Dog Teeth Cleaning
Having your dog’s teeth cleaned is a critical aspect of maintaining health for the long term. Uncovering and dealing with decay or gum disease, especially before it becomes a problem, can go a long way in keeping your dog in good health. Thorough teeth cleaning will keep your dog’s breath fresher and teeth and gums healthy.
Signs of bad dental health
Some signs that your dog may exhibit that you should watch for include:
- Bad breath: this indicates that there could be bacterial deposits, gum disease, or rotted teeth that need treatment.
- Teeth are covered with brown or black patches: this is evidence of plaque buildup that should be addressed.
- Whimpering when eating or difficulty chewing: this could indicate the presence of a bad tooth or decay.
Being aware of your dog’s oral health before problems arise is key in preventing many diseases and health issues developing in your furry friend.
How often does my dog need his/her teeth cleaned?
Canines in the wild often chew on bones or sticks which help to keep their teeth clean. Learning how to maintain dog oral hygiene at home, as well as getting regular teeth cleanings are some of the ways to keep your pooch happy. Depending on their diet and lifestyle, visits to the vet for dental cleanings could be scheduled either once or twice a year. The best way to determine how often your dog needs to have a teeth cleaning is to visit with us at Affordable Animal Hospital for a checkup. Our veterinary staff can also offer suggestions for maintaining oral health at home between cleanings.
What are some things that I can do at home to clean their teeth?
Some things that you can do at home are:
- Use a soft toothbrush or finger toothbrush to clean their teeth
- Give them teeth cleaning treats to chew on
How does good dental hygiene relate to overall health?
Good dental hygiene is integral to maintaining dog health. Preventing tooth decay ensures that your dog will be able to use its teeth for the rest of his/her life. Preventing gum disease will also ensure that their mouths stay healthy. Healthy gums mean that bacteria in the mouth are less likely to enter the bloodstream which can lead to health problems which can worsen over time. Digestion of food also starts in the mouth, and healthy teeth mean that dogs will have an easier time eating food and will stay nourished.
Dog Tooth Extraction
If your dog needs a tooth extracted, either due to decay or damage, our team at Affordable Animal Hospital in Whittier are ready to help! Dogs teeth go deep into the bone and require a greater level of effort to remove than human teeth.
How do I know if I need to get my dog’s tooth extracted?
Some signs to watch out for that could alert you that your dog needs an examination for a potential tooth extraction:
- Your dog may be reluctant to eat, or their eating habits may change
- They whimper while eating which could indicate a bad tooth
- They have very bad breath
- The affected tooth has gone dark, black, yellow, or become a different color from the surrounding teeth
- They are constantly pawing at their mouth
- Gums are swollen, red, and/or bleeding
- Increased drooling
Bringing your dog in for an examination and X-rays can determine if anything is occurring below the gums that could be dangerous to his or her health.
Human pain relievers are not for dogs
Human pain relievers have not been approved for use on dogs as dogs require special canine-specific pain relievers in doses that are appropriate to their size. It is of the utmost importance that they are only given doses in the specified amounts for their weight class to avoid any complications. Our veterinary staff will prescribe specific pain relievers for your dog as many nerve endings will have been affected by the extraction.
The tooth removal procedure
The procedure starts by administering general anesthesia. This ensures a smooth and quick extraction without upsetting your dog or causing fear or anxiety. Due to the depth of the teeth into the bone, the procedure is more involved than a regular tooth extraction. The tooth socket will be surgically closed to speed recovery and may be packed around with gauze to inhibit bleeding. Your dog’s health will be greatly improved once any decayed teeth are removed.
What are some things that I can do at home to clean their teeth?
Some things that you can do at home are:
- Use a soft toothbrush or finger toothbrush to clean their teeth
- Give them teeth cleaning treats to chew on
How does good dental hygiene relate to overall health?
Good dental hygiene is integral to maintaining dog health. Preventing tooth decay ensures that your dog will be able to use its teeth for the rest of his/her life. Preventing gum disease will also ensure that their mouths stay healthy. Healthy gums mean that bacteria in the mouth are less likely to enter the bloodstream which can lead to health problems which can worsen over time. Digestion of food also starts in the mouth, and healthy teeth mean that dogs will have an easier time eating food and will stay nourished.
Contact Us
Affordable Animal Hospital Whittier
7247 Painter Ave.
Whittier, Ca 90602
Tel:
(562) 444-5611
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: 9am-5pm
