Proper dental care is crucial for keeping your dog healthy and happy and extending their lives. Like humans, dogs can get buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular teeth brushing and cleaning is essential to a dog’s overall health regimen. In this blog, we’ll explore the different teeth-cleaning methods for dogs, focusing on non-anesthetic and anesthetic options to help you make the best choice.
Importance of Dental Hygiene in Dogs
Dental health in dogs is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as other aspects of their health. Not caring for your dog’s teeth can lead to serious health issues, including infections, tooth loss, and even systemic issues such as heart disease. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent these problems and spare your dog from the pain and discomfort of dental ailments. Be sure to check your doggo insurance to see if you have dog teeth cleaning coverage!
Non-Anesthetic Teeth Cleaning
Non-anesthetic dental (NAD) cleaning is a popular choice for pet parents who wish to avoid the risks associated with anesthesia. This method involves:
1. Manual Removal of Plaque and Tartar
A trained veterinary technician uses specialized instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from the dog’s teeth without the use of anesthesia.
2. Benefits
- No Anesthesia Risks: Ideal for older dogs or those with health issues where anesthesia might pose a significant risk.
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than anesthetic cleanings.
- Quick Recovery: Dogs recover immediately and can resume their daily activities right away.
3. Limitations
- Not for All Dogs: Dogs that are anxious or uncooperative may not tolerate this type of cleaning well.
- Surface Cleaning Only: NAD cleaning is less thorough than anesthetic cleaning. It does not allow for cleaning below the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins.
Anesthetic Teeth Cleaning
Anesthetic dog teeth cleaning involves placing your dog under general anesthesia to allow the veterinarian to deep clean above and below the gum line. This method includes:
Thorough Cleaning
- The use of anesthesia allows the vet to thoroughly clean the teeth using ultrasonic scalers and hand tools, reaching areas that are otherwise not accessible to an awake dog. This thoroughness ensures your dog’s dental health is in the best possible condition.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Cleaning: It is more efficacious in preventing periodontal disease, allowing for a deep clean under the gumline.
- Less Stressful for the Dog: The dog is asleep, eliminating the stress and discomfort during cleaning.
- Opportunity for a Full Oral Examination: The vet can check your dog’s teeth and gums for signs of oral health issues that must be addressed.
Considerations
- Risk of Anesthesia: While modern veterinary anesthesia is generally safe, there is always a negligible risk, especially for senior dogs
- Cost: Typically more expensive than non-anesthetic cleaning due to the equipment, medications, and staff required.
Vet-Approved Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Maybe try Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control Kit for Dogs. It contains toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a fingerbrush and reduces plaque and tartar buildup. I use this brand for my dog’s teeth cleaning routine and this spiky ball, which she loves to play with constantly. It’s great for entertainment and also helps clean up tartar buildup.
By choosing vet-approved brushes and toothpaste, you ensure that the dental care you provide at home is both safe and effective for your dog. A gentle reminder to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new dental regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for your dog’s dental health needs.
If you are in southern California, I plan to use Green Dog Dental (they have an office on the Westside and in the Valley) for my dog and cat’s dental wellness needs, both anesthetic and non-anesthetic. Happy doggy wellness to you and your pup(s)!