Why Your Dog's Dental Health is Important
Just like humans, dental health accounts for a large part of your dog’s overall health. Many dogs begin to show signs of periodontal disease within their first few years, which can have grave negative consequences for their physical health and wellbeing.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic health problems if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Regular dental care helps prevent these issues, ensuring your dog remains healthy and comfortable.
Signs of Dental Health Problems
Monitoring your dog's mouth for signs of dental issues is crucial. Here are some tell-tale signs of dental problems or diseases in dogs:
- Persistent bad breath
- Reduced appetite or difficulty eating (can indicate your dog is experiencing oral pain)
- Visible tartar
- Swollen, bleeding, or noticeably red gums
What will happen during my dog's dental cleaning appointment?
To help prevent your dog from developing tooth decay and periodontal disease, our veterinarians at Exeter recommend bringing your dog in for a dental appointment at least once each year or more frequently if your canine companion is suffering from more severe or recurring dental problems.
When you bring your dog or cat to your veterinary dentist at Pacific Crest Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital for a dental cleaning, our vets will perform a full oral examination and check for signs of dental issues such as:
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding around the mouth
- Swelling or pain in or around the mouth
- Plaque or tartar buildup on teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Loose or
- Broken teeth
- Bad breath
While your dog is safely and comfortably under anesthesia, we will thoroughly clean and polish its teeth above and below the gum line. We will also probe and X-ray the teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to protect against future decay and damage. Additionally, we will use a dental sealant to prevent plaque buildup.
If your dog has advanced periodontal disease, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help restore its mouth to a pain-free and healthy state.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from teeth cleaning?
All dogs are different, but you can expect your dog to begin recovering from the anesthetic within a few hours. It can sometimes take 24-48 hours to recover fully. During this time, your dog may seem tired and have a reduced appetite.
How much does dog teeth cleaning cost?
The cost of dog dental cleaning varies widely due to several factors, including the size of your dog, the condition of its teeth, where you live, and your vet. Contact your vet for an accurate estimate for cleaning your dog's teeth.
Regular veterinary dental care could avoid more invasive and expensive procedures and surgeries. Regular care will allow your vet to take proactive steps to help prevent advanced tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and jaw deterioration.
Risks Associated with Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning
At our veterinary clinic, your pet's safety is our top priority. That's why prior to any procedure performed under anesthesia, our experienced vets thoroughly assess your furry friend to guarantee their health and well-being.
If necessary, additional diagnostics may be conducted to ensure a stress-free and safe dental exam while under anesthesia.
How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth at Home
Cleaning your dog's teeth should be a regular grooming routine. Here’s how you can do it at home:
- Invest in a dog toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs. Human toothpaste can be harmful to pets.
- Brush your dog's teeth at least two to three times a week, and daily brushing is ideal.
- Brush the teeth using gentle, circular motions, focusing on the gum line, where plaque accumulates.
- Positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, can help make your dog's experience more pleasant.
Ideally, you should be brushing your dog's teeth once a day between their dental appointments. This keeps their teeth clean and also provides you with the opportunity to identify any developing symptoms of a dental condition such as yellow teeth, bad breath, red swollen gums, or even bleeding in their mouth.
When you go to brush your dog's teeth make sure they are in a calm state. If this is your first time brushing your pet's teeth you probably won't be able to give them a full brushing session. The first several times you try brushing your dog's teeth start by massaging their gums and teeth in small circular motions to get them used to the feeling of being touched in their mouths and work your way up to a minute. Then you can introduce the toothpaste. There is special toothpaste made specifically for dogs that come in flavors they will love such as chicken or beef. Start by letting them lick a bit of the toothpaste off of your finger rewarding them with treats and pets in between sessions.
When your pet is used to the toothpaste you can introduce the toothbrush by letting them lick a bit of the dog toothpaste off of the brush. After a few days, you can gradually start brushing their teeth. Brush their teeth in the same small circular motion as you did the massages, it will take several tries before your dog will let you fully brush their teeth, so it's okay if you only get a couple of teeth done at first.
If it's too hard to brush your furry companion's teeth, there are several alternative options available such as a food and water additive, as well as dental chews for dogs. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with guidance on the dental care routines or products that will work best for your pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.