Will Human Toothpaste Hurt Dogs

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You should use a dog-specific toothbrush. The bristles are uniquely angled and gentler. Dogs under 30 pounds may benefit from using finger brushing. Longer handles may improve your ability to reach larger dogs. Use dog toothpaste as well, don’t forget. It is available in varieties that dogs will like, such fowl or peanut butter. Never use human toothpaste since it includes components that could cause stomach problems for your dog.

What happens if my dog ingests toothpaste made for humans?

I had no idea my dog would devour practically everything when I initially brought him home. I even used my toothpaste in this! I conducted some research to learn more since I was frightened of what might occur.

Xylitol plays a role in the solution. Although xylitol is thought to be harmless for humans, it can give dogs life-threatening hypoglycemia. If dogs consume a lot of toothpaste, hypoglycemia can develop quickly and cause liver failure by causing the liver’s cells to die.

The good news is that there are various forms of treatment. You can find out the signs of toothpaste poisoning in dogs, how to identify it, and how to cure it if you continue reading.

What dosage of toothpaste is toxic to dogs?

“My dog has excellent dental care. Every day he brushes his teeth. I really do love him. Even the toothpaste is used by both of us.

Even while it could seem like a completely innocent and even very adorable habit, giving your pet toothpaste intended for people could be lethal. It’s great to keep your dog’s teeth clean. However, never ever use your toothpaste.

Xylitol is a chemical found in toothpastes. Your toothpaste’s sweet flavor is a result of it. While it is unquestionably poisonous to dogs, it is entirely safe and even beneficial for humans. For dogs, xylitol is almost a hundred times more poisonous than chocolate. 100 mg per kilogram of body weight is the amount at which xylitol poisoning can develop. A average tube of toothpaste can have a xylitol content of 535 percent. Therefore, a 100 g normal toothpaste tube is sufficient to severely poison your dog.

What is Xylitol and why is it in my Toothpaste?

A common sugar alternative is a naturally occurring molecule called xylitol. According to its chemical makeup, it is a sugar alcohol that is naturally present in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and a few other hardwood trees and fruits. The majority of xylitol used commercially is derived from corn fiber, birch trees, hardwood trees, and other plant matter. Although it has been used for years as a sugar substitute, its acceptance has grown significantly in recent years.

Although it only has around two-thirds the calories of sucrose, xylitol is roughly as sweet. It ranks lower on the glycemic index than sugar substitutes do in terms of how much they boost blood sugar levels in comparison to glucose. Because it has a reduced glycemic index, xylitol is advantageous for diabetics and people following low-carbohydrate diets. Almost all commercial “Sugar-free” goods use xylitol as a sweetener.

In terms of oral health, studies have revealed that xylitol aids in lowering plaque development, prevents dental cavities, and increases salivation in people.

Why is Xylitol Toxic for Dogs?

The secretion of insulin from the pancreas regulates blood sugar levels in both hoomans and dawgs. In people, xylitol does not cause the pancreas to release more insulin. However, xylitol is swiftly taken into the bloodstream when non-primate species (like a dog) eat something that contains it, which causes a powerful release of insulin from the pancreas. Within 10 to 60 minutes of taking xylitol, this rapid release of insulin causes a rapid and significant reduction in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia can be fatal if it is not treated.

How to detect Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs?

Toxic effects of xylitol manifest quickly, typically 15 to 30 minutes after consumption. Any or all of the following are indications of hypoglycemia:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• difficulties walking or standing or lack of coordination (walking like drunk)
• depression or sluggishness
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma

In extreme circumstances, the dog can experience seizures or liver failure, both of which can cause practically immediate death.

What should I do if my dog has eaten something with Xylitol?

To effectively cure any harmful effects and stop the emergence of serious issues, xylitol poisoning requires prompt and active therapy. In the event of xylitol poisoning, seek emergency veterinary care right away. The quicker you take action, the higher chance you have of saving your dog.

If your dog recently took xylitol, try to make them vomit to stop any additional bloodstream absorption. The treatment for poisoning will depend on the symptoms that have already appeared and your dog’s glucose levels. Your veterinarian will do blood testing to ascertain whether these issues require treatment because xylitol poisoning can result in both low blood glucose and low potassium levels. Your dog will always need to stay in the hospital for blood sugar testing, dextrose delivery, intravenous fluids, liver protectants, and any other necessary supportive care. To make sure that liver function and blood sugar levels stay normal, blood work should be examined periodically.

If not for this, how do I ensure my dog’s oral hygiene?

