People today are becoming aware of how important it is to keep their dog's gums and teeth clean. Dogs develop tartar as a result from calcium deposits in the saliva combining with plaque. Vets will often have to use anesthesia to remove hardened tartar that has developed on your dog's teeth. This is done by using special tools called scalars.
Normally veterinarians will use anesthesia when performing teeth scaling and unfortunately that comes with some serious risks. This is especially true with older dogs as they are more liable to have issues with being put under. Dog owners should always realize that general anesthetic for dogs is far more dangerous than with humans. And unfortunately, the death rate for dogs is much higher than with humans. Before going through with anesthesia to have your dog's teeth scaled, ask your vet about the risks involved.
Tartar on your dog's teeth is not very nice to look at, but did you know that it also causes dog bad breath, gingivitis, tooth decay, and tooth loss? In the end, you will be spending time and money at the vet’s office because of the tartar build up hiding dangerous bacteria on your dog's teeth causing infections.
Cardiac disease can develop from the bacteria in the tartar being released into your dog's blood stream. Not only is the heart affected, but the bacteria also travel to other vital organs once in the blood stream. The bacteria then cause infection in these organs.
To avoid having your dog go through the stress and discomfort resulting from tartar build up, try these techniques at home. Ensure that your dog is accustomed to regular dental exams and care. This can be accomplished by brushing your dog's teeth daily.
Your dog’s teeth can be cleaned with 3% hydrogen peroxide for really stubborn stains. Just gently rub it on with a cotton swab. Try also using the oxygenating power of baking soda. The stains can then be brushed away with a dogs tooth brush and dogs toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gum line of each tooth as this is where plaque and tartar typically collect, and use toothpaste made especially for dogs.
It is important to give your dog dental treats, hard food, and dental toys to help remove plaque and tartar on a daily basis. It is now known that soft foods can leave behind debris and residue, and hard foods help keep dog’s teeth clean. In addition to regular brushing and tartar maintenance, feeding your dog the right foods and giving it the right kinds of food will help keep tartar at bay.
If brushing is not effective enough in cleaning, then a teeth scaling will be needed because the tartar has already set in. Purchase a dental scaling tool for dogs. The tool will have a plastic handle and a metal curved blade to scrape your dog’s teeth. Have your dog to sit or lie down, whichever position he normally assumes during regular dental care. Start with the dog’s tooth that needs the most attention. Lift your dogs lip and begin to scrape. The gum line is best cleaned by using the side of the tool. You want to avoid injuring the gums by using the tool in a downward motion.
Long sessions of teeth scaling are difficult for most dogs, so only perform short sessions. Once you’re all done with scaling, make sure you reward your dog with plenty of treats. Offer a crunchy biscuit or bone instead of a soft treat, as gnawing helps to keep the dog's teeth tartar free.
If you’re finding it difficult to maintain your dog’s teeth, or just want to stay on your dog's good side, allow the professionals at TLC Doggy Day Spa to perform your dog's teeth scaling anesthesia free. The results are clean sparkling teeth. Tartar free teeth, at a low price you can afford, for your dog’s good health.
(Photos Taken At TLC Doggy Day Spa - Teeth Scaling Service)
