The Truth About Teeth Cleaning: Why Your Vet Should Handle the Serious Stuff

The Truth About Teeth Cleaning: Why Your Vet Should Handle the Serious Stuff”

Maintaining your beloved furry companion’s dazzling smile goes beyond aesthetics – it’s a fundamental aspect of their well-being. Clean teeth are not only crucial for your pet’s overall health but also significantly impact their comfort and quality of life. Yet, in recent times, a rising trend has seen pet owners turning to groomers for professional teeth cleaning services.

As a dedicated dog groomer, I’ve observed this trend becoming increasingly popular. Many grooming salons now offer a wide array of teeth cleaning services, including advanced techniques like ultrasonic teeth cleaning (emmi pet). However, it’s important to approach these services with a discerning eye, as not all may offer the benefits they promise.

While the intention behind these services is to enhance your pet’s dental health, some may prove to be a costly investment without delivering substantial results. It’s crucial for pet owners to be informed and make well-informed decisions when it comes to their pet’s dental care.

Here is why:

While ultrasonic toothbrushes can help maintain a dog’s oral hygiene, they are not capable of diagnosing underlying dental problems or oral diseases, which require a professional evaluation by a veterinarian. They can only address superficial issues

The Basics of Teeth Cleaning

Proper dental care is about more than just aesthetics; it’s crucial for your pet’s health. Here’s why:

1. Preventing Dental Disease: Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental issues. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and infections, causing pain and discomfort.

2. Avoiding Systemic Problems: Dental problems can have far-reaching effects. Infections in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, potentially leading to more serious health concerns.
3. Maintaining Good Breath: No one enjoys “doggy breath.” Regular teeth cleaning helps keep your pet’s breath fresh and pleasant.

The Groomer’s Role

Many groomers offer teeth cleaning services as part of their pet grooming packages. While this may work for some pets, it’s important to recognize the limitations of groomers in addressing severe dental issues:

1. Surface Cleaning: Groomers primarily focus on removing visible plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. They may not address deeper issues that could be lurking.

2. Lack of Diagnosis: Groomers are not trained to diagnose underlying dental problems. They might miss infections or issues below the gumline.
3. Not Licensed Veterinarians: Groomers are not licensed to administer anesthesia, which is often necessary for deep dental cleanings or extractions.

Why Your Vet is the Expert

For more severe dental issues, it’s essential to turn to a veterinarian:

1. Comprehensive Examination: Vets can perform a thorough oral examination, including X-rays, to identify hidden problems and infections.

2. Proper Anesthesia: Vets can administer safe anesthesia, allowing for a complete and pain-free dental procedure.
3. Customized Treatment: Vets can tailor dental care to your pet’s specific needs, addressing underlying problems and ensuring a healthier mouth.

While groomers play a role in maintaining your pet’s appearance and some aspects of dental hygiene, for serious dental issues, there’s no substitute for a qualified veterinarian.

Here are some simple, effective recommendations to help you keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent dental issues:

1. Quality Chews: Consider providing tendons or super chewy beef from your local butcher. These options can work wonders for your dog’s dental health.
2. Antlers and Bones: If your dog is a patient and gentle chewer, antlers and bones can be fantastic choices. They not only keep your pup engaged but also promote healthy teeth.

100% Natural SPLIT Antler Dog Chews The Hypo-Allergenic Dog Chew Like Stagbar (Weight – Small 30 – 50g), Size May Vary : Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

3. Mindful Treat Selection: Be cautious when choosing dental sticks. Many of them are calorie-packed, and most dogs tend to gobble them down quickly rather than chewing, which defeats the purpose. Consider seaweed chews as a beneficial supplement. They are a bit tougher to chew, making them an excellent choice for your dog’s dental health.

Elkwood Healthy Natural Dog Treats – Low Fat, Low Calorie, Gluten Free Vegetarian Natural Dog Chews – Seaweed Sea Creatures with Active Enzymes – 100g : Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

4. Regular Teeth Cleaning: Don’t forget the importance of regular teeth cleaning. This practice is a cornerstone of maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene.

Beaphar | Toothbrush & Toothpaste Dental Care Kit | For Dogs & Cats | Includes a Double-Ended Toothbrush & Liver-Flavoured Enzymatic Toothpaste, 100g Tube, 2 Count ( Pack of 1) : Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

By incorporating these recommendations into your pet care routine, you can help ensure your pooch’s teeth stay clean and healthy, preventing potential dental issues down the road