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Ultimate Guide to Dental Scaling & Polishing for Pets: Why Is It Important?

22 October , 2024
dental scaling polishing pets
Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Dental hygiene is crucial for pets because it directly impacts their overall health and well-being. Poor dental care can lead to issues like bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and pain while eating. More seriously, if left untreated, dental disease in pets can cause bacteria to spread from the mouth to vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. Maintaining good dental hygiene through regular cleanings helps prevent these problems, improves the pet's quality of life, and can extend their lifespan.

    However, it may be challenging to clean your cat or dog’s teeth yourself, which is why many pet parents include dental scaling and polishing at the vet as part of their overall maintenance over the years. 

    If your pet is at risk of dental disease in Singapore, your veterinarian can guide you on the best care options.

    dental scaling polishing pets
    Dental scaling and polishing for pets help them maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental disease. 

    Understanding Dental Scaling & Polishing for Pets

    What Is Dental Scaling?

    Dental scaling for pets is a professional procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from their teeth, which regular brushing cannot achieve. It involves using specialised tools to clean the teeth, focusing on areas above and below the gum line, where bacteria and tartar can lead to periodontal disease. The process requires anaesthesia to keep the pet calm and pain-free. 

    Regular dental scaling is essential to prevent dental disease, improve bad breath, and protect a pet’s overall health, as oral bacteria can spread to vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. The frequency of scaling depends on factors such as age, breed, and diet, but it is generally recommended for a dental check on an annual basis. At-home dental care, including brushing, dental sprays,  dental chews, can help maintain a pet’s oral hygiene between professional cleanings, ensuring their teeth stay healthy and reducing the risk of more serious health issues.

    What Is Dental Polishing?

    After scaling, the tooth surface is often rough, which makes it easier for plaque to build up again. Polishing smooths the tooth’s surface to prevent future plaque accumulation. Dental polishing prolongs the effects of dental cleaning. Polishing is typically performed while the pet is under anaesthesia to ensure they remain calm and still. It’s a critical step in professional dental cleaning, helping to keep a pet’s teeth healthy, improving breath, and preventing conditions like periodontal disease. Combining dental polishing with regular at-home care, such as brushing and using dental chews [1], ensures that a pet’s mouth remains clean and healthy between veterinary visits.

    Difference Between Home Cleaning and Professional Cleaning

    Brushing your pet's teeth at home is essential for preventing plaque, but it can’t remove hardened tartar. Professional cleanings, which include scaling and polishing, provide deep cleaning that targets areas you can’t reach at home, ensuring thorough dental care.

    Importance of Dental Health for Pets

    Pets can suffer from many dental issues [2], including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. Poor diets, especially those high in sugars or processed foods, can worsen these conditions. Providing your pet with a balanced diet that promotes oral health is essential.

    Dental disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. It can also lead to infections that spread throughout the body. Bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream and impact the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs, [3] making dental care crucial for overall health.

    Signs Your Pet Needs Professional Dental Care

    Here are common signs that your pet may require professional dental care:

    • Persistent bad breath: A constant unpleasant odour from the mouth.
    • Discoloured or stained teeth: Buildup of plaque or tartar causing yellowing.
    • Red or swollen gums: Indicates inflammation which can be early gingivitis.
    • Excessive drooling: This may be concerning if it’s abnormal for your pet.
    • Difficulty eating or chewing: Your pet is only chewing on one side of the mouth, avoiding hard food, or refusing to eat. 
    • Loose or missing teeth: This is a potential sign of advanced dental disease such as periodontal disease. 
    • Bleeding from the mouth: Often visible while chewing or after eating.
    • Pawing at the mouth: Suggests that your pet is in discomfort or dental pain.
    • Receding gums: The roots of the teeth are exposed, indicating dental disease.
    • Behavioural changes: Increased irritability, lethargy, or loss of appetite.

    If any of these signs are present, it's important to schedule a dental checkup with your veterinarian.

    dental scaling and polishing pets
    Both cats and dogs can undergo professional dental care and cleaning, such as dental scaling and polishing.

