Regular teeth cleaning by vet?

[Spotherisk]

My lurcher, born April 2021, has rubbish teeth. I think I’ve mentioned the problem on here before and I have been brushing his teeth which he tolerates with good grace, but it doesn’t seem to have made any difference - the back ones are so badly covered with tartar that you can barely see any tooth (I was hoping that with home brushing, giving paddywhack etc they would have improved). Obviously he will be off to the vet for assessment but has anyone had to go through regular teeth work for their dog and is it only vets that do this work (and do it well), or are there dog dentists? He is not a brave dog and going to the vet completely terrifies him (he was castrated at same vets, I have no doubt that he was treated well there, he is just understandably frightened).

 

[scats]

I do teeth cleaning using the Cleany teeth ultrasonic toothbrush.
However, I assess all new dogs first and if there is any gum involvement or the build up is too bad, I refer them to the vet.
However, for surface build up of plaque, it’s very effective.

I successfully treat lots of dogs. I also do a lot of dogs who have had to go under GA to have it done at the vets, and the owners come to me every few months to stop that situation happening again.

You might find a decent local groomer who offers it, but they should always suggest that they will assess and check the teeth first. Alarm bells are when someone says they can definitely sort them, without knowing what they are dealing with.
I am one of the only groomers in the area who offers it so I am very busy with teeth.

 

[Spotherisk]

I do teeth cleaning using the Cleany teeth ultrasonic toothbrush.
However, I assess all new dogs first and if there is any gum involvement or the build up is too bad, I refer them to the vet.
However, for surface build up of plaque, it’s very effective.

I successfully treat lots of dogs. I also do a lot of dogs who have had to go under GA to have it done at the vets, and the owners come to me every few months to stop that situation happening again.

Ah that’s interesting, thank you very much

 

[Clodagh]

Not helping your problem but I was told that long dogs tend to dreadful teeth as the way their lips and snozzles are designed there is very little saliva wash compared to dogs like Labradors, for example.

 

[scats]

These were the results in one half hour session. Some dogs need a few sessions. I think this dog came back for one more after this as there was a bit on the back teeth that needed another go.

 

[AmyMay]

That’s incredible @scats

 

[Spotherisk]

Not helping your problem but I was told that long dogs tend to dreadful teeth as the way their lips and snozzles are designed there is very little saliva wash compared to dogs like Labradors, for example.

Yes I’d read this too. Last lurcher didn’t have a problem until old age but Rew looks dreadful.

 

[Spotherisk]

These were the results in one half hour session. Some dogs need a few sessions. I think this dog came back for one more after this as there was a bit on the back teeth that needed another go. View attachment 120435

30 mins is great too, not overly stressy. Now to find someone nearby who does it!

 

[Barton Bounty]

So my staffy has this issue, she has just had an abscess and three teeth removed… so looking for something I can do at home to help her once her stitches dissolve

 

[Barton Bounty]

Right now after her check up

 

[Spotherisk]

Aw she looks so happy!

 

[Barton Bounty]

Aw she looks so happy!

Shes the happiest wee dog

 

[druid]

RCVS Statement on anaesthesia free "dentals" - link

Every time this comes up, I share this link. The issue being that white teeth mean very little in dental health terms in most dogs. The xrays of bone loss with apparently good teeth, peridontal pockets only found with careful probing (painful so absolutely should not be done awake) and the lingual/tongue surface of the teeth being poorly treated by this kind of procedure are just a few of the issues.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

RCVS Statement on anaesthesia free "dentals" - link

Every time this comes up, I share this link. The issue being that white teeth mean very little in dental health terms in most dogs. The xrays of bone loss with apparently good teeth, peridontal pockets only found with careful probing (painful so absolutely should not be done awake) and the lingual/tongue surface of the teeth being poorly treated by this kind of procedure are just a few of the issues.

Thank you for sharing. I am really thinking about dental options for our Greyhound, and weighing up the need for a scale/polish at some point with potential GA sensitivity. It helps to have as much info about the different teeth care options as possible.

 

[AmyMay]

So we shouldn’t attempt to clean our dogs teeth?

 

[Spotherisk]

Thanks Druid, I’m decided on the vet for starters and go from there.

 

[SkylarkAscending]

Thank you for sharing. I am really thinking about dental options for our Greyhound, and weighing up the need for a scale/polish at some point with potential GA sensitivity. It helps to have as much info about the different teeth care options as possible.

I totally understand the caution about GA sensitivity in greyhounds, I had them for years - I also had multiple dentals on a number of dogs with no bad side effects, I personally would say the potential risk is far outweighed by the resulting quality of life following a dental.

Some of my greyhounds ended up with no teeth at all…. one had the 4 canine teeth left…. I think the most out at any one time was 18 teeth? But it was the right thing in every case

 

[scats]

Unfortunately I know many people who are put off having dental procedures done at the vets because of a) anaesthetic and b) the cost.
A regular customer of mine was quoted £570 for teeth cleaning under GA. She said she could not afford it and asked me if I could help. I got the dog completely cleared in one session.
I know a lot of people who simply won’t put their dog under GA to have the procedure done, or they can’t afford it, so if I didn’t offer the service I do, those dogs wouldn’t get any dental attention, potentially leading to more problems.
With the rising cost of veterinary services, people are being put off. It’s not always as simple as saying people should get them done at the vets, in reality.

 

[scats]

30 mins is great too, not overly stressy. Now to find someone nearby who does it!

