As a loving pet owner, you do everything possible to keep your dog in tip-top shape, from feeding them the most nutritious food and treats to making sure he exercises daily and taking him to the veterinarian for preventative care. But are you paying enough attention to dog oral care? If not, it's time to change your ways. After all, proper oral care is what makes the difference between healthy dog teeth and an oral condition that could be causing your pup discomfort (or even pain).

What Does a Healthy Dog's Mouth Look Like?

Before you learn how to take care of your dog's teeth (and what can happen if you don't), you need to understand what a healthy mouth looks like in the first place. Healthy dog teeth should be clean and free of plaque and tartar (hard, scaly or sticky discolorations). Similarly, your dog's 42 teeth (a third more than you have, as Pet Health Network® points out) should be intact and not jagged or broken.

Your furry friend's tongue should be moist — without any signs of lumps or cuts. And, in most cases, his gums should be salmon pink. Some dog breeds naturally have black or black-and-pink gums, notes PetHelpful, which can make looking for the usual signs of discoloration tricky. Make sure you know what your pet's mouth usually looks like, and talk to your vet if you spot any lumps, raised spots, pale gums or bright red tissue.

How to Keep Your Dog's Mouth Clean

Dogs aren't born with healthy mouths that will stay that way into adulthood — it's up to us to help them keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape. Regular brushing with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste helps, and so do certain toys and treats that are formulated to reduce bacteria in your dog's mouth. Just as you brush your own teeth a few times a day, a dog's mouth also needs daily attention.

If brushing your dog's teeth is new to the both of you, be sure to take baby steps. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes, you'll want to get your dog comfortable with you touching his mouth and teeth first before you come at him with a toothbrush and toothpaste. First, touch his muzzle and practice rubbing your finger along his teeth and gums. Once he can handle this — while staying calm and relaxed — introduce the toothbrush. Let him smell it, and very gently rub it on his teeth. This process may take a few days for each step. Go slowly, and don't rush your pet. After all, you don't want him to develop anxious or negative feelings about this routine.

Once you've developed the trust needed for successful brushing, it's time to work on technique. First, lift your dog's lips and brush his front teeth. Slowly work your way to the back of his mouth, paying careful attention to the outside of his teeth. You may need to pull back at first and only do a few teeth at a time. Once you're both used to the process, you'll find the routine quick and simple to complete. Dog toothpaste is also specially formulated to be as tasty as possible, as long as you like turkey and chicken better than minty freshness. Look for a dog-specific paste at your local pet supply store or vet's office. Remember: You should never use human toothpaste on your dog, since the ingredients can irritate his stomach and make him extremely sick.

Another important part of dog oral care is an annual professional cleaning at your vet's office. This procedure should be done under anesthesia, every one to three years, Pet Health Network reports. Your vet can clean under your pup's gums and in other hard-to-reach places in ways that prevent oral and systemic diseases. During this process your vet may also want to take X-rays of your pup's teeth to make sure there aren't any other underlying issues, similar to what you might do at your own dental checkup.

For other ongoing dog oral care efforts, you can look into proper nutrition for your pup. Dog food that is formulated for your dog's oral care, may help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as well as help to freshen his breath. For any dog parent that gets doggy kisses, fresh breath is a must!