    Benefits of Dental Scaling and Polishing

    Beyond preventing serious health issues, maintaining good dental hygiene for pets offers several other benefits that improve their overall health, comfort, and quality of life, including:

    • Fresher breath: Regular dental care reduces bad breath caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth.
    • Pain-free eating: Healthy teeth and gums allow pets to chew their food comfortably so they are able to enjoy their meals and absorb the nutrients. 
    • Preventing tooth loss: By avoiding gum disease and tooth decay, good dental hygiene helps preserve your pet's teeth, allowing them to maintain proper function and oral health.
    • Avoiding high veterinary costs: Proactive dental care helps pet owners prevent costly treatments for dental diseases and related health issues in the long run.
    • Increased energy: Healthy teeth and gums allow pets to feel more healthy and comfortable, leading to higher energy levels and playfulness.
    • Longer lifespan: Regular dental care can extend your pet’s life and prevent serious health issues so you can enjoy more time with them. 

    The Procedure: What to Expect

    Before a dental cleaning, your vet will assess your pet’s oral health and overall condition. This evaluation ensures that your pet is healthy enough to undergo the procedure and identifies any specific dental issues that need addressing.

    Several pet owners are apprehensive about procedures such as dental cleaning because their pet needs to be put under anaesthesia. However, it’s essential for pets to be under anaesthesia during a dental cleaning to ensure they remain still and relaxed. This allows the vet to thoroughly clean all areas of the mouth without causing stress or discomfort to your pet. 

    Anaesthesia-free dental cleaning [4] does exist, but it may not be as effective as traditional dental cleanings, as it typically focuses only on visible surfaces, leaving plaque and tartar below the gum line unaddressed. Additionally, some pets may find the procedure stressful, especially if they are not used to having their mouths handled, which could lead to anxiety or aggression. Anaesthesia-free cleanings also cannot effectively treat serious dental issues like tooth decay or advanced gingivitis, as these conditions often require more thorough intervention. Typically, that type of cleaning is only recommended when your pet has health issues or is of advanced age where anaesthesia administration is not possible. 

    Before dental scaling and polishing for your pet, you can expect the following steps:

    • Initial consultation: Firstly, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your pet’s oral health, discussing any specific concerns you may have.
    • Medical history: The vet may also ask about your pet’s medical history, current medications, and any previous dental issues to assess their overall health.
    • Pre-anaesthetic testing: Depending on your pet's age and health status, the veterinarian may recommend blood tests to evaluate organ function and ensure they are suitable for anaesthesia.
    • Fasting: You will typically be instructed to withhold food and water from your pet for several hours before the dental cleaning to reduce the risk of aspiration during anaesthesia.
    • Anaesthesia administration: On the day of the procedure, your pet will receive anaesthesia to keep them calm and pain-free during the scaling and polishing. The vet will monitor their vital signs throughout the process.
    • Dental Scaling and Polishing: Then, the dental scaling and polishing procedure will take place, which includes the removal of plaque and tartar followed by polishing of the teeth.
    • Post-Procedure: After the procedure, your veterinarian will provide instructions on how to care for your pet as they recover from anaesthesia, including when they can eat and drink again. Your pet may feel some discomfort or grogginess from the anaesthesia. 
    pet dental procedures
    Pets need to be put under anaesthesia for dental procedures, but will be monitored throughout the procedure. 

    Frequency and Cost of Dental Cleaning

    How Often Should Pets Undergo Dental Cleaning?

    Pets should generally undergo professional dental cleaning at least once a year, although the exact frequency can vary based on several factors, including the pet's age, breed, diet, and oral health history.

    • Dogs and cats: Most veterinarians recommend annual dental cleanings for dogs and cats, particularly for breeds predisposed to dental problems. For example, smaller breeds and those with crowded teeth are often at higher risk for periodontal disease and may require more frequent cleanings, such as every six months​. 
    • Age and health: Older pets or those with existing dental issues might need more frequent evaluations and cleanings to manage their oral health effectively​
    • Diet and lifestyle: Pets that consume dry kibble [5] may have less plaque buildup compared to those that eat softer diets. Regular at-home dental care, such as brushing and dental treats, can also influence how often professional cleaning is necessary​. 

    Costs and Factors of Dental Cleaning for Pets

    The cost of dental cleaning can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and your location. This variation is influenced by several factors, including the size of the pet, any existing dental issues, and whether extractions are necessary.

    While these expenses might seem substantial, investing in regular dental care is crucial for preventing more significant medical costs in the future. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems, including periodontal disease, heart conditions, and kidney issues, which can be far more expensive and complicated to treat​. 