The brush doesn’t vibrate or make any noise either, so provided the dog can cope with having a brush held against their teeth for a few minutes at a time, they should be fine.

 

[Spotherisk]

The brush doesn’t vibrate or make any noise either, so provided the dog can cope with having a brush held against their teeth for a few minutes at a time, they should be fine.

I brush his teeth with a finger brush, he is an easy lad and doesn’t make it difficult. His teeth look awful so I’m thinking vet for starters and then a non-vet routine hopefully just from me at home. He’s on decent dry food, gets treats when training, but he’s not a chewer and doesn’t have a wet mouth.

 

[Cortez]

I have pointy-nose dogs, as a breed/type they often have dreadful tartar and plaque and Some had to have teeth out in the past. I started feeding a seaweed product made here in Ireland about 6 months ago and have been absolutely amazed - ALL are now 99% plaque free. It’s called Canident. I’m a rather sceptical person generally, but this absolutely has worked.

*tooth brushing was a hard “no”.

 

[Widgeon]

It’s called Canident. I’m a rather sceptical person generally, but this absolutely has worked.

I've been deliberating over a similar product for a while but it's much more expensive - think I will give this a go. Thanks!

 

[AmyMay]

I've been deliberating over a similar product for a while but it's much more expensive - think I will give this a go. Thanks!

I’ve also ordered some.

But the question remains @druid . Should we not be brushing our dog’s teeth??

 

[MurphysMinder]

I’ve also ordered some.

But the question remains @druid . Should we not be brushing our dog’s teeth??

That link seems to be referring to procedures such as ultrasonic toothbrushes and lay people using sharp implements to scrape tartar . As most vets actively recommend brushing teeth, and give out free toothbrushes, I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be considered a procedure so you are fine to continue.

 

[Boulty]

I’d say for mild tartar or to help with maintenance after a dental then an ultrasonic toothbrush with a groomer may be appropriate (toothbrush NOT scaler as a proper scaler should not be used conscious) however if there is gum inflammation (especially if you’re getting bleeding when brushing) / recession or large amounts of tartar then would advise an assessment by the vet & dental under GA if they think that’s appropriate. You can’t properly assess things like bone loss without X-rays and sometimes teeth that look visually fine can be on the verge of causing a problem & need removing.

Unfortunately sighhounds (especially greyhounds / lurchers) seem to be especially prone to terrible teeth even if you’re doing everything right and there does seem to be some variation in individual dogs. (I had a Cavalier as a kid that honestly never needed a dental. The Hooligan is 2 and I think will need one in the next year or so as he just has a naturally manky mouth despite lots of dental chews)

 

[druid]

Teeth brushing is great, and I have had lots of people say Canident worked well for them too (I've not tried it personally but it looks good). What isn't great is the use of brushing, ultrasonic brushing, manual scraping etc in the place of proper dental care. Tooth brushing doesn't mean we don't need to the visit the dentist and the same goes for our dogs. It's what is beneath the gum that can be concerning. I've shared dental xrays here before of bone loss around the tooth roots in dogs with apparently white, shiny "healthy" teeth - I guess think of it as the visible tooth being the tip of the iceberg?

Also, I do absolutely no dentistry work as a vet so have no monetary gain by saying any of this.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Teeth brushing is great, and I have had lots of people say Canident worked well for them too (I've not tried it personally but it looks good). What isn't great is the use of brushing, ultrasonic brushing, manual scraping etc in the place of proper dental care. Tooth brushing doesn't mean we don't need to the visit the dentist and the same goes for our dogs. It's what is beneath the gum that can be concerning. I've shared dental xrays here before of bone loss around the tooth roots in dogs with apparently white, shiny "healthy" teeth - I guess think of it as the visible tooth being the tip of the iceberg?

Also, I do absolutely no dentistry work as a vet so have no monetary gain by saying any of this.

My vet told me of a case she had where a dog had a huge infection under the gum despite regular cleaning with ultrasonic and apparently healthy white teeth. Infection had eaten into the jaw bone. Again no monetary gain for telling me this as my little lad had just had a dental with her.
Would you say you have seen better results with Canident over Plaque off ?

 

[druid]

My vet told me of a case she had where a dog had a huge infection under the gum despite regular cleaning with ultrasonic and apparently healthy white teeth. Infection had eaten into the jaw bone. Again no monetary gain for telling me this as my little lad had just had a dental with her.
Would you say you have seen better results with Canident over Plaque off ?

I've not used either personally, just had people tell me them were using Canident and happy with it

 

[millitiger]

One of our whippets always had bad teeth

He now goes to the groomer every 6 weeks for nail trim and teeth clean and it works really well.

The other whippet has snazzy white teeth naturally and LOVES having her nails trimmed at home

 

[Barton Bounty]

Unfortunately I know many people who are put off having dental procedures done at the vets because of a) anaesthetic and b) the cost.
A regular customer of mine was quoted £570 for teeth cleaning under GA. She said she could not afford it and asked me if I could help. I got the dog completely cleared in one session.
I know a lot of people who simply won’t put their dog under GA to have the procedure done, or they can’t afford it, so if I didn’t offer the service I do, those dogs wouldn’t get any dental attention, potentially leading to more problems.
With the rising cost of veterinary services, people are being put off. It’s not always as simple as saying people should get them done at the vets, in reality.

Shes not lying about the price I was that two years ago with Gixx