Dental treatment in dogs | A-Vet Small Animal Clinic

Why is dental care important for your dog?

Dental care for dogs is important regardless of age. Studies show that as many as 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 suffer from dental and gum disease that requires treatment. It is also estimated that all dogs over the age of 5 have at least one dental problem. Identifying dental problems is not always obvious and although some dogs show symptoms such as bad breath, drooling, changes in behavior and eating patterns, as well as redness and bleeding from the gums, most dogs are experts at hiding pain and discomfort. Therefore, regular dental check-ups and treatment are essential to ensure the overall well-being of your four-legged friend.

Quick facts about your dog's teeth

A dog's teeth are not just a tool for chewing food, they play a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. The average adult dog has 42 teeth and uses them to grip, chew and break down food. It is also worth noting that puppies have baby teeth which are later replaced by permanent teeth as they grow.

Your dog's natural urge to chew is not only a behavioral habit, but it is also essential for oral health. The chewing activity helps clean teeth from plaque and tartar while strengthening jaw muscles. You can support this healthy behavior by providing appropriate treats. chew toys og treats.

Your dog's dental health is therefore an important issue related to your dog's overall well-being. Neglected teeth can lead to gum disease, tartar, tooth extraction, bad breath and even affect organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.

Tartar in dogs

Tartar in dogs is a common problem among dogs of all ages. Tartar is a hard, yellowish-brown substance that forms when plaque, a sticky mixture of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, is not regularly removed from the teeth. Over time, plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Less active dogs, older dogs, and those fed a diet high in carbohydrates are especially prone to tartar. This condition can lead to discomfort, bad breath, and in severe cases, gingivitis.

How is tartar removed?

Once tartar has formed in your dog, it is necessary to remove it professionally using an ultrasonic scaler. At A-Vet, we perform thorough oral cavity examinations, also known as dental examinations, when you book an appointment for a dental cleaning. In order to ensure a comprehensive examination, anesthesia is required. This is because it is not possible to perform the necessary examinations on an awake dog. The animal experiences no discomfort during the procedure and remains completely calm.

At A-Vet, all patients who are under anesthesia are carefully monitored by our animal nurses or veterinarians. Important parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and breathing are constantly monitored to ensure safe completion of the procedure.

Brushing a dog's teeth helps against tartar

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to preventing tartar. Regular brushing of your dog's teeth is the most effective method. Brushing is a very important part of your dog's daily care and just as we recommend starting early with nail clipping, house training and leash walking, we recommend starting with brushing as early as possible. Most dogs will accept having their teeth brushed as long as you are careful, use plenty of time and lots of treats. Also use a soft toothbrush and special toothpaste for dogs. There are also dental care products such as chew toys and special chew bones designed to reduce tartar.

Gingivitis in dogs

Gingivitis in dogs can be caused by untreated tartar. It occurs when bacteria build up along the gums, causing irritation and inflammation. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main contributors. If your dog doesn't receive regular dental care such as brushing or visits to the vet, plaque and tartar can build up, leading to inflammation.

Common symptoms of gingivitis include redness and swelling of the gums, bad breath, changes in chewing habits, bloody saliva and even tooth loss. If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to see a veterinarian for a thorough assessment. If you are in Larvik, you can contact us at A-Vet.

Gingivitis in dogs treatment

Treating gingivitis in dogs starts with prevention. Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat gingivitis. Use a soft toothbrush specifically made for dogs along with a toothpaste that is safe for pets. Introduce brushing gradually to make it a positive experience for your dog.

In severe cases of gingivitis, the vet may recommend professional teeth cleaning under anaesthesia. This makes it possible to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. After the cleaning, the vet may also prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat any infections.

Teething in dogs

One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction in dogs is excessive amounts of tartar and plaque. This can lead to inflammation of the gums, tooth loosening, and in some cases, infection. Your veterinarian may recommend tooth extraction to eliminate pain and prevent further complications. The process of tooth extraction is performed under general anesthesia to ensure that your dog does not experience any pain and to allow for a thorough examination of the oral cavity. After the teeth are removed, we often advise owners on aftercare and dental hygiene to prevent similar problems in the future.

What happens when you deliver the dog for a dental examination?

When you arrive with your dog in the morning, you will be greeted by an experienced veterinarian or animal caretaker. Upon arrival, you will fill out an admission form where we thoroughly review important information such as known illnesses, regular medications and any allergies. We will also agree on what will be done during the visit and set a time for pick-up.

We will then conduct a comprehensive health check on your dog, assessing factors such as mucous membranes, heart and pulse. If everything is in order, the dog will be referred for treatment.

During a dental check-up under general anesthesia, we perform a thorough examination of the entire mouth. We measure the pockets in the gums around each tooth, examine the mucous membranes and gums for any abnormalities, and always take X-rays of all teeth. Dental X-rays are essential for detecting diseases or injuries inside the teeth, under the gums, and in the jawbone.

The teeth are then cleaned using an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments. Finally, we polish them with a special polishing paste to leave the tooth surface smooth and scratch-free. This ensures thorough dental care for your dog.

Journal at A-Vet Small Animal Clinic

Any observations will be documented in a dedicated dental journal while the X-rays will be archived in this journal. If conditions are discovered that require further treatment, these will be thoroughly reviewed and explained to the pet owner. We prepare a plan that indicates the necessary measures, the time perspective for the treatment and always provide a transparent price overview for our services.