for healthy gingiva as its deficiency leads to changes in the gingiva, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant, which works along with vitamin C to ensure dogs’ dental health.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a major role in gums’ health. It works well with vitamin B and supports dogs’ dental health. It is essential for dental disease prevention as it keeps the gingiva and the subgingival tissues healthy. Its deficiency leads to changes in these tissues.
B Complex Vitamin
B complex vitamin has a similar role as vitamin A. It supports the gingival tissue and prevents its inflammation. The deficiency of this vitamin is related to gingival inflammation, alveolar bone resorption, and epithelial necrosis.
Zinc
Zinc is the mineral that ensures your pups’ gums are strong. It also helps prevent plaque. You can give it as a supplement, found in dog food supplements, or use a non-xylitol 5% zinc mouthwash.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is yet another powerful antioxidant among these nutrients. It helps keep dogs’ gums healthy but also helps with inflamed bleeding gums. It’s like additional dental support for your pooch.
Bromelain and Papain
These two enzymes help weaken the protective film in the plaque. With that, they help it remove before it hardens and turns into tartar which leads to dental disease.
Colostrum
And, last but not least, we have colostrum. This nutrient has powerful antibacterial properties. As such, it helps prevent bacteria development as well as prevent and treat gingivitis.