Pets who consume a balanced, physiologically suitable food and get enough water do not have dental problems as frequently. Having said that, maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is crucial; you only need to utilize the appropriate techniques and supplies.

Are dogs poisonous to Colgate toothpaste?

Periodontal disease, an inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, affects more than two thirds of dogs older than three. Plaque-induced gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease, frequently advances to affect the bony tooth sockets. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can result in painful tooth loss.

When should I brush my dog’s teeth?

It is preferable to clean your dog’s teeth at least twice a day, just like you do. Many dogs will start to anticipate and enjoy brushing once it becomes a part of their regular routine. The minimum recommended amount of brushing to help prevent tartar buildup and eliminate plaque is three times per week.

It’s ideal to start training your dog to tolerate dental brushing when he’s still a puppy.

When your dog is still a puppy, it’s ideal to train him to accept getting his teeth brushed. Even while the training process could take a little longer if your dog is older, it is still well worth the time and effort.

What steps do I need to follow to teach my dog to accept tooth brushing?

Making tooth brushing enjoyable for both of you is essential if you want to be successful. Praise your dog during the entire process and offer assurance at each stage to make it a happy experience. Follow these instructions for the best outcomes:

• Pick a peaceful time and location to start.
• Hold your dog firmly in your lap with his head turned away from you if he is tiny enough. In order to comfortably handle your dog’s jaws and teeth, you should sit on a chair and have your dog sit next to you.
• Starting at the point where the gum meets the tooth surface, gently rub your finger or a soft cloth over the outer surfaces of your dog’s teeth in a back-and-forth motion. To prevent unintentionally biting yourself, take care to only touch the exterior surfaces of the teeth. If your pet is hesitant or anxious about the procedure, it is best to only massage the cloth along a few teeth during the first few lessons rather than the entire mouth.
• Allow your dog to taste some pet toothpaste off your finger once he is comfortable with you brushing his teeth. Use only dental floss; human toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed.
• Apply a small bit of pet toothpaste to the towel and wipe it over the teeth once your dog has grown accustomed to the flavor.
• Use a toothbrush once your dog is fully accustomed to you wiping his teeth with a cloth (see below).

What type of toothbrush should I use?

There are commercial toothbrushes on the market made expressly for use on dogs. These consist of:

• angled-handled brushes,
• brushes with a variety of heads (so that you can simultaneously brush the inside, outside, and top surfaces of the tooth),
• little brushes that are relaxed to hold, and
• brushes for the fingers (designed to fit over the tip of your finger).

Some canines can tolerate the use of an extremely soft toothbrush made for human infants.

Your dog’s size and your personal dexterity both have an impact on the toothbrush you choose. When first starting to brush their dog’s teeth, many pet owners find it easier to use a finger brush. If you are unsure which brush to use, see your veterinarian.

No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it’s crucial to be careful and move slowly because it’s simple to unintentionally touch your gums with the toothbrush’s tip, which might irritate them.

Is it okay to use human toothpaste?

No. Ingredients in human toothpaste should not be consumed. If consumed, it may result in digestive problems or an upset stomach. Some human toothpastes have high sodium content that could harm your pet, while others might have xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.

My friend recommended that I use baking soda. Is this okay?

No. Due to its strong alkaline composition, baking soda can disturb the digestive system’s acid balance if it is consumed. Additionally, your dog might not cooperate when you try to brush his teeth because baking soda doesn’t taste pleasant.

Why is pet toothpaste recommended?

Dogs enjoy the flavors of poultry, beef, malt, and mint in pet toothpaste, which is offered in a variety of varieties. Your dog is more likely to appreciate the entire experience if you use a tasty product.

Exactly how should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Brush the toothbrush with a little toothpaste. Lift the lips on one side of your dog’s mouth gently. You can either achieve this by pushing up on the lip with your free hand’s index finger (as indicated in the illustration) or by lifting your dog’s lips by placing your free hand over his head and your thumb and index finger on either side of his upper jaw.

You will need to slightly open your dog’s mouth in order to brush the lower teeth. You can do this by grasping your dog’s top jaw with your thumb and index finger while gently turning your dog’s head backward.

Start by focusing on brushing the canine teeth and the big cheek teeth since these are the teeth where plaque and tartar buildup happens the fastest. Work your way up to brushing every tooth (this will probably take several days or weeks).

