Lately there are dog toothpastes on the market that contain flouride. Is this for real? To be honest it is a marketing ploy, there is no need for flouride in toothpaste for dogs in fact it can be harmful if too much is applied.

Here is a good article found in the San Fransisco Chronical Online today - Ask the vet: Is fluoride OK for dogs

The statement from Dr. Larry Gilman in this article that you need to really remember is “Don’t forget that people rinse after brushing, but dogs just swallow the toothpaste. An overdose of fluoride can cause vomiting and at higher levels can lead to kidney damage.” Flouride is toxic to humans as well as dogs and you certainly would not want to give your dog kidney damage because you are trying to keep his teeth healthy.

Now he does make a mistatement in this article stating that dogs do not get cavities. Dogs have a high pH in their mouth which does prevent the demineralization that occurs in cavity formation, usually. However this changes when a dogs teeth are covered in plaque and the bacteria can create an acidic environment underneath the plaque. Also in chronically ill dogs the pH of their saliva is lowered allowing for the formation of dental caries/cavities.  Approximately 5 to 10% of dogs with dental issues have cavities.

Brushing your dogs teeth everyday will help prevent the formation of plaque and keep your dog healthy. Just do not use any flouride toothpaste it is just a gimmick to get you to buy their toothpaste. Dogs are not people, which is why they can chew raw bones to help with dental issues and we can not. The only problem I have with bones is that many dogs will break teeth on them, another dental issue. Stick with brushing them everyday for the best dental health for your dog, most dogs learn to enjoy it.

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