Why Dog Teeth Cleaning is Important

Have you ever tried cleaning your dog’s teeth? Do you sometimes wonder why people do this? If so, you’re not alone—many pet owners question whether or not it’s really necessary to clean a dog’s teeth, especially if she is still young.

Dog teeth cleaning is actually very important for pets, and there are a lot of reasons why. In this article, we’ll walk you through the main reasons to consider cleaning your dog’s teeth as early as possible and keeping up with regular teeth cleaning as well. Read on to find out more.

Longer-Lasting Teeth

Some dogs may start to lose their teeth as they get older, and some may suffer from rotting teeth as well. If you keep up with regular dental cleaning and toothbrushing for your dog, you can help her teeth last longer.

With longer-lasting teeth, your dog will be able to enjoy her favorite foods, treats, and toys for much longer as well. It’s a win-win!

Better Gum and Mouth Health

Cleaning your dog’s teeth often—professionally through the veterinarian and at home by brushing them—can help improve your pet’s gum and mouth health as well. Your dog’s gums will be less likely to become inflamed or infected, and her mouth will be less prone to abscesses and sores too.

You may also be able to reduce the risk of some types of mouth and gum cancer, depending on your dog’s other health factors and how frequently you clean her mouth. Better gum and mouth health can help keep your dog feeling great for longer, too.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Just like in humans, dental health is linked to heart health in dogs too. If you want to reduce your dog’s risk of heart disease, you can do a lot by keeping up with cleaning her teeth regularly. Cleaner teeth means a reduced chance that your dog will be affected by the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the bloodstream, which will keep her heart going strong.

If your dog already has early stages of heart disease, you can still help her out by cleaning her teeth yourself. However, your dog might not be a good candidate for professional dental cleaning, so talk to your vet for more information.

Early Detection of Problems

Grooming is a great way for you to keep track of your dog’s health and notice problems before they get out of hand, and dental cleaning is the same. By brushing your dog’s teeth yourself, you’ll be able to notice if there’s anything strange or out of place with her mouth, teeth, or gums before it becomes an issue.

This is also true if you take your dog to the groomer or vet for a cleaning. The groomer or vet will instead be able to recognize anything out of place in your pet’s mouth and let you know right away.

Reduced Pain

Dogs who suffer from rotting, broken, damaged, or diseased teeth also tend to be in a lot of pain. Pain can make dogs feel aggressive, frightened, anxious, or lethargic, and it can also cause them to stop eating and drinking well. By cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly, you can reduce her pain and help her feel better every day.

If you think your dog is in constant pain due to her dental health, talk to your veterinarian for some solutions. You may need to have your dog’s teeth pulled, professionally cleaned, or simply managed with the help of some pain medication.

Better Breath

Finally, your dog’s breath will smell better if you clean her teeth regularly—and that’s a plus for you and her both! Your dog will feel better with cleaner teeth and a healthy mouth, and you’ll want to spend more time cuddling and playing with her if her mouth doesn’t smell bad, too.

Better breath certainly isn’t the only important reason to clean your dog’s teeth, but it’s one of the driving factors in many pet owners’ decisions to move forward with regular dog teeth cleaning. Brushing at home and professional cleanings both can help.

Professional Dog Teeth Cleanings at Boston Veterinary Clinic

If you’re having trouble getting your dog used to having her teeth brushed, be sure to work very slowly. Introduce her to the idea of having her teeth touched first, then move on to introducing her to the toothbrush and toothpaste. You may need to start by just “brushing” her teeth with your finger and a little toothpaste at first.

Of course, some dogs will never let you do this; if your dog is completely against having her teeth cleaned, you’ll need to take her to the vet or groomer to have them brushed. You might also need to have her teeth cleaned professional by the vet every so often as well. To book at teeth cleaning appointment at Boston Veterinary Clinic use the online form!

Want to hear from Dr. Brian Bourquin himself about the importance of dental care? Listen to this Tails from the City podcast!