How does dental health impact the overall health of my dog?

Well, recently there have been some newer studies talking about how dental disease is directly correlated to kidney and heart disease in pets, just like it is with people, so it's very important that you get your pet's teeth checked.

Dr. Keli Van
Animal Oasis of the Rockies Veterinary Hospital

How can I care for my dog's teeth at home?

The best way to do it is to brush their teeth. Always using a doggy toothpaste is really important. They can't have human toothpaste. You can use anything from just putting it on their teeth to using washcloths. The best option is a toothbrush, but not every dog is going to let someone brush their teeth. Even just putting the toothpaste on their chew toy can really help. There are also water additives, dental chews, and other products. We have a whole list at the hospital, so if you ever want to know the best recommendations, you can stop in and we can give you a nice little handout.

What are some signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs?

This is a really important question because not all dogs show signs of dental disease, meaning it's often a silent issue. Most often, when they come in to see me, I'll see worse tartar on one side versus the other, indicating they are chewing on one side. Sometimes you'll notice that they are eating slower, dropping kibble, or just not as interested in their food. Honestly, once I usually do dental cleanings, clients often come back and tell me how much better their pet feels overall. Dental abscesses can also occur, showing as swelling, but most often, dental disease is a silent issue.

What is early detection and diagnosis of dental disease and why is it so important?

Early detection is something we're transitioning to. In the past, we only did dentals when they were really severe, but now, with newer studies showing the correlation between dental health and overall systemic health of your pet, we recommend earlier interventions. We suggest coming in to see us more regularly for assessments. Ideally, we recommend dental cleanings once a year, because unlike humans who brush and floss daily, pets do not. So getting them in more frequently for assessments is crucial, and once they reach a certain age, yearly dental cleanings become very important.

How often would you recommend my dogs to be checked?

It depends on their age, breed, and history of dental disease. If they've been totally okay, an annual exam to reassess is usually sufficient. If a pet accumulates tartar quickly, I might recommend dental check-ups once or twice a year. For pets with no dental disease, an annual check-up is usually enough. It really varies, but regular assessments are very important.

What is a professional dog dental cleaning like for a dog?

Here at our hospital, we perform anesthetic dentals, which are similar to human dental cleanings but under general anesthesia. This is to remove all the bacteria and prevent aspiration pneumonia. We monitor everything, including blood oxygen levels, and perform scaling and polishing of the teeth. We also take full-mouth dental radiographs and proceed with any necessary extractions.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (303) 900-7765, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram