Is dog teeth cleaning really necessary? Essential Tips

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Has anyone ever told you that dogs don’t need dental care because they keep their teeth clean naturally by chewing? Unfortunately for our canine companions, this is not entirely true. Dental health is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Luckily, keeping your pup’s teeth clean is surprisingly simple.

What You Should Know About Canine Dental Care

Your veterinarian’s insistence that your canine companion needs a dental cleaning addresses far more than the issue of a dog’s stinky breath. Poor dental hygiene can result in a host of medical problems. Some of the more common issues are gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, infection, and difficulty eating.

Plaque builds up on canine teeth, just like it does on human teeth. Over time, a buildup of plaque can lead to inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. Dogs with gingivitis may have red, inflamed gums that bleed easily, and you may also notice bad breath. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis can cause destruction to the connective tissues surrounding the tooth and can also damage the bone. Most concerning, however, is the detrimental effects periodontitis can have on your dog’s heart, kidneys, and liver.

Which steps will my vet take during a professional teeth cleaning?

We recommend scheduling an annual dental appointment for your dog, and bringing them in more frequently if they are prone to dental problems.

Your veterinarian will complete an exam, looking for signs of dental problems, such as:

  • Loose or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or baby teeth that have been retained
  • Discolored teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling, pain, or bleeding in or around the mouth
  • Plaque or tartar buildup
  • You should also let your vet know if any symptoms such as abnormal chewing, drooling, dropping food from the mouth or reduced appetite (which may be a sign your dog is experiencing tooth pain).

    This assessment will also determine whether your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia, then complete additional diagnostics if required. Once we have safely anesthetized your pet, we complete a full oral exam (tooth-by-tooth) and charting.

    We will also clean and polish their teeth and under the gum line while they are safely under anesthesia. Each tooth is probed and radiographed, then a fluoride treatment is used. A dental sealant is applied to fight plaque. If advanced periodontal disease is identified, we create a treatment plan and review it with you.

    Should I Get My Dog’s Teeth Cleaned?

    Q. The vet recommends they get their teeth cleaned, but it’s expensive, and I have avoided it. Is it necessary for their health? — Terry, Redwood City

    New Pet Pal LogoA. Good dental care is as important for animals as it is for people. Chronic dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss and bone loss. In addition, long-standing infected teeth and gums are known to lead to stress on vital organs and can definitely shorten life.

    The question many pet owners have is: What can I do to keep my pet’s teeth healthy?

    The answer begins with prevention. As with any disease, dental disease is easier to prevent than it is to treat. The most effective ways to keep pet’s teeth clean are:

    Even with the best of care, most pets will need their teeth cleaned from time to time. Many pet owners ask about non-anesthetic dental cleanings. Here is the lowdown:

    When done correctly and under the right conditions, a non-anesthetic dental cleaning can be a valuable part of an overall dental care program. Appropriate candidates are pets with mild tartar and gingivitis and no signs of severe underlying dental issues. A non-anesthetic cleaning must be done under direct veterinary supervision and by highly trained professionals in order to be safe and effective. Do not schedule a dental cleaning at a pet store or a groomer.

    When more advanced dental disease is present or more severe issues are found during a non-anesthetic cleaning, a full anesthesia dental procedure is required.

    Properly performed, general anesthesia is very safe for pets. Anesthesia is necessary in order to perform a deep cleaning and get full dental X-rays. All teeth are assessed by your veterinarian and a determination will be made if extractions are necessary.

    Once your pet’s teeth are cleaned, it is important to maintain them through the steps outlined above. The better preventative care you do, the fewer anesthetic dental proceedures will be needed in your pet’s lifetime. A non-anesthetic dental cleaning every 6-12 months is a very effective part of your pet’s dental care plan after a full anesthesia dental procedure.

    Not only is prevention the better way to go for your pet’s health, it is also much more cost effective in the long run. Now get out there and start brushing.

    Dr. Gary Richter owns Montclair Veterinary Hospital and Holistic Veterinary Care, both in Oakland, and is the author of “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide.” He writes the monthly “This Old Pet” column. Send your questions to him at [email protected].