As long as your dog is being helpful, you shouldn’t bother about brushing the inside or tips of their teeth. The outer surfaces of the teeth are where periodontal disease most frequently manifests itself, so you should concentrate your efforts there. Additionally, the inner surfaces of the dog’s teeth don’t need to be brushed as often because the dog’s tongue tends to remove a lot of plaque from them.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes. If at all possible, wear gloves when brushing your dog’s teeth because a dog’s mouth is filled with a lot of bacteria. If this makes it difficult for you to adequately brush his teeth, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you’re done. Before storing the toothbrush, make sure to properly rinse it. If you have multiple dogs, use a different toothbrush for each of them and replace the toothbrush every three months.

Does normal toothpaste harm dogs?

This has major significance. NEVER give your dog ordinary human toothpaste. The fluoride found in the majority of human toothpaste is particularly toxic to dogs. Most reputable pet stores have toothpaste designed for dogs.

To assist eliminate bacteria and lessen plaque, some pet retailers also sell dog mouthwash, which you may pour to water bowls. Doggie mouthwash is harmless when used properly and diluted in your pet’s water; just be sure your pet doesn’t get a hold of the entire container. Do not give your dog human mouthwash or toothpaste.

Which brands of toothpaste include xylitol?

What are some well-known xylitol toothpaste manufacturers? Popular xylitol-containing toothpaste brands include Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste, Spry All Natural Kids Fluoride-Free Tooth Gel with Xylitol, Now Solutions Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel, and Epic Fluoride-Free Toothpaste.

Who makes toothpaste without xylitol?

Both adults and children should use natural toothpaste that is free of toxins. We are exposed to the components in toothpaste frequently since we use it frequently throughout the day.

Additionally, the lining of our mouths allows toothpaste chemicals to enter our bodies. Naturally, young children swallow more toothpaste than they spit out. (Are they to blame? Strawberry and bubble gum tastes are available in children’s toothpastes!

Best Natural Mouthwash

If you’re anything like me, you kind of miss the 1990s when mouthwash was a big deal for some strange reason (at least in Vermont, where I grew up). I use this right now.

What About Fluoride in Natural Toothpaste?

Fluoride is meant to strengthen our bones and prevent tooth decay and cavities. However, there has been discussion over the benefits and safety of fluoride as a water and toothpaste ingredient for many years.

Fluoride in drinking water is absolutely not something I like. Fluoride “adversely affect[s] cognitive development in youngsters, causing as much as a 7-point lower IQ,” according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

There is also ongoing worry that fluoride, in sufficiently high quantities, could harm the reproductive system.

I advise filtering fluoride out of drinking water and probably avoiding fluoride-containing toothpaste for these and other reasons, though if you have a child who is prone to cavities, consult your dentist.

There is evidence that vitamin D may help prevent cavities, so you shouldn’t be concerned that omitting fluoride would result in a mouth full of decayed teeth.

Best Natural Toothpaste with Flouride

Many of you have inquired as to which fluoride-containing natural toothpaste is the best. KMF Berry Smart Obsessively Kids with Fluoride is my choice. This would be my second option for a fluoride toothpaste since it appears that the KMF has been discontinued.

What’s Wrong with Conventional Toothpastes?

With the exception of fluoride, the majority of toothpastes contain a ton of substances that I wouldn’t want to even consider putting in my mouth. Given how much toddlers tend to swallow, I’m especially disappointed to find how many children’s toothpastes include harmful ingredients. I shiver even at the thought of several “safe to swallow child toothpastes.”

See the Bad Stuff for some of the worst children’s toothpaste available. Colgate’s supposedly kid-friendly toothpastes contain questionable ingredients like fluoride, propylene glycol (linked to cancer and reproductive damage), artificial colors (linked to ADHD), and PEG-12 (can be contaminated with toxic 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide).

Toxic Ingredients in Toothpaste

• Products are foamed with surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), a cousin of SLS, is considerably worse because it is frequently tainted with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, which can irritate the skin or mouth lining. SLS is less of a concern for me in shampoos and soaps because we wash them off, but toothpaste should be free of SLS and other comparable surfactants because it gets in our mouths and can be ingested. Numerous toothpastes for adults and children include triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that can cause cancer when it comes into contact with water that contains even small levels of chlorine. Parabens and other synthetic preservatives are present in many products, including toothpaste. Breast cancer has been linked to parabens because they resemble estrogen. Although there is no proof of a causal connection, because parabens are included in many cosmetic products, I advise avoiding them if possible. Many traditional toothpastes, particularly the gel formulations for children, contain artificial colors, some of which have been related to ADHD. Colorants like titanium dioxide are typically included in white toothpaste formulations to give them their pristine appearance. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide have the potential to cause cancer. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles may be absorbed via the mouth’s lining, particularly if there are minor abrasions. To sweeten toothpaste, artificial sweeteners like saccharin are frequently employed. Some people who consume saccharin in low-calorie or sugar-free foods have neurotoxic effects. Given the possibility of swallowing, it is a bad choice for children’s toothpaste. To give toothpastes a smooth texture, propylene glycol—which has been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and severe skin irritation—is frequently utilized.

