Are you considering taking your dog in for a professional teeth cleaning in Torrance and Carson? In this post, our vets share how it's done and why you should include it in your dog's healthcare routine.
Why does my dog need a professional teeth cleaning?
Just like humans, dogs' dental health is closely connected to their overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunate, even within their first few year of life, periodontal disease is common among dogs. This can lead to serious long term negative consequences for their health of untreated.
Making sure you promote your dog's oral health (by brushing and using dental chews or treats), is very important to combatting plaque and tartar buildup. However, seeing your vet regularly for professional dental cleanings is the best way to make sure that your pup's mouth stay healthy and clean.
If your dog doesn't receive this annual cleaning, their teeth can become covered in plaque. This can lead to gingivitis, bad breath and tooth loss brought on by periodontal disease. this can also have severe consequences for your pet's overall health, since periodontal disease is connected to heart disease.
What happens during a professional teeth cleaning?
We recommend booking an annual dental appointment for your pup. You may need to bring them in more frequently than once per year, however, fi they are particularly susceptible to dental problems.
A member of our veterinary team will perform an oral health evaluation on your dog, looking for any signs of dental problems like:
- Loose or broken teeth
- Plaque or tartar buildup
- Extra teeth or baby teeth that have been retained
- Bad breath
- Swelling, pain, or bleeding in or around the mouth
- Discolored teeth
This is also a good opportunity for you to inform your vet about any symptoms you've noticed in your dog which might indicate dental problems. These can include a loss of appetite, dropping food from their mouth, drooling excessively and abnormal chewing.
Our vets will also determine whether or not your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and perform further diagnostic tests if they are required. When we have safely anesthetized your pet, we complete a full oral exam tooth by tooth and charting.
While they are safely under anesthesia, their teeth will be cleaned and polished (in addition to their gum line). The vet will probe and radiograph each tooth, then apply a fluoride treatment before using a dental sealant to fight plaque. If we find advanced periodontal disease, a custom treatment plan will be created and we’ll review it with you.
How can I keep my dog’s teeth clean?
Pet owners play a key role in helping their pups fight dental disease throughout their lives. Here are some tips for maintaining your dog's oral health:
- Make daily brushing a part of your dog’s oral health routine. Use a finger brush to remove any plaque or debris from their teeth.
- Give your furry friend dental treats, food or chews designed to help keep plaque buildup and tartar away.
- Use a plaque prevention product (ask your vet for trustworthy recommendations) that you can apply to your pet’s gums and teeth. These products help prevent plaque buildup.
Dental care is a key part of your pet's overall physical health. Schedule your dog's annual appointment today if you haven't already. Your dog will thank you!