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Imagine if you had to go months without brushing your teeth or even for a couple of weeks. The implications will be severe as it has a significant impact on your life. Similarly, the teeth of your dog are no different. The majority of dog owners are unaware of the importance of regular teeth hygiene for their four-legged friends. The American Veterinary Dental College say that most dogs have some form of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old.As dogs have been domesticated, their lose their natural source of teeth cleaning and dental floss, which is the food they hunt. Even though dried and canned foods are high in nutrition, they don not provide the same level of dental hygiene as natural food.
Importance of teeth hygiene routine
Having regular teeth cleaning and checkup sessions can have a positive effect on your dog’s life in the following ways.
- Bacteria removalBy taking your dog regularly for dental cleanings and checkups, the vet will be able to remove bacteria and plaque that are present on the teeth. Due to bacteria and plaque buildup, it will eventually enter the blood stream of your canine friend. This will damage important organs such as the heart, kidney, and the liver. It will also damage the surrounding tissue as the bacteria releases toxins into the gum. If left untreated, the immune system will get activated and fight the bacteria. This will result in the tissues surrounding the gums to get damaged due to the white blood cells. Severe plaque buildup will severely affect the dog as the immune system gets damaged in the process.
- Easily detect dental problemsEven though it may look like your dog’s teeth are healthy, it might be the opposite. Suppose your canine is suffering from tooth pain, there is no way of knowing what is wrong with your dog. It is extremely good at hiding the pain from its owners. The vet will also look at the surrounding gums to assess the overall dental health of the dog. If there are other problems in the teeth of the dog, the vet will identify and deal with it before it becomes a major health concern.
- Longer life spanDid you know that good teeth hygiene is important in factors affecting lifespan? In fact, the overall health you’re your dog will increase by a good margin if you take care of its teeth. Over time, as the dog gets older, it will need extra dental hygiene requirements such as dealing with tooth wear and loss. If you are able to maintain your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, it will be able to live for much longer than expected.
Remember, it is extremely important that you brush the teeth of your dog on a regular basis. If you have any questions about teeth hygiene, leave a comment below to get it clarified.
How Much Will it Cost to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth?
As a pet owner, you’ve obviously heard about the importance of having your dog’s teeth cleaned. However, if you haven’t had it done before, you’re obviously concerned about the cost involved. Well, that’s why we’ve provided you with this guide of sorts. Go through it to get an idea of how much you would likely spend on cleaning your dog’s teeth.Also, an important word of advice would be is that you shouldn't count the cost when it comes to cleaning your dog’s teeth. Oral and dental health plays is very extremely important for your dog’s health. You could be helping your dog live a long and healthy life by paying attention to his/her teeth.
Standard costs
In general, a standard cleaning procedure at the vet’s office can cost anywhere from $70 to $350. The price differences come in when there are other factors involved. For example, the complexity of the task and the requirement for pre-anesthetic bloodwork prior to the procedure may raise the costs.There are also other cost raising factors such as the presence of periodontal disease and plaque buildup below the gum line and over the teeth.It has been estimated that the average claim amount submitted by pet insurance policy-holders amounts to $292. Regular brushing with toothpaste, which is usually done along with cleaning can cost about $30 to $60 annually. The prices vary based on the dog’s size. Apart from the brushing and cleaning, you could also end up spending on medications, which can vary based on the condition affecting the dog and what kind of medication the dog needs. In the case that your dog is diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease, you might have to send him/her in for surgery. This can set you back by a $1000. So, it’s best to keep your dog’s dental health in check as often as possible.
What to expect
The first thing the vet would do is carry out an examination. After which, he /she will administer anesthesia and remove plaque build-up or tartar. He/she may also smooth out the root surfaces. If the gums are deceased, the vet will clear out all the diseased tissue as well. The next step involves rinsing the mouth and polishing the teeth. Lastly, your dog may be given what is known as a fluoride treatment. This treatment helps harden the teeth enamel and reduces any discomfort that might be present.Most veterinarians also maintain medical records and your vet is likely to do the same. The record will list out details concerning the various tooth problems your dog might have been affected by, the procedures carried out, and the presence of diseases/infections etc. The record will be used for future reference and also for follow up procedures and examinations.