How Vets Remove Tartar from Dogs Teeth: A Complete Guide
Vets remove tartar from dogs teeth primarily through a professional cleaning procedure called a dental prophylaxis, which involves scaling, polishing, and often fluoride treatment to remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. This ensures optimal oral health and prevents serious dental diseases.
Understanding Tartar Buildup in Dogs
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your dog’s teeth. If not removed through regular brushing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) within a few days. Tartar is a rough, porous substance that provides an ideal surface for more plaque to accumulate, leading to a vicious cycle of bacterial growth and inflammation. Left untreated, this can result in gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems. Understanding this progression is crucial for appreciating how vets remove tartar from dogs teeth.
The Benefits of Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian offers numerous benefits for your dog’s overall health:
- Improved Oral Health: Removes tartar and plaque, reducing the risk of gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss.
- Pain Relief: Eliminates discomfort caused by inflamed gums and infected teeth.
- Prevention of Systemic Disease: Reduces the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
- Fresher Breath: Eliminates bad breath caused by bacterial buildup.
- Early Detection of Dental Problems: Allows the veterinarian to identify and treat dental issues before they become severe.
The Dental Prophylaxis Procedure: Step-by-Step
The process of how vets remove tartar from dogs teeth usually involves the following steps, performed under general anesthesia for the dog’s safety and comfort:
- Pre-Anesthetic Examination and Bloodwork: To ensure your dog is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.
- Anesthesia Induction and Monitoring: The dog is carefully anesthetized, and vital signs (heart rate, respiration, blood pressure) are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
- Oral Examination: The vet thoroughly examines the mouth, noting any abnormalities, such as loose teeth, fractured teeth, or tumors.
- Scaling: Tartar is removed from the teeth using ultrasonic and hand scalers, both above and below the gum line. This is the core of how vets remove tartar from dogs teeth.
- Polishing: The teeth are polished with a special paste to smooth the enamel and prevent future plaque accumulation.
- Periodontal Probing: The depth of the gum pockets around each tooth is measured to assess the extent of periodontal disease.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): Fluoride can help strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Dental Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays may be taken to evaluate the tooth roots and surrounding bone, identifying any hidden problems.
- Extractions (If Necessary): If teeth are severely damaged or infected, they may need to be extracted.
- Post-Procedure Care: The dog is closely monitored as they recover from anesthesia, and pain medication may be prescribed.
Potential Risks and Complications
While dental cleaning is generally safe, there are potential risks associated with anesthesia, such as:
- Adverse reactions to anesthetic drugs.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Cardiovascular complications.
Other potential complications include:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Tooth sensitivity.
Your veterinarian will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.
The Importance of Home Dental Care
Professional dental cleaning is essential, but it’s equally important to maintain your dog’s oral hygiene at home. This includes:
- Brushing your dog’s teeth daily with a pet-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs.
- Providing dental chews and toys that help remove plaque and tartar.
- Feeding a dental diet formulated to reduce plaque buildup.
- Regular veterinary checkups to monitor your dog’s oral health.
Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make
- Neglecting home dental care: Relying solely on professional cleanings without brushing or providing dental chews.
- Using human toothpaste: Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
- Ignoring signs of dental disease: Bad breath, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, and pawing at the mouth can indicate dental problems.
- Waiting too long between professional cleanings: Depending on your dog’s breed and dental health, professional cleanings may be needed every 6-12 months.
Comparing Dental Cleaning Methods
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————————————————— | ———————————————————————————————————- | ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Professional Cleaning | Veterinary-performed scaling, polishing, and examination under anesthesia. | Most effective at removing tartar both above and below the gum line, allows for thorough examination. | Requires anesthesia, can be more expensive. |
| Anesthesia-Free Cleaning | Scaling performed without anesthesia. | Less expensive, avoids anesthetic risks. | Less thorough, only removes tartar above the gum line, can be stressful for the dog, may not be safe. |
| Home Dental Care | Daily brushing, dental chews, and dental diets. | Helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, improves oral hygiene. | Requires consistency, may not be sufficient to remove existing tartar. |
Anesthesia-free dental cleaning is often discouraged by veterinary professionals because it does not allow for a thorough examination of the mouth or effective removal of tartar below the gum line.
Conclusion
Understanding how vets remove tartar from dogs teeth and the importance of both professional cleanings and consistent home care is crucial for maintaining your dog’s overall health and well-being. By working closely with your veterinarian and implementing a comprehensive dental care plan, you can help prevent dental disease and ensure a happy, healthy life for your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the signs of tartar buildup in dogs?
Signs of tartar buildup in dogs can include bad breath, yellow or brown discoloration on the teeth, red or swollen gums (gingivitis), excessive drooling, difficulty eating, and pawing at the mouth. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
How often should my dog have a professional dental cleaning?
The frequency of professional dental cleanings depends on your dog’s breed, age, diet, and oral hygiene. Generally, most dogs benefit from professional cleaning every 6-12 months. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s individual needs and recommend a cleaning schedule.
Is anesthesia necessary for dental cleaning in dogs?
While anesthesia-free dental cleaning options exist, they are generally not recommended by veterinarians. Anesthesia allows for a thorough examination of the mouth, effective removal of tartar below the gum line, and pain management, ensuring the procedure is safe and comfortable for your dog.
What is the recovery process like after a dental cleaning?
After a dental cleaning, your dog may be drowsy due to the anesthesia. They may also experience some mild gum sensitivity. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding feeding and activity levels during the recovery period.
Can I remove tartar from my dog’s teeth at home?
While you can’t completely remove hardened tartar at home, regular brushing and the use of dental chews can help prevent tartar buildup. Home dental care is an important complement to professional cleanings.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to tartar buildup?
Yes, small breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are often more prone to tartar buildup due to their crowded teeth and tendency to accumulate plaque.
What are the long-term consequences of untreated tartar buildup?
Untreated tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Are dental chews an effective way to prevent tartar buildup?
Dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup by providing a mechanical abrasive action as the dog chews. However, they are not a substitute for regular brushing and professional cleanings. Choose dental chews specifically designed for oral health.
How much does a professional dental cleaning cost?
The cost of a professional dental cleaning can vary depending on the veterinarian, the location, and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, it can range from $300 to $800 or more.
What if my dog has a heart murmur or other health condition?
If your dog has a heart murmur or other health condition, your veterinarian may need to take extra precautions during the dental cleaning procedure, such as adjusting the anesthetic protocol or performing additional pre-anesthetic testing.
Can I use human dental products on my dog?
No, you should never use human dental products on your dog. Human toothpaste contains ingredients, such as fluoride and xylitol, that are toxic to dogs.
What should I do if my dog is afraid of having their teeth brushed?
Start slowly and gradually acclimate your dog to having their mouth touched. Use positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, to make the experience more pleasant. You can also try using a finger brush or a soft cloth instead of a toothbrush.