Pet Dental Cleaning

Pet parents are becoming more and more aware of how important dental health is for a pet’s overall wellbeing. With this growing awareness and clinical studies showing that 80-90 percent of dogs over the age of 3 have some degree of periodontal disease, it’s no surprise that pet parents are spending more on dental care than ever before. 
Why Dogs May Need Professional Dental Cleaning A professional dog dental cleaning is needed to remove plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth, as well as beneath the gumline. Professional dental cleanings are usually performed when the dog has tartar build-up on the teeth, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), periodontal disease, and/or fractured teeth. Professional dental cleanings are performed with your dog under general anesthesia. This allows the veterinarian to examine every surface of the tooth, to probe and clean under the gumline, to take X-rays of the teeth, and to perform any necessary treatments. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that small dogs have a full dental cleaning that includes dental X-rays by the time they are 1 year old and that large dogs have one by the time they’re 2 years old. Some veterinarians recommend annual dental cleanings while other veterinarians recommend dental cleanings based on what they see when they examine your dog’s mouth.  Your dog’s annual or biannual wellness exams should include an oral exam that can be used to aid these decisions.