What to know about dog dental cleaning?
Zoe King
2025-08-10 11:30:06
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A dental cleaning for your dog can include a thorough dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing to remove the tartar and periodontal disease-causing plaque. This will need to be done while your dog is under general anesthesia. It is recommended that you get your dog's teeth cleaned once a year, although it varies from dog to dog. Certain dog breeds require more dental cleanings, so be sure to ask your Wellesley-Natick Veterinary Hospital vets if your dog needs more cleanings. An easy way to tell if your dog needs a teeth cleaning is just by looking at their teeth. A dog's teeth will show a buildup of plaque. If you notice some plaque buildup or gingivitis in your dog's mouth, it's probably time for a dental cleaning. Signs that you might need to schedule dog teeth cleaning include: Bad breath (Halitosis) Discolored or yellowing teeth Receding and/or bleeding gums (Gingivitis) Drooling (more than average) Loose or missing teeth Poor appetite Sneezing and nasal discharge (from an abscess that breaks into the nasal passages).
Mathilde Olson
2025-08-10 09:27:20
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Your dog's oral health, like yours, is an important component of their overall well-being. By the age of three years, dogs frequently show signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). This early onset of dental disease can have serious long-term consequences for their health. The best way to keep your dog's mouth clean and healthy is to take him to the vet for an annual dental exam and hygiene cleaning. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and, in severe cases, pain, tooth decay, and tooth loss may occur if your dog does not receive an annual professional cleaning. Our veterinarians will perform a full oral examination and look for signs of dental problems, 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. We will thoroughly clean and polish your dog's teeth, both above and below the gum line, while he is safely and comfortably sedated. We probe and x-ray the teeth, then use a fluoride treatment to help protect against future decay and damage before applying a dental sealant to prevent plaque buildup.
Terrance Shields
2025-08-10 09:23:00
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Keeping your dog's teeth clean is important, as ignoring it can lead to plaque build-up and dental problems. You should keep brushing your dog's teeth as part of a regular grooming routine. Ask your vet first - before you start cleaning your dog's teeth, it's always best to ask your vet to show you the best way to do this. Start teeth cleaning when they're a puppy and brush their teeth everyday to get them used to it. Buy a dog toothpaste - human ones aren't suitable. You can use a special dog toothbrush that goes over your finger to brush their teeth, but if you don't have one then a child-sized toothbrush is fine. Dental chews and treats are also a good way of helping to keep your dog's teeth clean. Feed them the right food - some owners favour wet foods for their dog over dry, however, dry dog food may have the added benefit of exercising their chewing muscles and provide a mild cleaning effect on the teeth. Different breeds show varying jaw alignments and how the teeth meet, so it's essential to consider this when cleaning their teeth.
Wilbert Rempel
2025-08-10 07:38:44
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When rough tartar accumulates on tooth surfaces and touches the gum line, it is time for a professional oral assessment, treatment, and prevention visit. A dental cleaning visit will include a thorough dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing to remove tartar and plaque that causes periodontal disease. This is done while your dog is under general anesthesia. Once anesthetized, your veterinarian, with the help of veterinary assistants, will thoroughly examine the mouth, noting abnormalities in the medical record. Your dog’s required treatment will be discussed with you after the cleaning, once the gums and each tooth have been checked. Anesthesia is important to allow a tooth-by-tooth examination, including dental X-rays. After a thorough examination of your dog’s mouth, tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers, to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The tartar below the gum line causes the most significant periodontal disease, so its removal is important. After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove microscopic scratches and decrease the rate of subsequent plaque build-up.
Your veterinarian will perform preanesthetic tests and examine for underlying disorders prior to the procedure. Plaque forms in as little as six hours after your dog's dental cleaning. A home dental care program including regular tooth brushing is a must. Pet toothpastes are non-foaming, safe to be swallowed, and are available in flavors that are appealing to dogs including poultry, beef, malt, and mint. Human dentifrice or toothpaste should never be used in dogs.
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