Periodontal disease, or dental disease, is the most common health problem for dogs, according to past studies. In fact, it is estimated that more than 80% of dogs have dental disease by age 3.
Our pets can tolerate much discomfort and may continue eating even if they are in pain, so maintaining our dog’s dental health is actually a very important part of upkeeping their overall wellbeing.
💡 Some veterinarian dentists recommend that pet owners schedule professional dental cleanings for adult dogs at least once a year, alongside annual physical examinations.
Dental disease is often caused by plaque buildup, which just like for humans, affects the teeth and gums that support and surround one’s teeth.
If left untreated, the plaque hardens into tartar over time, which leads to problems such as teeth loss, bleeding gums, bad breath, and a painful mouth.
Unhealthy teeth and gums (Left, before cleaning) and Healthy teeth and gums (Right, after cleaning). Source
💡 Regular and proper dental care is therefore critical, to help prevent plaque buildup and more severe health problems from developing.
For example, as periodontal disease progresses, bacteria from the plaque can enter the bloodstream, and infect organs like the heart, kidneys and lungs. This is known as bacteremia and can result in the damage of your dogs’ organs, making them sick.
💡 Coupling professional veterinary dental cleanings with regular at-home dental care is the best way to ensure your dog’s dental and overall wellbeing.
How often your dog should go for dental cleaning would depend on their
But most veterinarians do recommend that adult dogs have their teeth cleaned at least once a year.
For older dogs, this frequency increases, just because of easier oral decay due to eating habits and poor immune strength over time.
Smaller dogs also often need more frequent visits - at least twice a year - as their teeth, relative to their mouths, are bigger. This often results in overcrowding and easier plaque buildup.
Make sure to schedule regular exams with your veterinarian, as they will be able to best tell you when and how frequently your dog should be getting dental cleaning.
If you’d like to extend the periods between professional dental cleanings, here are some simple dental care tips you can practice for your dog at home.
If possible, get your dog used to brushing from a very young age. Use a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush when you do so.
Not all dogs like their teeth being brushed, so you can also try introducing daily safe and effective dental treats and chews to effortlessly promote their dental health.
Many dental treats and chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar while cleaning teeth and gums, and some can even help freshen breath. When choosing dental chews, ensure they are suitable for your dog’s size and chew strength.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website is a great resource for the latest list of approved dental products.
Alternatively, you may use dental wipes, or dental gels and sprays, which contain enzymes or antimicrobial agents that help to reduce plaque and tartar and are easy to apply for teeth and gums.
You may also consider incorporating specially formulated dry dog food designed to remove dental plaque.
Of course, a professional dental cleaning performed by a veterinarian remains the most effective way to remove stubborn plaque and address underlying dental issues, so regular visits to the veterinarian are still necessary.
💡 Take note that for most dental procedures, your dog would be placed under general anesthesia, to allow the veterinarian to conduct a thorough oral examination and properly clean above and below the gumlines.
Anesthesia is also necessary to prevent any stress and pain for the patient, and is very safe as your veterinarian would conduct a complete physical exam beforehand to ensure your dog’s safety.
Depending on the age and health of your dog, the veterinarian may also recommend blood work before the procedure, to ensure the optimal anesthetic dosage and treatment plan for your dog.
During the actual oral exam, just like a human dentist would, your veterinarian may then take dental x-rays to identify potential dental issues that are less visible. Post-procedure, the veterinarian would wake your dog and monitor their vitals as they recover, until they are safe to be discharged.
In summary, providing daily dental at-home care as well as annual checkups and professional dental cleaning with the veterinarian is most critical for your pet’s overall health.
Remember, your dog cannot tell you if they are experiencing any oral pain, so it is up to us to help our dogs and regularly check up on them.
Identifying any dental problems early on would also make dental disease easier to beat and more affordable, and result in a happier and healthier furkid.
References:
https://www.petmd.com/news/view/5-reasons-why-dog-dental-care-important-38003
https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/pet-dental-health-fact-or-fiction
https://lacvets.com/blog/how-often-dog-teeth-cleaning/
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=11934338&pid=19239&sx=248299036&n=1
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951292
https://www.advancedcarevet.com/site/blog/2022/06/22/how-often-dog-teeth-cleaning
https://www.mountpleasant.com.sg/education/dental-care-for-dogs-and-cats/
Jinghui Lean
