Feeding Fruit for Effective TarTar Control..?

[Yorkiemom1]

I have spent a small fortune on 4 different water additives....not impressed with tarter removal. I have researched different doggie toothpastes with no huge success....maybe I am expecting too much from these products. I am thinking there HAS to be fruit that can be added to daily meals....like some pineapple, or papaya, or oranges....something that can just keep eating away at tartar, on a daily basis....breaking dsown stubborn tarter and preventing "laying down" of NEW tartar. Papaya has an enzyme that kills bacteria that stimulates the beginning of tartar build up. I have read clinical studies and double blind studies and I am now trying to firgue out if human toothpaste actually does do a better job of breaking down tartar, and then if it ACTUALLY is not good for dogs and why it is not good for dog....is it if the concume an entire tube, or is it actually toxic to dogs in small quantities. Rembrand toothpaste utilizes fruit enzymes, especially from the papaya....at least that was the article released by the "inventors" and patent holders of the product. I am wondering if it is toxic to dogs, and in what quantities...not willing to use any live subjects for testing!!!....just searching for valid research articles. I am wondering if I fed chopped up papaya to my dogs everyday, if it would break down the tartar that is already built up on their teeth, or if another acidic fruit would work better.....and would these fruits be safe for them to ingest, say 1/4 cup a day with no side effects. Any ideas, or input or suggestions or direction?? I woul;d much rather be able to feed them 1/4 cup of fruit a day, then spend the $485.00/per dog, for tooth cleaning....not to mention the risk of anesthesia! I am real big on "evidenced based research and outcomes"....if anyone has any info in this area, I hope you will share....

[rubymoon2072]

i am very interested to see what others say on this also. have you ever tried tropiclean gel? lola came me with teeth missing and she had horrible breath. even though she had just had a dental. i use this on her everynight and then every other day when i see the build up is better. i assume lola was brought up on a horrible diet and such. since using this her breath is much better and although she is not pearly white i think it helps with the bacteria build up and is helping her keep what teeth she has left. mine hate brushing but keylo and with this gel both cedric n lola are ok with me applying it. i prefer not to put them under for cleanings also and will do all in my power to avoid it if i can.

[navillusc]

Human toothpaste contains fluoride...please research 'fluoride' carefully, including 'the apology' by a dentist instrumental in its use, and any 'danger' associated with its use. Research the condition called "Fossy Jaw" related to prescription Fosomax...which contains fluoride. Research 'dental fluorosis' and then decide on human toothpaste. Then, you can start looking at artificial sweeteners and msg and other human toothpaste ingredients.

[TxVicki]

While something may break down tarter on the tooth, it will not however get what has accumulated under the gum line. Only having a dental done will get this done. While I know your thoughts on that, getting a dental done is the only thing to get under the gum line.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by navillusc

Human toothpaste contains fluoride...please research 'fluoride' carefully, including 'the apology' by a dentist instrumental in its use, and any 'danger' associated with its use. Research the condition called "Fossy Jaw" related to prescription Fosomax...which contains fluoride. Research 'dental fluorosis' and then decide on human toothpaste. Then, you can start looking at artificial sweeteners and msg and other human toothpaste ingredients.

Thanks for throwing these "hats" into the ring....will look carefully at all these things....I know you can get toothpaste that is alcohol free and fluoride free....THANKS for "fossy jaw", never heard of that.....what about feeding a beneficial fruit, like specifically, papaya, that keeps turning up in what reading and research I have done....

[kjc]

Coconut oil is good for teeth and gums and preventing tartar. Also read about benefits of eating cheese for humans. Ugh! Just saw that my doggie toothpaste is made in China!

[Teresiana]

Coconut oil? As in massaging it on their teeth & gums? Or eating it?

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Teresiana

Coconut oil? As in massaging it on their teeth & gums? Or eating it?

Yes... and yes!

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by kjc

Yes... and yes!

Good to know! I actually have a jar of that I'm going to try it! I had my vet check my pups' teeth today & they looked good enough to delay a dental until April. No tartar after a year & 2 months I use DDS dental wipes & Clenz-a-Dent water additive. But I'd so much rather use something natural like coconut oil. Thanks for the tip!

