How to Clean My Bulldog Teeth?
Discover Common Bulldog Teeth Problems!
VET’s Edition for Non-VETs!
Did you know dogs have 28 teeth when they are puppies and 42 when they’re adults? That’s a lot more than humans who have 32 when they are adults. Find out how to identify common Bulldog teeth issues and how to treat them properly (and easily).
Edited by Dr. Jo
Bulldogs Teeth Care – Why?
Teeth are crucial for your dog’s survival; so, does your Bulldog have good dental health?
Discover how to make sure your Bulldog has fresh breath every day. Get your Bulldog ready for kisses!
Do you really know how to take care of your Bulldog’s teeth?
#1 – Bulldogs have many teeth in a small mouth because of their short nose. Which makes them susceptible to overcrowding teeth.
When teeth are crowded together, their sockets are shallow which means they can easily fall out.
#2 – Because their mouth is small compared to their skull size, it is also easy for food to get trapped which leads to plaque buildup and infections.
When the mouth gets dirty like this the risk of having bigger problems develop is highly likely!
#3 – Bulldogs love to eat, but if they have a sore and infected mouth, they will soon start to dread their food time!
Find out here the ultimate technique to clean Bulldog’s teeth, use our process to make this a safe and enjoyable routine for your Bulldog, and protect his dental health (and passion for eating) at all times.
Bulldog Teeth Problems (and HOW to avoid them)
Just like humans, Bulldog’s teeth can develop a series of issues such as halitosis (bad breath), plaque, gingivitis, and infections. Here are the most common issues:
#1 – Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of gum. This happens because of plaque buildup.
Plaque is an accumulation of left-over food and bacteria which sits at the base of the tooth against the gum.
The body’s immune system tries to fight this, by sending white blood cells to the contacting gums, but since plaque can only be removed by brushing or scaling, it just causes inflammation and pain.
This inflammation can lead to periodontal disease where the periodontal ligaments holding the tooth in the socket become weakened.
This can lead to wobbly teeth, tooth loss, and pain.
“Periodontal disease is very common in pets and can significantly affect their quality of life.”
Centennial Animal Hospital
#2 – Tooth loss
Bulldog’s teeth are prone to falling for several reasons, but they’re not alone in this, because it’s a brachycephalic breed problem.
Since their skulls and jaws are not big enough for having 42 adult teeth inside them, they’re prone to developing overcrowding.
This causes teeth to be pushed together which weakens the periodontal ligaments that hold them in their sockets.
This also makes it easier for food to get trapped and plaque to develop.
In addition to this, the tooth sockets can be very shallow, which also increases the chances of teeth becoming weak.
This is a genetic problem with Bulldogs, and some Bulldogs will have better teeth than others.
How to avoid Bulldogs’ teeth problems?
You Bulldog’s teeth are of utmost importance for their lives!
Teeth are their tools to allow them to chew their food. It’s crucial that you know how to clean Bulldog’s teeth since it’s a matter of quality of life for your dog.
Check out our best tips to use for keeping your Bulldog’s teeth healthy every time!
How Often Should I Clean My Bulldog’s Teeth?
The cleaning routine should be done on a daily basis. Brush for at least 2 minutes each time.
AKC – American Kennel Club
How to Clean Your Bulldogs Teeth: Practical And Easy STEPS!
Step #1 – Get what you need!
The most valuable tools for a cleaning routine is a dog toothbrush (or a finger-brush which you might find easier!).
Also, delicious dog toothpaste for Bulldogs (never human toothpaste), a dental spray for Bulldogs if you wish, and some dental treats for your Bulldog to enjoy.
You’ll need a grooming wipe or two as well.
Step #2 – Let your pup taste the Toothpaste!
A drop-sized taste will help your Bulldog to get some confidence to start brushing his teeth. Dog toothpaste usually tastes meaty, so he is sure to enjoy it.
Step #3 – Put some toothpaste in the brush
Use always the recommended amount for your Bulldog’s size.
Step #4 – Brushing time! But with the proper technique!
Brush for at least 2 minutes each time, using circular movements, and trying to brush all the areas inside his mouth.
Make sure to reach the teeth at the back, as well as the inside aspects of the teeth.
Step #5 – Use Dental Spray for the areas hard to reach
Gently open your Bulldog’s mouth and spray a dash or two aiming to the molars in the back.
He might not like this too much as it can be a strange spray feeling.
This will help dissolve plaque in those areas hard to brush, but it is not a replacement for brushing.
