Maintaining your dog’s dental health is an essential part of their overall, lifelong care. At Minnieville Animal Hospital in Woodbridge, VA, we work hard to emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings to safeguard your pet’s oral health and overall wellness. Beyond keeping your pet’s teeth clean and their breath fresh, dental care ensures a healthier, and potentially longer, life for your dog.
If you have any questions about your dog’s dental care, don’t hesitate to contact us at (703) 680-4000. Our team is always ready to help you in any way you need!
Understanding Dog Dental Care and Teeth Cleaning
Proper dental care for dogs is meant to be preventative; that is, it’s about preventing tooth decay, dental disease, and other oral health problems that can affect your pet’s life. Removing plaque and tartar buildup can solve an untold number of oral problems before they can even start! To thoroughly remove plaque and tartar and round out your pet’s dental regimen, they should see their veterinarian for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings here at Minnieville Animal Hospital. Plus, we can educate you further about keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and recommend additional options to round out their treatment.
Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning: What It Involves
While home dental care is a great start for your pet, professional teeth cleaning by a veterinarian is key for your dog’s oral health. At Minnieville Animal Hospital, our veterinarians conduct detailed dental exams, X-rays, and teeth cleanings. These steps are vital in preventing dental diseases and catching hidden oral health issues early. Our cleaning process involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line with scaling instruments, something brushing alone cannot achieve, along with checking the gums for deep pockets and providing antibiotics to clear out any existing infection.
Home Dental Care: Steps for Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy
Home dental care, which should include daily teeth cleaning, is the most effective way to maintain excellent oral health for your dog. It can play a major role in reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar, and in turn, prevent dental disease.
Here’s how you can start:
- Select dog-friendly dental wipes that are specifically formulated for pets (human dental products can harm pets).
- Introduce your dog to the dental wipes gradually, starting with letting them sniff and lick the wipe to become accustomed to its texture and scent.
- Gently wipe your pet’s teeth and gums with the dental wipe, using soft, circular motions along the gum line.
- Make sure to create a positive experience for your dog with plenty of praise and treats, helping them see the use of dental wipes as a major positive!”
The Importance of Preventing Dental Disease
Leaving your dog’s oral health to chance can lead to painful infections and diseases like periodontal disease, which can cause swollen gums, bad breath, and tooth loss. More seriously, it can lead to systemic health issues. Regular teeth cleaning can go a long way toward preventing these and other problems.
Partnering with Us for Your Pet’s Dental Care
Combine home care with professional dental cleanings and checkups at Minnieville Animal Hospital. Our vets can detect early signs of dental issues and perform thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar before they can cause trouble for your pet. By providing proper home care and regular veterinary checkups, you can ensure your dog keeps a healthy and happy smile.
If you start to notice that your dog has bad breath, discolored teeth, changes in eating habits, visible tartar, red or swollen gums, or difficulty eating, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment for your dog. At Minnieville Animal Hospital in Woodbridge, VA, we have the expertise and tools necessary for top-notch dental care. Call us at (703) 680-4000 for a dental checkup or more information about your dog’s dental care needs.
