If your dog doesn’t like brushing with a toothbrush, you can use a piece of gauze instead. While not as effective as a toothbrush, gauze can still help remove plaque and bacteria. You can wipe the piece of gauze over your dog’s teeth two to three times a week to help maintain their dental health.
How to brush your dog’s teeth
If you introduce teeth brushing gradually and in a positive way, many dogs learn to accept it. It’s ideal to start this habit when your dog is a puppy. But adult dogs can also learn to have their teeth brushed.
Richardson recommends a gradual method of introducing teeth brushing:
Start by letting your dog taste a little bit of the toothpaste. Then, put some toothpaste on your finger. Rub your finger onto your dog’s teeth and gums. It may take your dog a week to a month to get used to this process.
Once your dog accepts your finger with the toothpaste, start to use a piece of gauze. Gently rub the gauze against your dog’s teeth to get them used to the rubbing feeling.
Next, progress to using a toothbrush. Gently lift up one side of your dog’s upper lip, then brush in small, circular motions. Only brush a few strokes at a time, and then stop and praise your dog. Repeat this process until you’ve brushed the outside of all of your dog’s teeth.
This can be a slow process, and it’s important to be patient with your dog. If your dog is ever anxious, stop. In the beginning, you may need to brush just a few teeth at a time. As your dog gets more comfortable, you’ll be able to brush more teeth each day.
Do dental treats really keep your dog’s teeth clean?
If you walk through a pet store or browse an online pet retailer’s site, you’ll find many dental products for sale. Dental chews, treats, foods, supplements, toys, and water additives are all marketed as being good for your dog’s health. But are they?
Richardson notes that the majority of dental products are not scientifically proven to be effective. She recommends that you review the Veterinary Oral Health Council's list of dog dental products. The products included on that list have been proven to be beneficial to your dog's health.
If you do decide to purchase dental treats or other products, know that they’re not a substitute for good dental care. Use those products in addition to, but not to replace, brushing your dog’s teeth.
How often should you see your vet for a professional dog teeth cleaning?
How often your dog needs a professional cleaning can vary. Many pets need a professional cleaning once every 6 or 12 months. Several factors can affect how often your dog needs a cleaning, including:
Age: Older dogs tend to need more frequent cleanings than younger dogs.
Breed and size: Smaller dogs and breeds tend to need dental cleanings more often than larger dogs. Smaller dogs have small mouths that can cause their teeth to be overcrowded. That overcrowding can lead to more tartar buildup.
Lifestyle: Lifestyle factors, like the food your dog eats and whether you brush their teeth at home, can affect how often your dog needs professional cleanings.
Your vet can provide advice about your dog’s teeth cleaning needs. They will perform a professional teeth cleaning under sedation. They will be able to do a more thorough cleaning than you can accomplish at home. Be sure to ask your vet about your dog’s dental health during their annual checkup.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of dog teeth cleaning?
Dog Teeth Cleaning VancouverAccording to Richardson, pet insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost of dental cleanings. However, some plans may include dental cleanings as part of a wellness package. Sometimes, the cleanings are covered up to a set amount each year.
Some pet insurance plans may include coverage for dental issues that are caused by a specific injury, like a broken tooth due to your dog chewing on a stone. It’s best to carefully check the fine print of your policy so you know exactly what’s included.
Your dog’s dental health relies on a healthy microbiome in his mouth. Like his gut microbiome, he needs beneficial bacteria to overcome pathogenic bacteria that lead to diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dog teeth cleaning can minimize bad bacteria and prevent diseases from taking hold in his body.
These are the main methods for cleaning your dog’s teeth to keep his teeth and gums healthy.
1. Dog Teeth Cleaning Without Anesthesia
Anesthesia-free dental cleaning is the regular method used on people all the time. And it can be done on dogs too. Most clinics provide this service by a veterinarian or a trained veterinary technician.
Anesthesia-free cleanings follow a four-step process:
Anesthesia-free cleanings follow a four-step process:
i. An ultrasonic cleaner or dental hygiene scaling instrument cleans the teeth and the area under the gum line.
ii. Using a probe, the technician will check for problems below the gum line.
iii. The teeth are polished to remove tartar and staining.
iv. The mouth is rinsed with a natural antiseptic to clear debris from the procedure.
Can be done on older dogs with health issues that can’t withstand anesthesia
It’s a shorter procedure that can be done on pets with anxiety
An alternative for dogs with low blood pressure, low heart rate or low blood oxygen
An alternative for dogs with poor kidney or liver function or heart issues
Can be done on dogs with a history of seizures
