Mouth Care
- Meir Shilo
- Nov 4, 2024
- 2 min read
Mouth Care
Dental Care - The essential treatment you must not overlook
I’d like to talk about an important issue: mouth care for our Basenjis. Even though Basenjis are a medium-small breed, their teeth still require regular attention. Like all dogs, they have 42 teeth, but in a relatively small jaw this can lead to crowding.
Crowded teeth create narrow spaces where food particles and bacteria get trapped, which can cause plaque, tartar, and eventually gum disease or tooth loss. Good oral care is essential not only for their teeth but also for their overall health, since oral infections can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
I’ve been using enzymatic dental gel with my Basenjis since they were about six months old. These gels are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar without requiring the same type of brushing techniques we use as humans. They work mainly through special enzymes that break down plaque and bacteria, rather than relying on mechanical scrubbing.
My own vet advised me to apply the gel directly with my finger -without any brush. According to him, it still works effectively this way and greatly reduces the risk of injuring the dog’s gums, which are much more sensitive than ours. I’ve followed his advice consistently, and so far the results with my Basenjis have been excellent.
Here, you can observe the results on 4-year-old Mika's teeth.
I recommend the following dental gels for dogs. These products are user-friendly: apply the appropriate amount according to your dog's size onto your finger and gently apply it directly to the teeth, concentrating on the area between the teeth and gums. There is no requirement for a toothbrush or any additional tools. Simply ensure the paste is administered into the mouth.
The last option, Orazime, can be administered orally or mixed with a small amount of food, providing an effective solution for dogs that resist direct gel application.
