Signs Your Dog Needs Dental Cleaning

By the time a dog is three years old, they have already experienced some form of dental or gum disease that in turn can cause issues with their overall health. Today our Union City vets share some information about dog dental care and signs that your dog needs a dental cleaning.

Dental Care & Cleanings For Your Dog

When a dog does not receive adequate dental care from an early age it can cause various dental and overall health conditions that can be detrimental to their wellbeing. Most dogs by the time they are three have experienced dental or gum disease which is linked to various health conditions.

Periodontal disease can cause various systemic diseases such as heart disease not only in humans but in our canine companions as well.

Periodontal disease in dogs has been linked to heart disease due to bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth, potentially causing problems with other organs and damaging heart function. These complications are in addition to the more obvious issue of pain caused by eroded gums and missing or damaged teeth.

At-home oral health care routines, combined with dental diets and treats, can go a long way toward assisting your pup in cleaning their teeth and controlling plaque and tartar buildup. One of the best ways that you can ensure the dental health of your dog is to bring them to your Union City vet for routine dental exams and cleanings.

When you prioritize your pet's annual wellness exam, we can be proactive about signs of periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis, bad breath, tooth decay, gum loss, and pain.

If you skip your dog's annual professional cleaning, he or she may develop gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and, in severe cases, pain, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Signs That Your Dog Needs a Dental Cleaning

Some of the reasons that can affect how often you should bring your dog in for a cleaning and examination are:

Your Dog's Age

Older dogs require more dental care than younger dogs, simply because time, diet, and eating habits all contribute to oral decay. If your dog is over the age of seven, you should have an annual exam with your veterinarian to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy.

Your Dog's Size & Breed

Most dogs do not require dental care until they are six or seven years old. But smaller breeds and toy dogs may require dental cleanings as young as two years old. This is because their teeth are large in comparison to their mouths, causing overcrowding. Smaller breeds (such as Yorkies) are notorious for retaining both their baby and adult teeth.

Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, for example, and others with short faces and noses are more prone to dental disease. Small dogs have very shallow tooth roots, so any type of periodontal disease can be more severe in them than in larger dogs. Another breed-related dental issue is malocclusion, which occurs when the jaws are misaligned and do not connect properly.

Larger dogs do not have the same dental concerns as small dogs, but they are more prone to damaged or cracked teeth as a result of strong chewing habits, which can cause oral pain, loss of appetite, and irritable behavior. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you when and how often your dog should undergo dental care if you schedule regular exams with them.

Your Dog's Lifestyle

The frequency with which you should have your dog's teeth cleaned is also determined by your lifestyle and at-home dental health. If you brush your dog's teeth regularly and feed him dry food or a dental diet, these precautions may help in the time between professional cleanings. If your dog primarily has a diet of soft food then they may require more frequent care and cleanings.

Dental Examinations For Your Dog

Our Union City vets at Reelfoot Animal Hospital recommend bringing your dog in for an annual wellness exam to help prevent periodontal disease. We will examine their mouth for early signs of disease during this visit. Periodontal disease symptoms include the following:

If you notice signs of periodontal disease in your pet, be sure to contact your vet right away to schedule a dental assessment for your pet. Oral health issues can become severe if left untreated and cause your pet a great deal of pain and discomfort.

Our veterinarians examine all pets to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and, if necessary, perform additional diagnostics to ensure that a dentist is safe for your pet. We will perform a full oral exam (tooth-by-tooth) with charting (just like your dentist does during your examinations) and x-ray the teeth once your pet has been safely sedated. X-rays are necessary for the medical team to understand the extent of periodontal disease beneath the gum line, which typically reveals hidden diseases.

Once we gather information from the full oral exam, charting, and x-rays, we can create a customized treatment plan for your pet that includes cleaning and polishing your pup’s teeth, both above and below the gum line.

Brushing & Cleaning Your Dogs Teeth

As a pet owner, you play a pivotal role in helping your pup fight dental disease. Here are a few easy ways that you can help to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy:

• Use a finger brush from your vet or a child’s toothbrush along with specially designed pet toothpaste to brush your pet’s teeth daily to remove any plaque or debris.
• Use a plaque prevention product (your vet can recommend some), which you can apply to your pet’s teeth and gums or add to their drinking water. These products act as a barrier to prevent plaque buildup.
• Offer your pup treats such as dental chews or special foods 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 wellness exam 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.