Teeth Cleaning
 

I had a couple of questions regarding teeth cleaning. My yorkie is almost 3 and has horrible tarter on his teeth. He refuses to let me clean his teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste. I just bought some teeth cleaning/breath freshener but I don't think its actually cleaning his teeth like it should. Any advice?

Teddi doesn't let me touch her teeth so we do the monthly cleaning thing at the pet store. We do the Anestesia free teeth cleaning (I was surprised that she let them do her teeth but they tell me she is really good). There are several companies that do it. The one we use is:

Canine Care - Locations

The first time it's $110.00 but now we are on monthly maintenance for $21.00 per month. I figure if we go every month there is not enough time for something really bad to happen because they would catch it.

He needs to go to the vet for a cleaning. Letting more buld up can lead to organ dysfunction because of bacterial overload. When they do get this bad it's important to have a vet do it because they can get very close to the gum line and do a thorough job.

I'm going to look into going to the vet. I've heard it's VERY expensive. I don't mind paying for him to go each month, as long as it's not a ridiculous amount. I just wonder how good the products you can buy to clean their teeth are.

First, start with a good professional cleaning by a vet. Once you've done that, you need to quickly get your guy started on a home program. My guys get their teeth brushed EVERY night, no exceptions. I've found that by keeping them in this routine, they just know it's going to happen and are more willing to put up with it. I don't let them get out of it. If you brush your dog's teeth faithfully, you may never need to have them cleaned again.

I'm in the DC area (notoriously expensive) and a full teeth cleaning with pre-anesthesia blood work and everything runs about $400-$500, more if teeth need to be extracted.

Also, tartar buildup can sometimes indicate that your dog is ingesting grain in his diet. A good raw diet can really help prevent tartar build up. Just like in humans, carbohydrates of any kind will hasten tooth decay.

As for teeth cleaning products - a good oral hygiene program at home has less to do with what doggy toothpaste you're using and more to do with the brushing motion. A good quality toothbrush is more important, and make sure to replace the brush regularly to ensure that the bristles aren't worn down. It's the brushing motion that breaks away the tartar.

I give my yorkie a greenie every evening. she loves it. she is five years old and just visited the vet recently. i asked the vet if she is due for a teeth cleaning and after he carefully looked into her mouth - said that she can wait another year. i never brush her teeth. the groomers brush her teeth when i bring her in about every 6-8 weeks. i also feed her grain free kibble only. i know that every dog is different, but with the proper diet and monthly cleanings with daily greenies, my yorkie has good teeth.

Which Greenie do you use? Coco is not a big fan of brushing either and she has yucky breath. She is small (3 to 4 lbs). Thanks!

Sounds like you need a professional cleaning for the dog. Anesthesia-free dental is questionable and not recommended by board certified veterinary dentists. Your dog needs a vet for treatment, not a lay person to perform cosmetics.

Also, once you have the cleaning completed, you can keep up good oral hygiene at home and promote a healthy environment for the dog's mouth. I use CET toothpate by Virbac, my dogs like the vanilla mint flavor and I really like the product.

My Coco is a little over 4.5 lbs and I give her the teeny ones. I give her one a day - and boy - does she love them.

Rosie hates it but I have a toothbrush and also some wipes to help with her teeth. But let me tell you it is a challenge. By the way, welcome to YT to a fellow Arkansan!! :)