Don’t Forget to Floss!

Because most dental floss is composed of plastic and coated with Teflon, it too might expose users to harmful substances. Look for natural silk floss such as this one.

What’s Wrong with Natural Toothpaste?

Fluoride-free toothpaste is undoubtedly the way to go, but as I have indicated, toothpaste needs to be safe in more ways than one. The toothpaste brands that are ranked as Best Stuff and Good Stuff are listed below.

Unfortunately, a lot of “natural toothpaste” contains questionable components that are comparable to those in traditional toothpastes, like:

• Surfactants: Many products include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) replacements made from coconut “toothpastes free from SLS. Due of the soft and absorbent lining of the mouth, I’m worried about SLS substitutes in toothpaste. Since there is little to no information on the safety of these compounds, I’m erring on the side of caution and avoiding using them in toothpaste (but I’m fine using them in shampoo). Sodium coco-sulfate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium cocoate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate are a few examples of these surfactants. Preservatives: In place of paraben, toothpaste frequently “preservatives used in food that still worry me. Researchers believe that sodium benzoate may harm mitochondrial DNA and believe there may be a connection to ADD, cancer, and other unsettling conditions. I advise against using toothpastes containing this preservative in the meantime, but more study, particularly long-term trials, are required. Due to modest allergic reactions in certain users, concerns have been raised about potassium sorbate. Although I think it’s less dangerous than sodium benzoate, I still don’t appreciate seeing it in items like toothpaste that can be consumed. It is also known that sorbic acid can irritate skin.
• A popular thickening component in toothpaste is carrageenan, which is obtained from seaweed. According to animal research, it causes colon cancers and intestinal inflammation. It’s definitely okay in toothpaste for adults, but I’d steer clear of it in items used by young children who are prone to ingesting things. (By the way, if you start reading the food labels of healthy snack foods, carrageenan will be listed everywhere.)

There are also a few controversial ingredients that I’m not so worried about in natural toothpastes:

• Glycerin: There is a small but raging argument over whether this chemical, which is found in both conventional and organic toothpastes, is good for teeth. According to some, the glycerin in toothpaste covers teeth and prevents them from remineralizing (or repair themselves with minerals from our saliva). Re-mineralization is undoubtedly important for the wellbeing of our teeth. However, it is unclear if toothpastes made with glycerin significantly obstruct this process. Since I’m genuinely undecided about this, I’m labeling otherwise risk-free toothpastes with glycerin as Okay Stuff. For toothpastes without glycerin, consult Good Stuff.
• Due to their propensity for containing trace quantities of lead, clays are a potentially risky component in natural toothpaste. I’m certain it’s safe after conducting extensive research and looking at the independent testing of the bentonite clay used in Earthpaste. Compared to the quantities that are naturally present in foods like spinach and sweet potatoes, clay contains far less lead. Additionally, it appears that the lead in clay is not bio-available, meaning that even when it is present, your body won’t be able to absorb it. Furthermore, there is strong proof that bentonite clay may really RID the body of lead. Even though you should always conduct your own study, this is where ours has led me, so I feel comfortable referring to Earthpaste as Good Stuff. In fact, you can get Earthpaste from us online.
• In toothpastes, sugar alcohols including xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol are utilized for their sweetness and cavity-preventing properties. They can disrupt certain people’s digestive systems when ingested in large enough quantities (often as sugar substitutes in foods and beverages). I don’t believe xylitol and erythritol are hazardous in the modest amounts found in toothpaste, and I appreciate their benefits for preventing cavities. If you’re worried about sugar alcohols, the spearmint flavor of Earthpaste and the items from Tooth Soap are both xylitol-free.
• Some natural toothpastes use essential oils for artificial or natural tastes and may have extra anti-cavity/pro-mouth effects. Some people are sensitive to certain essential oils, and some people don’t like the notion of employing essential oils in ingestible goods. I believe that high-quality essential oils, like those in the Good Stuff, are secure in the quantities present in toothpaste, but if you wish to steer clear of them, try UGLY by nature, Poofy Organic’s baby teeth gel, Jack n’Jill’s toothpastes, and a few Tooth Soap products (all Best or Good Stuff).