It is important to realize that your dog will rarely tell you when it is experiencing dental pain. All dogs will endure some level of dental disease and dental pain during their lives. The best way to minimize these issues for your dog is to start out with a great dental health routine at home. This should be supplemented with regular dental cleanings performed by veterinary professionals (a veterinarian and veterinary nurse to aid in the dental cleaning and patient care during the procedure).
Proper dental care at home consists of daily brushing. Just as with humans, dogs need plaque and biofilm removed from their teeth on a daily basis to avoid dental disease. The vast majority of dogs will accept daily brushing by their owners. We are here to teach you how to brush your dog’s teeth and provide you with the best brush and dental paste according to your dog’s size and flavor preference. It can be a bonding experience, and some dogs come to enjoy the process. However, not every dog will tolerate brushing, and not every person is able to perform it. We can work with you to find the next best solution for home care.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) lists many dog diets and treats that can be helpful if your dog will not tolerate brushing. These approved diets and treats provide supplemental dental care. However, just as humans require regular dental care, it takes more than a chew toy to properly care for your dog’s mouth, gums, and teeth.
During your regular veterinary visits, we will examine your dog’s teeth and show you any lesions that need to be addressed. We are most concerned with gingivitis, broken teeth, periodontal disease, and other painful oral conditions. Our doctors may recommend a veterinary-supervised dental cleaning.
We have compiled helpful information about dog dental care here. This content is not intended to diagnose or treat disease, but to help you understand proper canine dental care.
Dog Bad Breath, A Sign Of Things To Come
Dog bad breath is often mistaken as a normal canine trait. In reality, it is usually caused by bacteria living in infected gum and dental tissue. This odor is a sign of progressive dental disease and will not improve without professional dental cleaning and an appropriate home care plan.
Signs And Symptoms Of Dog Dental Issues
If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, please schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Blood in saliva or nasal discharge
- Lesions in the mouth
What A Veterinarian Looks For During A Dental Exam
During an oral examination, veterinarians assess for:
- Malocclusion or improper bite
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Facial swelling
- Tartar buildup
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cavities
- Abscesses
Your veterinarian will create a customized prevention or treatment plan based on exam findings.
Dog Dental Treatments
Dog dental care services at Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital, Inc begin with a comprehensive examination. When dental disease is present, we may recommend a professional cleaning under anesthesia. This allows for full oral evaluation, probing of gum pockets, and diagnostic dental x-rays. Because much of each tooth lies beneath the gum line, radiographs are essential for complete assessment and pain prevention.
Our veterinarians follow a comprehensive six-step dental treatment protocol:
- General anesthesia with continuous monitoring
- Full dental examination with radiographs and charting
- Ultrasonic and hand scaling above and below the gum line
- Polishing to reduce plaque adherence
- Flushing to remove debris and bacteria
- Oral surgery or extractions only when medically necessary
Oral Surgery For Dogs
If oral surgery is required, it can dramatically improve quality of life. Our team treats conditions including:
- Gingival surgery and tumor removal
- Extractions of damaged or impacted teeth
- Oral tumor excision
Our dental facility allows precise, effective treatment to relieve pain and restore oral health.
The Reality Of Periodontal Disease In Dogs
Periodontal disease is the most common condition in adult dogs. By three years of age, most dogs show signs of disease. Without treatment, it leads to pain, infection, and tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal disease is fully preventable with regular exams and cleanings.
How To Schedule Your Dog’s Dental Appointment
Scheduling an appointment is easy by phone or email. Our staff will make the experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your dog.