Dog Teeth Cleaning Process, Estimated Costs, and Anticipated Outcomes
The Importance of Dental Care for Dogs
Whilst we take great care of our own dental health, the same often isn't applied to our canine companions. Despite the significance of dental care for our pets' health and wellbeing, many owners neglect this aspect, either ignoring bad breath or dismissing the need for oral hygiene.
Engaging in regular at-home dental care and professional cleanings can prevent a plethora of health issues, from oral discomfort to systemic diseases. Dr. Jean Herrman, owner of Companion Animal Dental Services in Bolton, Connecticut, likens an unclean or uncared for mouth to an IV of bacteria, emphasizing the importance of dental care.
Neglecting dental care may result in severe dental diseases, causing pain from abscesses, nasal infections, gum loss, tooth loss, blindness, or even oral cancer. Systemically, periodontal disease can negatively impact the heart, liver, kidneys, cognitive function, and increase systemic inflammation. These potential problems call for prevention through home dental care as a crucial first step.
Daily home dental care, such as brushing, is the most effective means of prevention. If you're new to brushing your dog's teeth, adopt a slow and patient approach, starting with petting and talking to your dog, then gently lifting the lip, rubbing fingers along the teeth, and finally using a soft toothbrush or gauze to gently brush the teeth. Reward your dog with praise, play, or favorite treats to create a positive association and build trust.
Dental treats, diets, oral rinses, and dental wipes can also contribute to effective home dental care. Dental chews offer a means of scrubbing plaque, tartar, and battling bad breath, while water additives aid dental and gum health during hydration. Prescription dental diets, formulated to help improve oral health, are also an option, often containing bacteria-fighting ingredients and kibble designed to scrape away plaque and tartar.
Professional cleanings are recommended on an annual basis for all dog sizes, but smaller dogs (10 pounds or fewer) may require cleanings every nine months. It's crucial to start these cleanings early in your dog's life, as most dogs will have developed dental disease within the first three years.
Detecting the need for a professional cleaning can be signified by bad breath, yellow or brown teeth, red or swollen gums, bleeding from the mouth, changes in eating habits, facial swellings, or visible growths [1]. Regularity in both home and professional dental cleaning is essential for prevention, aiming to move toward a proactive approach rather than the current reactive one in veterinary care.
The dental cleaning process involves anesthesia and various exams, X-rays, cleanings, and potentially extractions or other procedures. Anesthesia-free cleanings are ineffective and potentially inhumane, as they cannot clean under the gums [2]. The costs for dental cleanings can vary, with a starting price of around $500 and potentially rising based on additional work and location [3]. A pet insurance policy may not cover routine dental care, but the CareCredit health and pet care credit card can help manage costs.
In summary, regular dental care for dogs is vital for preventing painful oral diseases and broader health complications. Routine home care and veterinary dental check-ups are essential to detect and treat issues early, ensuring dogs remain healthy and comfortable throughout their lives [4][5].
References:
[1] "Importance of Dog Dental Care: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention." PetMD, www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/dental/c_dg_periodontal_disease.[2] "Anesthesia Free Dental Cleaning: Myths vs Facts." VeterinaryPartner.com, www.vetpartner.com/Content/Articles/News/Myths-vs-Facts-Anesthesia-Free-Dental-Cleaning.aspx.[3] "Average Cost of Dog Dental Cleaning." Rover.com, www.rover.com/blog/cost-of-dog-dental-cleaning/.[4] "Dental Disease – Overview." VCA Hospitals,vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-overview.[5] "Dental Care – Play It Safe." AVMA, www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/dogs/dental-care.
- Pet insurance policies might not cover routine dental care for pets, but the CareCredit health and pet care credit card can help manage costs associated with dental cleanings.
- Neglecting mental health, in addition to physical health aspects like dental care, can lead to various issues in pets, just as it does in humans.
- To maintain overall health and wellness in pets, it's important to consider aspects such as nutrition, skin care, fitness, and mental health in addition to dental care and regular veterinary check-ups.
