Your dog’s bad breath might be a sign of dental issues. Smaller breeds, like pugs, have a higher risk due to overcrowded teeth. This blog will guide you on when professional dog teeth cleaning is necessary and how it can prevent serious problems.
Keep reading to learn more!
The Importance of Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning
Making sure your dog’s teeth are clean is crucial for its overall health. Smaller breeds, such as Pugs, often face a higher risk of developing periodontal disease because their crowded teeth lead to more dental problems.
Since these issues can start early, regular dental care becomes essential not just for maintaining oral health but also for preventing more serious diseases.
Dental exams should be an annual routine for dogs older than seven years to keep their teeth and gums healthy. For small breeds and senior dogs known to have a greater susceptibility to dental issues due to jaw size and tooth crowding, professional cleaning might be necessary more frequently.
This proactive approach to canine oral hygiene helps in catching potential problems early on and ensures the longevity of your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Common Dental Issues in Dogs
Understanding the importance of dental health for dogs leads us to common dental issues that can affect them. These issues compromise their oral hygiene and can also lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.
- Periodontal disease – Considered as the most common dental issue in dogs. It is usually caused by gingivitis or the inflammation of gums and can progress to the point that it affects the bones and structures supporting their teeth.
- Tooth fractures – Dogs can break their teeth by chewing on hard objects like bones or hard toys. This condition can cause pain and lead to infection if not treated.
- Tooth root abscesses – Usually caused by untreated dental disease or tooth fractures that infect the root of a tooth.
- Malocclusion – Some dogs have misaligned teeth due to genetic factors or injuries. This can cause difficulty in eating and increase the risk of dental disease.
- Halitosis – While occasional bad breath is normal, persistent bad breath can indicate dental disease or other health issues.
Breeds Prone to Dental Issues
Genetics plays a significant role in a dog’s likelihood of developing dental diseases, indicating some breeds may inherit poor dental health traits. Pugs and other small breeds, as well as brachycephalic dogs, are particularly at risk due to overcrowded teeth and the unique structure of their jaws.
- Chihuahuas
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Pomeranians
- Maltese
- Toy poodles
- Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
Understanding Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning
To grasp what professional dog teeth cleaning involves, let’s start with the dental exam. Vets check for any signs of trouble, like gum disease or loose teeth, before deciding on the next steps.
The cleaning process itself gets rid of tartar and plaque build-up, keeping your dog’s mouth healthy and fresh.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam
A vet inspects your dog’s teeth and gums to check for signs of periodontal disease, which is common in smaller breeds like Pugs due to overcrowded teeth. They look for any indications of dental problems that are frequent among dog breeds prone to these issues.
The examination often includes a detailed assessment of the dog’s oral health, focusing on detecting early symptoms of dental diseases. For dogs over seven years old, annual exams are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums since they’re more at risk for dental issues.
Procedure for a Professional Cleaning
- The vet starts by examining your dog’s mouth to assess overall dental health and identify any issues.
- Next, they perform a deep cleaning above and below the gum line, removing tartar and plaque buildup that can lead to serious dental problems if left untreated.
- After the removal of tartar, the vet polishes the teeth to smooth out any rough spots where future bacteria could gather.
- To complete the procedure, they may apply fluoride or sealants that help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.
This process often requires dogs, especially those over seven years of age, or breeds susceptible to dental issues to be under anesthesia for their comfort and safety during cleaning.
Benefits of Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning
- Professional teeth cleaning for dogs can prevent periodontal disease, which smaller dog breeds are especially vulnerable to due to their jaw size and tooth crowding.
- Annual dental exams recommended for dogs over seven years help catch and treat potential dental issues early, maintaining oral health.
- Dogs like Pugs that have overcrowded teeth benefit significantly from professional cleanings, reducing the risk of dental disease.
- Regular professional cleanings ensure the removal of plaque and tartar build-up, decreasing the chance of severe dental problems in all dog breeds.
- Considering genetics plays a role in a dog’s susceptibility to dental diseases, professional cleanings offer an extra layer of prevention by addressing these breed-specific risks.
- For senior dogs and small breeds who require more frequent care, professional dental cleaning provides customized solutions to meet their unique needs.
How to Save Money on Your Dog’s Dental Care
Learning to take care of your dog’s teeth at home can cut down on costly vet visits. Explore more ways to protect your pet’s smile and wallet.
At-Home Preventative Care
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to educe their risk of developing periodontal disease.
- Introduce canine dental care routines early in life to help dogs get used to the feeling of a toothbrush, making it easier to maintain their oral health as they grow older.
- Provide chew toys designed specifically for dental hygiene to aid in cleaning their teeth and massaging their gums.
- Regularly check your dog’s mouth for signs of disease, including bad breath, swollen gums, or loose teeth to catch problems before they require professional intervention.
- Offer a diet that promotes dental health; some foods are formulated to help clean teeth as your dog eats.
- Schedule annual vet exams to identify any emerging dental issues early and keep their mouths healthy.
Pet insurance Coverage for Dental Procedures
Pet insurance can ease the financial burden of professional teeth cleanings and treatments related to dental health issues. Policies may vary widely in what they offer, so finding one that includes comprehensive dental coverage is key.
Such insurance policies often cover annual exams essential for detecting early signs of periodontal disease, which is especially crucial for dogs over seven years old and those predisposed to oral health issues.
This proactive approach ensures your canine companion maintains optimal dental hygiene and mitigates the high costs associated with professional dental cleaning and any subsequent treatments required for maintaining the overall wellbeing of your dog’s mouth.
Identifying Early Signs of Dental Issues
Recognizing the early signs of dental issues plays an important role in ensuring your dog’s dental care. This allows pet owners to stay on top of dental issues before they progress into severe conditions. Here are the telltale signs that you should watch out for:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Red or swelling gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reduced interest in chew toys
- Brownish crusts along the gumline
If you notice any of the aforementioned signs, it may be time to schedule a dental visit for your dog.
Schedule a Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning Today!
Understanding breeds prone to dental issues and recognizing the need for professional teeth cleaning is a game-changer. Smaller dogs, seniors, and brachycephalic breeds often face higher risks.
Regular check-ups and cleanings play a crucial role in preventing periodontal disease. At-home care combined with professional cleanings maintains optimal oral health. These actions are practical, efficient, and significantly improve your dog’s well-being.
Don’t wait; schedule a professional cleaning with Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center today to ensure your furry friend enjoys a healthy, happy smile.