    For example, untreated dental problems may require extractions or surgeries,[6] creating a financial burden for pet owners. By prioritising routine dental cleanings and preventative care, owners can not only save money but also ensure their pets maintain better overall health. 

    pet dental health
    Taking care of your pet’s dental health ensures they enjoy a longer lifespan as it prevents systemic health issues later on.

     

    Risks and Safety Considerations of Dental Scaling and Polishing for Pets 

    There are many misconceptions about pet dental care, such as the belief that pets don’t need anaesthesia for cleaning or that dental care isn’t necessary for young animals. In reality, professional dental care is essential, and anaesthesia ensures the procedure is safe and effective. While anaesthesia carries some risks, they are generally minimal, especially with modern veterinary practices. Your vet will take precautions to ensure your pet’s safety throughout the procedure. 

    When considering dental cleaning for pets, it is important to recognise and understand the risks associated with anaesthesia, which, while generally safe, can present complications such as adverse reactions or respiratory issues, particularly in older or health-compromised animals. ​

    Inadequate dental care can lead to serious complications, including periodontal disease, resulting in tooth loss, pain, and systemic health issues affecting organs like the heart and kidneys​. To mitigate these risks and prevent dental problems from escalating, pet owners should prioritise regular at-home dental care, such as daily brushing, offering dental chews, and using specialised dental products​.

    Choosing the right veterinarian is also crucial. Pet owners should seek professionals with expertise in dental procedures and a strong focus on pre-anesthetic assessments and post-operative care to ensure their pet's safety and well-being​. Feel free to ask the veterinarian questions during your consultation to put your mind at ease. 

    Need to schedule a professional dental cleaning appointment for your pet? Our veterinarian is experienced in dental scaling and polishing for cats and dogs. Contact us today to book an appointment.

    At-Home Dental Care: Maintaining Oral Hygiene for Your Pets

    In between dental cleaning visits, you can take measures to maintain oral hygiene for your pets. These include: 

    • Daily brushing: Just like humans, pets need daily brushing to maintain their oral health. Brush your pet’s teeth daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets. This helps remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup​.
    • Dental chews and treats: Offer dental chews or treats that are designed to promote oral health. These can help clean teeth and freshen breath​. 
    • Dental products like water or food additives and oral sprays which control plaque. 
    • Regular oral inspections: Check your pet's mouth regularly for signs of dental problems, such as bad breath, swollen gums, or loose teeth. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment​.
    • Dietary choices: Provide a balanced diet with kibble that promotes dental health. Avoid soft, sugary foods that can contribute to plaque and tartar buildup​. 
    dental scaling and polishing pets
    Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly between dental scaling and polishing visits helps them maintain good oral hygiene.

     

    Conclusion

    Regular dental scaling and polishing are critical for your pet's health and well-being. By staying proactive with your pet’s oral care, you can prevent serious health problems, improve their quality of life, and ensure they live longer and healthier lives.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How often should I brush my pet’s teeth?

    Daily brushing is ideal, but even a few times a week can make a significant difference.

    How can I tell if my pet has dental disease?

    Bad breath, yellow teeth, red gums, and difficulty eating are some common signs.

    What are the risks of not cleaning my pet’s teeth?

    Neglecting dental care can lead to serious health issues, including gum disease, tooth loss, and systemic infections affecting major organs.

    Is anaesthesia safe for dental cleaning?

    While anaesthesia carries some risks, it is generally safe for healthy pets.  

    References

    1. Gonzalez, A., & Heller, L. (2005). Effect of a dental chew on dental substrates and gingivitis in cats. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 22(1), 6-10. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10894879_Effect_of_a_Dental_Chew_on_Dental_Substrates_and_Gingivitis_in_Cats
    2. PetMD. (n.d.). Dental issues in dogs. PetMD. Retrieved from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/dental-issues-dogs
    3. Fries, C. (2012). Understanding gum disease in dogs. WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/features/perlis-gum-disease-dogs
    4. Coates, J. (2023). Is non-anesthetic teeth cleaning safe? PetMD. Retrieved from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/is-non-anesthetic-teeth-cleaning-safe
    5. Mata F. (2015). The Choice of Diet Affects the Oral Health of the Domestic Cat. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 5(1), 101–109. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani5010101
    6. PetMD. (2022). 5 scary consequences of neglecting your dog’s teeth. PetMD. Retrieved from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/5-scary-consequences-neglecting-your-dogs-teeth

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