Dog gum disease functions in much the same way as human disease, and comes about for mostly the same reasons as well. Gum disease, typically known as gingivitis, is characterized by a swelling, irritation and infection of the gums. This is due to a number of factors, but typically comes about as a result of the buildup of tartar and then plaque on the teeth and gums through improper dental hygiene. There are a number of ways that you can help to combat this disease in your pet before it becomes so serious that your dog has to have corrective surgery or suffers some other harm or injury.
Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene
The best natural dog gum disease treatment is prevention. This is easy to do and requires only a few minutes of your time once or twice per week. Purchase an approved dog toothbrush and canine toothpaste from your vet's office or from a pet supply store. Brush your pet's teeth carefully for a few minutes once or twice each week. This will help to remove tartar before it can convert into plaque, which may then cause gum disease in your pet.
Myrrh for Canine Gum Disease
Myrrh is a great way of eliminating your pet's gum disease through a natural method. This herb is available in distilled oil form, and this is the type of myrrh that is most effective at reducing the pain and swelling associated with canine gum disease. Place a cotton swab or a Q-tip into the distilled myrrh solution and swab the inside of your pet's mouth with it, focusing particularly on the gums. This will help to ease his pain.
Echinacea Helps Heal Wounded Gums
Oral echinacea supplements can be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms of oral infection as well. Typically, however, echinacea is used more often as a method of naturally treating dogs after oral surgery. Because of this, echinacea is a good method of helping your pet's gums to heal if they've split or have begun to bleed as a result of his gingivitis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can generally help to boost your pet's immune system, which allows it to better fight the bacteria that are associated with gingivitis. Reducing the likelihood that your pet will develop an oral infection in the first place is a good way of preventing gingivitis from coming about, and treating a dog with gingivitis using this method can help to ensure that the infection doesn't spread.
Fragraria Linked to Less Tartar
This natural supplement has been linked to reduced levels of tartar in some dogs. It is a good preventative measure to help protect against canine gum disease as well. Use fragraria supplements concurrently with a regimen of tooth brushing to help prevent your pet from getting gingivitis in the first place, and also to help treat existing gingivitis.
For more information about how to treat and better manage your pet's gum disease, speak with your veterinarian for additional ideas.