Dog Dental Care - How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth

Good oral health is just as important for dogs as it is for people because our canine companions are susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease just like humans. In this blog, our Queens vets discuss the importance of dog dental health and how you can clean your pup's teeth at home.

Does my dog need dental care?

The oral health of dogs is important to their overall health and wellbeing. Dogs can start displaying symptoms of periodontal disease when they are just 3 years old. When this condition arises at such a young age in our canine friends it can have negative effects on their long-term health. 

There have been studies done that show a connection between heart disease and periodontal disease in both dogs and people. 

Bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and damage the heart and other organs, which is why periodontal disease and heart disease are related. Pain from receding gums and broken or missing teeth is the more obvious issue that develops before these health problems do.

Implementing at-home oral health care routines in combination with dental treats can help your pup keep their teeth clean and control the buildup of tartar and plaque. Although, the best way to maintain your pooch's good oral health is to take them to the vet once a year for a hygiene cleaning and dental exam. 

Neglecting annual professional cleaning could put your dog at risk of developing gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and in severe cases pain, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

What happens at my dog's dental care appointments?

To help prevent your dog from developing tooth decay and periodontal disease, our Queens vets at Queens Animal Hospital suggest taking your pup to their primary care veterinarian for a dental appointment at least once a year, or more often if they are suffering from severe or recurring dental conditions.

When you bring your dog to Queens Animal Hospital for a dental checkup our vets will conduct a full oral examination for your pooch and look for signs of dental problems, such as:

If you find symptoms of periodontal disease in your dog, such as a reduced appetite (which could be a sign of tooth pain), drooling, abnormal chewing, bad breath, dropping food from the mouth, or other symptoms call your vet immediately to book a dental appointment for your pooch. Oral health issues can become severe if they are left untreated and cause your pet a lot of pain and discomfort.

When a dog is scheduled for anesthesia, our veterinarians evaluate it to make sure it is healthy enough. If necessary, they also conduct further testing to ensure your pet is safe for a dental exam while under anesthesia. Our comprehensive examination will begin as soon as your companion is securely sedated, and it will involve charting every tooth—exactly like your dentist does when they examine you.

While we have your dog safely and comfortably under anesthesia, we will thoroughly clean and polish your pup's teeth, both above and below the gum line. We probe and x-ray the teeth, then to help protect against future decay and damage we use a fluoride treatment before applying a dental sealant to prevent plaque buildup.

If your pooch is suffering from advanced periodontal disease, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help restore your dog's mouth to a pain-free and healthy state.

Should I brush my dog's teeth?

As a pet parent, you have an essential role in helping your dog fight dental diseases. Below are a few easy ways on how to clean your dog's mouth:

• To remove any plaque or debris from your pet's teeth, brush them once a day using a child's toothbrush or a finger brush that your veterinarian recommends. It's just like cleaning your own teeth. Try some doggie toothpaste with flavors your dog will love if they refuse to have their teeth cleaned. With these unique toothpaste, a chore can become a pleasure.
• Use a plaque prevention product (your vet can recommend some), which you can apply to your pet’s teeth and gums. These products act as a barrier to prevent plaque buildup.
• Offer your pup treats such as dental chews or food designed to help prevent plaque buildup and tartar.

Dental care is an important part of your pet's overall health. Be sure to book your pet's annual dental appointment today, your dog will thank you. 

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.