Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning for Dogs

Looking after your dog's teeth and gums is essential for their long-term health. By the age of three, most dogs exhibit some signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Regular dental check ups at the vet are essential, and many dogs benefit from a full dental clean under anaesthesia. However, these are expensive, and many of us don't like having to put our dogs under unless it's absolutely necessary. Regular teeth cleaning keeps your dog's teeth and gums healthier for longer, and can mean fewer vet dental visits. The more frequently you get your dog's teeth brushed at home (or, do it yourself), the better.

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning technology is a great method for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It's not a dental procedure; i.e. it doesn't take the place of descaling and extractions - but when used in conjunction with home-brushing and with dental care provided by the vet it is brilliant.

Benefits of ultrasonic teeth cleaning for dogs:

• Prevent the build up of plaque and tartar

• Combat gingivitis

• Reduce bad breath

• Tooth and gum maintenance can help avoid high vet bills

How does ultrasonic teeth cleaning work?

• The toothbrush is gently held against the gumline, at the place where it meets the tooth. It sends ultrasonic waves into the gum line, deeper than an ordinary toothbrush can. The ultrasonic waves carry with them tiny bubbles of water and specially formulated enzymatic toothpaste. These microscopic bubble burst, and loosen up any plaque and tartar, which can then be flicked off gently.

• It's NOT like an electric toothbrush: it is vibration- and noise-free, minimising stress

• Frequency matters! Every dog is different, and there are different degrees of plaque and tartar build up. The best results come with a consistent frequency. To reduce a specific tartar build up, some teeth yield results across 2-3 sessions. For other dogs it can take more. This is why I recommend a course of 5 cleaning sessions, that you book in advance.

• For regular maintenance, one session a fortnight is best, three weeks tops.

• If you regularly brush your dog's teeth at home, a maintenance session as an add-on to a groom is perfect. this works for dogs on a 6-8 week grooming schedule.

What if my dog doesn't like having it's mouth handled?

• It's NEVER too late to train a dog, and a little patience always pays off in the long-term.
  

• I've been training my dog Milo to have his mouth handled. Not just for teeth brushing, but also when he goes to the vet and they need to check his capillary refill (when they press a finger against the gum and observe how quickly it regains its red colour).

  
  

• For any grooming training, it helps to break things into stages. First of all practising a chin rest; then having the gums lifted and mouth opened. Then, when your dog is comfortable with these stages you can introduce 'objects' - whether it's toothpaste on a finger; on a silicone finger brush; or a toothbrush head. Once a dog is used to having all of its teeth handled, we can introduce water and toothpaste.

Start at whatever level of tolerance your dog is at, even if it's only a few seconds, and build up slowly and gently from there. To find out more about my teeth cleaning services, please make an enquiry.