Anesthesia-Free Teeth Cleaning is way to remove plaque and tartar buildup without the risks associated with rendering a dog unconscious. I am accredited through Canine Gentle Dental in Vancouver, BC. This program was created with the support of Holistic Veterinarian. I have been performing teeth cleanings on dogs without sedatives since 2013.
It is recommended that your pet have their teeth cleaned between every three months to annually.
Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is:
- Effective for improving and maintaining oral health
- Gentle – your pet is fully awake and requires no recovery time
- Takes less than an hour
- A fraction of the cost of having teeth cleaned by a vet
- Helps prevent gum disease
Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is not
- a substitute for regular vet care
- Appropriate for extractions, x-rays and other specialist treatments
Why Teeth Cleaning?
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age 3. Without proper dental care for a pet they can develop gingivitis, which is plaque build-up on a dog’s teeth and gums that may appear red and swollen. The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on a pet’s teeth. Plaque harbours the bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth resulting in disease and tooth loss. Besides the negative impact on the oral health, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the large blood vessels located near the gums and teeth. At this stage, the organs with the highest blood flow are the most susceptible to infections: lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection can shorten the lives of our pets.
Just like in humans, food particles and bacteria collect on dogs’ teeth to form plaque. If not brushed away, plaque combines with minerals in saliva to harden into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Tartar irritates the gums causing inflammation and gingivitis – seen as a reddening of the gums along the teeth. This also causes bad breath.
Performing regular teeth cleanings on your pet removes the plaque and tartar buildup on the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth, preventing or slowing gum disease, and improving your pets overall health.
Risks of Anesthesia
In a study performed by the American Animal Hospital Association, it was found that 1/233 dogs will die from anesthesia, and 1/9 will have complications. Please be advised that some pets will require anesthesia for teeth cleaning due to advanced periodontal problems requiring extractions and a deep cleaning of periodontal pockets. This type of cleaning should be followed up with our monthly maintenance program and at home teeth brushing.
How much does it cost?
Starts at $200+GST for all dogs.
How long does it take?
In only takes 60 – 90 minutes. And the best part – no recuperation time!
Are there any risks associated with anesthesia-free teeth cleaning?
When a dog has advanced periodontal disease with many loose teeth, it may not be possible to remove all the tartar and clean the teeth that are loose. In dogs with mild to moderate gingivitis, the process is quite straightforward and the inflammation of the gums from the bacteria associated with the tartar will reduce following the procedure.
What ages are appropriate?
No age minimum or maximum. It’s never too early with good oral heigene. Some gum disease can be irreversible and as dogs age teeth can become looser, bones can become brittle and the ability to do a thorough cleaning may be reduced. I will discuss this with you prior to the teeth cleaning, it still may be your best option for teeth cleaning.
Will you be medicating my dog in any way? I know this process is anesthesia free, but will you be giving my dog other stuff?
We rely on communication and soothing touch to calm your dog.