Step #6 – Clean up the face!
Clean his mouth with a grooming wipe if he now has toothpaste around his mouth.
Step #7 – Reward your Pup!
Finish the cleaning with a dental treat.
Regular healthcare maintenance should be a goal for every Bulldog owner. This includes coat brushing, paw care, ear care, and of course, tooth care (for keeping your Bulldog’s teeth sparkly clean!).
Pro Tips
Tip #1 – Choose a proper toothbrush for your Bulldog’s teeth and mouth size.
Bulldogs will need a toothbrush with a small head because of their small-sized mouth.
You can buy ones with angled heads to make reaching the back of the mouth easier.
Tip #2 – If your Bulldog doesn’t like this activity, make try to make it fun with a treat for Bulldogs.
Gradually build up time brushing and always make it a positive experience.
Tip #3 – You can complement brushing with dental chews.
But remember these contain calories, so reduce the amount of food you are giving at meals if you add these to your Bulldog’s daily diet.
Tip #4 – Get quality food for your Bulldog because his overall health relies on what he eats.
Dry food will help keep your Bulldog’s teeth healthy, as when he crunches through the kibble, the friction will remove some of the plaque.
BONUS Tip: Double-check with your vet! Even if you maintain your Bulldog’s teeth, you must take him to a vet for routine dental checks.
Why? It is always important that a professional check that no teeth are wobbly or decaying, that there are no tooth infections, and that there are no abnormalities inside the mouth, such as gum hyperplasia (overgrowth) or tumors.
Useful Products to Clean My Bulldog’s Teeth
Check-out Our Detailed Reviews for Bulldogs to pick the best products for your Bulldog. We have invested time and effort to ease your buying decision!
Product #1 – Toothpaste
As owners, we hate to watch our Bulldogs struggle while eating, and it can be very concerning if they lose teeth!
However, dog toothpaste is made for keeping your pup’s mouth healthy and clean.
Product #2 – Dental Chews
Dental chews help provide friction on the teeth to remove plaque further after brushing. They can also help make your Bulldog’s breath fresh.
Product #3 – Dental Sprays
These sprays are really good for keeping your dog’s mouth healthy every time. They are easy to apply and have to be used only once a day to help dissolve plaque and keep his breath fresh.
Product #4 – Rubber Finger Brush
It’s easy to use and a lot less harsh for your Bulldog.
Product #1 – Dental Care Kits
You get everything you need in a combo!
Product #5 – Dental Care Supplements for Water
you just have to pour dental supplements into the water. It acts by preventing plaque from developing and sticking to teeth, helps to keep his gums healthy, and also freshens his breath.
Never use human mouthwash though.
Product #6 – Edible Chewing Toys
Some chew toys are specially engineered to prevent plaque from accumulating. Most of them are really hard, so you must consider this if your Bulldog has weakened teeth.
Even though they will love it, they should only be given under supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions – Bulldog Teeth Problems
Between eight weeks and eight months, it is common for your puppy to lose his teeth. These are deciduous (baby) teeth that will be replaced by adult teeth. If you are concerned though, keep the tooth and show it to your vet when he next has a check-up. That way, you can determine whether the tooth was healthy or not.
If your Bulldog is still young, you may be lucky enough to still be able to train him to find it enjoyable. Make the whole process positive with lots of praise and treats. He will soon begin to realize it is good for him. Start from a young age by teaching your Bulldog to accept people looking in his mouth. In addition to daily brushing, you can run your finger along his gums a few times per day, and praise him afterward. If your Bulldog is older, then he is unlikely to be able to be completely trained to enjoy a dental checkup, but he can be trained to tolerate it. Just make sure everything is taken slowly and you give lots of praise.
It depends on his age. If he’s a puppy, yes. If he’s an adult (over 10 months), then it may be a sign of periodontal disease. Take him to your vet to be checked out!
Conclusion
Apply these helpful tips every time you clean your Bulldog’s mouth to make sure you are doing it the most effective way. It’s normal for a Bulldog to react as he does when you’re trying to put things inside her/his mouth.
Don’t get angry at her/him! Instead, get the proper set of tools to do this safely, and most importantly, in a comfortable way for both you and your pup, and follow it with plenty of positive reinforcement.
If you follow our steps, you’ll be helping your Bulldog’s mouth stay as clean as possible.
Editor’s Choice – Cleaning Bulldog’s Teeth
So, will your Bulldog still have all his teeth after his 9th birthday?
