Along with routine checkups and vaccinations, you must also care for your dog's teeth through brushing, professional cleanings, and exams. Here, our Nashua veterinarians discuss how to clean your dog's teeth and why dental care is so important.
Why is dog dental care so important?
Your dog's dental health is closely linked to their general physical health and well-being. Unfortunately, periodontal disease and tooth decay are common problems for dogs – even for young dogs.
These oral health issues can have dire consequences for your pooch's overall health since the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel through a dog's body. Taking these easy steps is important to keep your pet's mouth healthy.
How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth
Pup parents play a vital role in helping their dogs battle dental disease. You may wonder how to clean a dog's mouth and have questions like, 'Should I brush my dog's teeth?' The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Here are some tips on how to clean your dog's teeth and maintain their oral health:
- Use a dog-specific toothbrush or finger brush to remove plaque or debris from your pooch's teeth. If your dog isn't a fan of brushing their teeth, it may help to apply a small amount of specially flavored canine toothpaste to the brush. These products come in a range of flavors your pooch will like.
- Use a plaque prevention product (ask your vet for trustworthy recommendations) that you can apply to your pup's gums and teeth. These products help prevent plaque buildup between professional cleanings.
- Give your four-legged friend dental treats, food, or chews designed to help prevent plaque buildup and tartar.
How often do dogs need professional dental checkups and cleanings?
While it's important to maintain an at-home oral care routine (and potentially supplement it with dental treats or chews), Bringing your dog in once yearly for a professional dental cleaning will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. This is the best way to ensure your dog's mouth stays clean and healthy.
Without this annual cleaning, teeth can become covered in plaque, leading to gingivitis, bad breath, and eventually periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease may also lead to heart disease (where bacteria enter the bloodstream through the mouth and can infect other organs), which can severely affect your pooch's overall health.
Dental care is an essential pillar of your pet's overall physical health. Schedule your dog's annual dental appointment today – your pooch will be grateful.
What happens during professional dog dental care?
We recommend booking an annual dental checkup for your dog. You may need to bring them in more frequently if they are prone to dental problems.
Your veterinarian will perform an oral health evaluation, looking for signs of dental problems, including:
- Plaque or tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Swelling, pain, or bleeding in or around the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Loose or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or baby teeth that have been retained
Don't forget to inform your vet if you've noticed any symptoms such as drooling, dropping food from the mouth, reduced appetite (which could indicate your dog is experiencing pain in his teeth), or abnormal chewing. Your vet will also assess whether your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and conduct further diagnostic tests if needed. Once your dog is safely anesthetized, a thorough oral exam will be performed, tooth by tooth, and charted for future reference.
A thorough cleaning will also be performed during this time. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished, and tartar will be cleared away from the gumline. The vet will probe and radiograph each tooth, then apply a fluoride treatment before using a dental sealant to fight plaque. A custom treatment plan can help restore your pet's oral health if we find advanced periodontal disease.
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.