Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Dog’s teeth, like human teeth, need to be professionally cleaned. Most of the time, dogs will need to be placed under anesthesia for a cleaning.
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean at home can help reduce the risk your dog will need additional dental work, like fillings or root canal therapy.
Using a dental treat, like Yummy Combs, can clean and floss your dog’s teeth while they enjoy the delicious taste of a chewy treat.
Dog dental care is a big deal, but many pet owners are not focused on providing daily dental maintenance for their dogs. Most dog owners love their dogs but do not love their breath. However, they accept that “dog breath” is just part of dog ownership. In reality, that isn’t true.
Additionally, dogs need their teeth cleaned professionally at least once per year. Some breeds will need additional cleanings because they are at a higher risk of developing dental disease.
When your dog’s veterinarian says it is time for a cleaning, you might wonder about the risks and the associated costs. The team of canine dental care experts at Yummy Combs will tell you what to expect, how much it might cost, and the risks associated with professional dental cleanings.
Don’t worry; we’ll also fill you in on how to take care of your dog’s teeth at home so you can help them avoid unnecessary dental work and even keep their breath fresher.
Short answer: yes. Many people don’t realize that there is a direct link between your dog’s oral health and major systemic illness. Studies show that improper oral care can lead to illness in the heart, liver, and kidneys and may even be linked to organ failure.
Dental care should be a consideration from the time your dog is a puppy — even before they lose their puppy teeth. Getting your dog acclimated to having their teeth touched and brushed can set you up for success with brushing and teeth inspection as they grow.
Dogs develop plaque on their teeth just like we do. Humans brush and floss their teeth to remove plaque. If we don’t remove it, plaque will harden into tartar which can infect the gumline and allow bacteria to enter the gums, and even bloodstream.
Dogs can’t brush or floss their teeth, and if their owner doesn’t do it for them, plaque will become tartar at the gumline and lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to systemic illness that can make your dog very ill and even decrease their lifespan.
One of the biggest (and rapidly noticeable) benefits of taking care of your dog’s teeth is neutral breath. Dog breath has a reputation for being foul, but foul breath indicates your dog’s mouth needs attention.
Canine oral care can also help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Bacteria enters your dog’s body through the mouth. If it isn’t removed, it can enter the gums, causing infection that can spread to the bloodstream and to vital organs.
There’s also the advantage of not exposing your dog to unnecessary dental procedures that can come with risks and costly veterinarian bills. Dogs usually need anesthesia even for cleanings, which places them at higher risk of having a negative reaction to medication and increases the cost of having their teeth cleaned.
Although at-home dental care can help you prevent unwanted dental procedures, you should still have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned at least once per year. When your dog has their teeth cleaned, you should be prepared for a bit more of a process than you experience having your own teeth cleaned.
Most dogs will need to have their first professional teeth cleaning by age two or three, while some veterinarians may not want to clean a dog’s teeth until they are older. Some smaller breeds that are prone to oral health issues may need cleanings sooner.
Once you get the green light from your pet’s veterinarian that a cleaning should be scheduled, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment soon. You will likely need to withhold food from your pet for several hours or overnight the day before their dental cleaning.
Most dogs will need anesthesia to have their teeth cleaned properly. While it is possible to clean a dog’s teeth without it, it can be a very unpleasant experience for your pet.
As humans, we understand that any discomfort we experience during a cleaning is ultimately helping us. Our pets don’t have the luxury of understanding that the scraping, flossing, and scrubbing are for their good and not for their harm.
Most dogs will not tolerate a dental cleaning while awake, even if they are having their teeth brushed regularly at home. Your dog’s veterinarian will need to scrape away tartar buildup from the gum line, which can be an uncomfortable and tedious process.
Once your dog is comfortably sedated, they’ll get a full dental cleaning. This includes x-rays, an oral exam, cleaning, polishing, and scaling. It will also include any other dental procedures that need to be done (like extractions or fillings).
X-rays are important to help your dog’s veterinarian scan the health of their teeth below the surface of the tooth. X-rays help rule out problems with the roots of your dog’s teeth and can show areas where teeth are in danger long before any problems are visible on the surface of the tooth.
Your dog’s teeth aren’t the only areas of interest in their mouths. In addition to ensuring all of their teeth are intact and free from cavities, the veterinarian will also inspect their gums to check for signs of periodontal disease.
Plaque builds along and beneath your dog’s gum line. Removing it can only be done comfortably when your dog is under anesthesia. It’s important to remove this buildup to prevent periodontal disease.
Your dog’s teeth will be brushed, polished, and flossed just like your own. When they are ready to leave, you’ll notice your dog’s breath is neutral, and their teeth are much whiter than when they arrived.
The entire process will likely take less than an hour unless your dog’s veterinarian needs to extract a tooth. However, you probably won’t be able to pick up your dog until they’ve woken up from anesthesia and have been deemed ready to go home.
The cost you pay to have your dog’s teeth cleaned will vary depending on the veterinarian who performs the cleaning, your dog’s general health, and the condition of their teeth and gums. Most veterinarians are certified for cleaning and general extractions.
However, if your dog needs a root canal or other forms of advanced dental care, you may have to seek the services of a board-certified veterinary dentist. A board-certified veterinary dentist will likely cost more than your dog’s veterinarian.
In addition, dogs with a significant amount of periodontal disease who require more scaling may have a higher dental care cost than a dog with teeth in good condition. The good news is that you can mitigate the cost and discomfort to your pet by being proactive with dental care at home.
Taking care of your dog’s teeth at home can help you avoid costly veterinary dental bills and keep your furry friend from experiencing procedures that could be uncomfortable and require a longer time under anesthesia.
Brushing your dog’s teeth at home can help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste once per day. Be patient, and offer a reward (like a dental chew) after brushing so your dog looks forward to this bonding experience.
Yummy CombsⓇ dental treats are the only treats that can actually remove hardened tartar from your dog’s teeth. Research shows that Yummy Combs’ unique design is able to polish, scrub, and floss your dogs’ teeth on all surfaces, providing a 360-degree cleaning every time they chew.
Yummy Combs also removes up to 25% of tartar buildup, helping reduce the risk of poor gum health. In addition, Yummy Combs contains longevity-boosting ingredients and 44% chicken protein to help keep your dog happy and healthy. Yummy Combs are the perfect tool to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and their bellies happy.
Your dog should always get a yearly teeth cleaning, but if you are taking proper care of your dog’s teeth at home, you can avoid additional dental visits and costs. Using Yummy Combs is the ideal way to let your dog take care of their teeth through their natural urge to chew.
With every bite, your dog is getting a tartar-removing cleaning on each tooth surface that can help reduce their need for costly and uncomfortable veterinary dental visits.
Sources:
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Anesthesia and Dental Cleaning | American Animal Hospital Association.org
How Much Does Teeth Cleaning for Dogs Cost? | Forbes Advisor
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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