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Originally Posted by BlueBelle  It is really very weird. They were both vet checked last month. The only comment at that time was that Bella would need a cleaning fairly soon as she had tartar on her back teeth, but Sophie looked good. When I say their gums are red at the toothline I mean front, side middle and back toothline. I have taken away the Himalayan chews for the time being until I know that isn't the problem. They chew on them alot and seem to love them. I hear them working at them and it sounds like their teeth might break!!  |
Red at the gumline is not a good thing. While chew bones can help a little to decrease formation of plaque on teeth, they don't do a whole lot for gums. I think brushing the teeth daily is the best. If you're lazy like me, brush a few times a week. I use a soft colgate baby toothbrush and CET dental by Virbac vanilla mint enzymatic pet toothpaste with good results. The best way to keep gums healthy is to brush. I learned that from a dentist once and he was right. Of course, good veterinary care is of the utmost importance and your vet's recommendations on dentals and such are the way to go. But, brushing at home is great. My Barney is now almost 11, has all of his teeth and they are sparkly white and clean. Daisy also is almost 11 and has broken two teeth but otherwise has no dental disease. Teddy, well, he is going to look like Walter Brennan if he does not start cooperating. But, on the older ones, I attribute their good oral health partly to diet but mostly to regular brushing of the teeth and gums. Hope this helps!