Brushing the teeth or visit to the dentist?

[angie79]

I just want to inform people,
I know with my parents mini schnauzers both had/have bad teeth and had dental surgery and cleaning over 300$. brushing should start at 6 months i should hop on it i admit i haven't yet.
when we talked to the breeder she said that if you give the dogs filtered water or brita water theey don't get plaque(?)
she showed us verda's teeth (coopers mom) who is the same age as austin 3 1/2 who just had his trip to the puppy dentist and her teeth are puppy white.
she also said she never brushes.

lucky for us we use a brita ourselves and have since day one before knowing this turn around and fill his bowl when we get our water.

so the secret to clean white teeth and to avoid dentist bills is filtered water, wonder if it works on humans too!!!!

I love me breeder, can call her any time and she knows the answers

[Eleni]

I personally doubt filtered water makes any difference, I tyhink diligence with brushing the dogs teeth and a good diet make the difference.


I do sams teeth daily.


Eleni

[Beaglemom]

I have to agree with Eleni, I'm not sure if I believe that filtered water prevents tarter buildup. For some reason, some dogs are more prone to tarter on their teeth than others. Our cockapoo has never needed his teeth cleaned. Our late maltese x on the other hand had to have hers done on a couple of occasions. My beagle has just had hers done recently, and yes, it is expensive!

Some people say that dry food and hard biscuits help, but I believe that to be false. My beagle has only eaten dry food for most of her life and she still had tarter build up.

The best prevention, brushing your dog's teeth just like people brush theirs. I now brush Misty's teeth and she loves the taste of her beef flavoured toothpaste!

[AliSam]

Our vet recommended that we purchase a doggy toothbrush & doggy toothpaste for Sam. It would save us money in the long run by not having to take Sam in for dental surgery. Not to mention Sam's surgery discomfort.

[Prin]

I thnk a really good dog food is the best way to keep the teeth clean.

[levimh]

I keep Levi's teeth clean by brushing them and giving him big hard bones. A vet once told me that bones are really good for their teeth.

I have to agree with everyone about the filtered water thing. I don't think brita water would do anything. I've always given my cats brita water (just because the fridge is closer than the sink) and both of the cats don't have white, white teeth.