When it comes to caring for your dog, ensuring that his or her teeth and gums remain in good condition is important. Allowing your dog's dental health to slip can lead to more serious health conditions that could compromise your pet's quality of life.

Here are three ways that you can improve your dog's dental health in the future.

1. Feed your dog specialized food.

One of the easiest ways that you can improve the overall dental health of your dog is by switching his or her food to a specialized brand. The dry kibble that you feed your dog can serve as a manual cleanser when it is designed correctly.

Specialized foods that are designed to target oral health will have kibble bits that are shaped in a way which allows them to cleanse the outer surface of your dog's teeth. Ask your vet for recommendations when it comes to selecting the food that is best suited to help you keep your dog's teeth and gums in good condition over time.

2. Brush your dog's teeth.

In addition to using a specialized food to help keep the surface of your pet's teeth clean, you should brush your dog's teeth regularly to keep them healthy. Invest in a brushing sleeve that slips over your finger, and try to find a dog toothpaste with a flavor that your pet enjoys.

Work the surface of each tooth in a circular motion to remove food bits and loosen plaque so that your dog's teeth can remain healthy well into the future.

3. Invest in professional dental cleanings.

Although you will be able to keep your dog's teeth fairly clean by using specialized food and a finger toothbrush, you should also schedule regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to utilize special tools to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth.

These cleanings require that your pet be placed under a general anesthesia, allowing your vet to thoroughly clean each tooth in order to preserve the dental health of your dog.

Caring for your dog's dental health can seem challenging, but there are some simple things you can do to ensure your pet's teeth and gums remain healthy. Feed your dog kibble designed to keep teeth clean, brush your dog's teeth regularly, and invest in professional dental cleanings to prevent serious health problems caused by poor dental hygiene from plaguing your pet in the future. Contact a vet office, like Windsor Veterinary Clinic PC, for more help.