How Often for Dentals (when teeth aren't *that* bad)
 

I'm just curious what the teeth 'should' look like when a dental under anesthesia is acceptable.

Jackson is 4 now (turned it in October). He had a dental cleaning in November 2011. Well it's now been over a year, and I see tarter starting to creep back up. I admit, I've been slacking. I had been brushing every single day, and it's went down considerably, which I swore I wouldn't do. But he's getting brushed about every other day now but sometimes we stretch it longer. Bad dog mom.

Anyway, his tarter is weird tho. I'm not even sure if it's tarter? It's kind of green ish in color, and it's not coming from the gumline, it's just in random places on the front teeth. So I didn't know if it was just staining or not. Vet said tarter can be all different colors, and that's most likely what it is. But she didn't recommend a cleaning again yet.

Mostly, his teeth are still really white. It's just those front teeth that have these spots (I'm guessing because when he chews on things, he's using back teeth so that's why they stay so white). And a bit of the top canine teeth.

He practically just had a dental, but to be honest, I wouldn't mind getting him another in 2013. Even though they're not awful, and most of what creeps up is easily brushed away with toothpaste and using the HealthyMouth gel that we have.

But what is the general consensus on when a dog should get a dental? I just really like his teeth being super shiny and white, and if getting professional dentals every year and a half is what is takes, I wouldn't mind doing it. Unless it's totally unnecessary. And I should just get better at brushing every day.

Thoughts?

I think you just need to step up to your game plan, mom. :) tartar can be prevented. To see true results I have to spritz or wipe teeth twice daily.

I think you're right... lol.

I'll take a pic later so you can see what I mean. It doesn't seem like the typical tarter!

But I just inspected his teeth again, and they're really good actually, minus those few front teeth with tiny specs of green ish coloring to them... very odd!

Alright these are the best I could get.

He has a bit of an overbite, if you're wondering. Also is missing one tooth in the front. But see the kind of green ish colored marks on the front teeth? That's tarter right?

If he were mine, I'd take him in the next couple of months.

Do you say that based off the pics?

I am just wondering. They're all very white except for those front ones pictured.

But I'm thinking I kind of want him to have another one anyway... so I'm glad you think so too. I also really want his nails cut back as short as possible, which is so easy when he's put under.

I am lucky to have a vet who is really knowledgeable about teeth. My pups all need dentals at least every 18 months...but most every year. Pippi actually needs a dental every 6 - 8 months. I let her go a year and she almost lost one last year. Will be taking her in soon. It all depends on the pup....each one is different.

I am horrified by the number of vets who don't really know the importance of dentals. We had a foster who went to the foster home's vet and she was told the pup did not need a dental....her teeth were dreadful. So...it is something owners need to also be aware of.

The important thing is to try and keep the plaque off of the teeth as it quickly becomes tartar and I don't care what you put on that stuff, it does not come off. Also, it is not the front teeth that are the most telling....you really need to check the back teeth. Something to do....run your finger over the teeth in the back...if there is tartar, you wil lfeel it...it's like sand paper.

Maybe I am getting plaque and tarter messed up. Lol. So I think that's plaque on his teeth, not tarter. My vet definitely seems to stay on top of dental care. She was the first to recommend taking him to the dental specialist for his last issue. And also reminds me every time to keep brushing. When we went last month for his yearly, she didn't think they warranted a dental. But I don't know.

I just gave him a bath actually tonight, and did a good brushing of all of his teeth - back ones all look fantastic... It's just the front 3, and then a bit of it also on the right side canine tooth. I think maybe I just don't brush good enough on the front ones? And of course when he's chewing on things, those top front teeth aren't getting any action, either...

Yes based on the photos. That's not going to brush off - it looks hard (tatar or calculus) and it will need scaling at this point and therefore I think he should go under. Plaque on the surface can be brushed off but tartar cannot and that means that there could be something underneath that also needs scaling. Also, once you have tartar it's a magnet for more so better to get it off.

I am not a fan of a certain time set but on an as needed bases. I would go with what your vet thinks.

when you say "dental" do you mean put to sleep and dental scraping and cleaning under the gums kind of dental? if s, isn't the anesthetic bad for the kidneys? or is there new improved ones now?

thank you

Yes, I do mean put to sleep for a dental. Been doing it for years and years! The risk of death from anesthesia is so remote...the risk of illness and early death from periodontal disease is very high!

This link is very informative:

Anesthesia for Veterinary Dental Patients | AVDC - American Veterinary Dental College

thank you very much, i guess i am behind on my dental education, i have been concentrating on good food for sooo long..:)

take care:)