[bchgirl]

Raw beef bones are great for keeping tartar at bay

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by kjc

Coconut oil is good for teeth and gums and preventing tartar. Also read about benefits of eating cheese for humans. Ugh! Just saw that my doggie toothpaste is made in China!

Ok I know this has been discussed somewhere, but I'm too lazy to go looking. LOL BUT what is a good brand of Coconut Oil to buy???

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Thanks for throwing these "hats" into the ring....will look carefully at all these things....I know you can get toothpaste that is alcohol free and fluoride free....THANKS for "fossy jaw", never heard of that.....what about feeding a beneficial fruit, like specifically, papaya, that keeps turning up in what reading and research I have done....

Papaya has the proteolytic enzyme "papain"...also sold as "meat tenderizer" but read labels to make sure you are buying "papain" if you buy "meat tenderizer"...lol Also, pineapple has a fabulous enzyme which works best fresh and raw, even juiced. Canned pineapple and pasteurized (any juice or dairy product) loses most, if not all, of the beneficial 'stuff' and the pasteurization process does not necessarily destroy all the 'bad' stuff...plus there are other issues to consider as well that are very important, too.

I have to get back to it, but papain was one of my research projects. lol Before I 'go there' in the way I am 'theorizing' I want to know more...and certain things...about 'processed papain' because I believe the research will show benefit but I want to know where the risks are as well.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by kjc

Coconut oil is good for teeth and gums and preventing tartar. Also read about benefits of eating cheese for humans. Ugh! Just saw that my doggie toothpaste is made in China!

Interesting!! Do you see this first hand? Also, do you hear a lot of anecdotal proof from others using coco oil?

YorkieMom - I've tried some teeth stuff. Petzlife has a fairly good reputation...but I was inconsistent w/ using it, and so I can't attest to it. I know others have reported good results.

I also used Plaque Off, and that was easiest in terms of compliance bc you sprinkle it on their food. I think it does help, and it's a fair price bc the jar lasts a long time.

Some have had luck w/ Leba III.

I think raw bones are the best for working the teeth. My kiddos are 8, 6, and 3 - and have never had dentals yet. I use RMBs and also various chews - the RMBs maybe once a week; various chews every other day or so.

Oh, have you tried CET chews?? Excellent! Read about the dental chemical component of CETs.

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

Ok I know this has been discussed somewhere, but I'm too lazy to go looking. LOL BUT what is a good brand of Coconut Oil to buy???

Coconut oil is excellent for so many things...excellent! Words to look for when buying coconut oil:

100% (generally next to 1 of the 2 following descriptive words)
Organic
Virgin (Extra Virgin)
Cold Pressed
or
Expeller Pressed

Also I avoid "made from COPRA" on the label...if they even tell you that...and, if they do, it likely will be in smaller print and elsewhere on the label. lol

So, basically, look for "100% Organic Virgin Cold/Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil ("Not Made From COPRA")

There are a number of good brands...some like the taste of one over another, or can get a favorite in a local store, or even buy a favorite online. Tropical Traditions sells from their website, NOW can be purchased from Amazon.com, Nutiva, Spectrum...watch the labels on Spectrum...they are very similar and, even reading labels as I do, I had to exchange a jar because a 'wrong' kind for me was mixed into the 'right' kind for me display. lol There are other brands as well that are excellent...I cannot remember all those I have and/or will buy...and I do have my favorites as far as taste, creaminess, etc., go.

For info, an internet search will find tons of links, but you can start with coconutoil.com...which is more about human benefits, but will give you a good overview at least.

[Teresa Ford]

I am watching this thread with interest. I worry about my Yorkies teeth and try to do preventive care. I brush their teeth, use water aditives and OraVet from the Vet. And dental chews. But nothing I have tried is that effective.
Keeping their teeth healthy can be expensive. Also we worry about the pain, and putting them under. It costs about $1,500 to $2,000 a year for dentals on five Yorkies.
Gracie just two weeks ago had to go to a dental specialist and have work done on an infection between her jaw bone and a tooth root. That was over $900. Others on here have had the same kind of experiences with infected tooth or cracked tooth and so on. (if anyone needs a recommendation for Yorkie dental work in central Fl. PM me) Surely there are things out there that would help keep their teeth healthy.
I would love some something that really worked.