Five signs your dog may need a dental cleaning!
Many dog owners ask the question, “When does my dog need a dental cleaning?” During routine check-ups, your veterinarian completes a basic oral exam, but can only perform a thorough exam of your dog’s teeth and gums under general anesthesia. If your veterinarian suspects dental disease during a check-up, they’ll recommend a cleaning.
In-between check-ups, here are some clues that let you know it’s time for a thorough professional dental cleaning:
1) Bad breath. The most common cause of bad breath (also known as halitosis) in dogs is periodontal disease—a serious disease resulting in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth. If your dog has bad breath, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out other causes and assess if a dental cleaning is in order.
2) Tartar build-up. Tartar, which appears as hardened yellow or brown scale or staining, should never be present on your dog’s teeth. Even a small amount of tartar causes gingivitis, which leads to periodontal disease.
3) Swollen, red or bleeding gums. Gums that are swollen, red or bleeding indicate that your dog has a bacterial infection, gingivitis or abscessed teeth. Your dog needs a thorough dental examination under general anesthesia. Your veterinarian will likely do a thorough cleaning, take x-rays and may remove problem teeth to relieve your dog of pain and discomfort.
4) Difficulty eating. If your dog suddenly has difficulty chewing their food or loses interest in eating altogether, it could signal inflammation or infection caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease. Reluctance to eat hard foods or chew on their favorite chew toy can indicate that a dental issue is causing pain.
5) Age. Dental disease is not just an older dog problem—dogs often begin to show signs of dental disease by age two, and by just three years of age, most dogs have some form of dental disease! If no dental issues have been observed, dental cleanings should start at around three years of age and then annually after that to prevent periodontal disease.
What happens during a cleaning?
When your dog sees your veterinarian for a dental cleaning, they’ll be anesthetized to allow your veterinarian to:
During the procedure, your dog is monitored carefully to ensure their safety. Your dog will most likely go home the same day as the procedure and may seem a little groggy for the rest of the day. Your veterinary health care team will advise you regarding pain medication or antibiotics for your dog. Your dog will likely have a follow-up appointment seven to ten days after the cleaning.
