When it comes to your pet’s oral health, daily toothbrushing and dental chews can help, but nothing compares with the effectiveness of a dental cleaning performed under general anesthesia by licensed professionals. However, determining how often you should schedule a dental cleaning for your four-legged friend can be difficult. Should you wait until you can’t bear their foul breath anymore? Or, should you wait until your furry pal gives you a sign, like refusing to eat hard food? 

Each pet is an individual, so while we can develop general dental care guidelines for pets with uncomplicated oral health, we consider many factors when we determine how frequently an individual pet needs a professional dental cleaning. Read on to learn how often your four-legged friend should have their teeth cleaned.

Why are professional dental cleanings necessary for pets?

Do you wonder why your pet needs professional dental cleanings when you brush their teeth regularly or give them dental treats? The truth is, at-home care is essential, but not enough to completely prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease, oral infections, and other serious dental issues. Professional cleanings performed under anesthesia by licensed veterinary professionals are the only way to remove tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated through brushing alone. In addition, your veterinarian can perform a thorough oral examination only when your pet is anesthetized, and then develop a treatment plan.

How often should pets receive professional dental cleanings?

 As a general guideline, most veterinarians recommend a professional dental cleaning for pets at least once a year. However, our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital veterinarian will consider a multitude of factors and tailor the cleaning frequency to your pet’s individual needs. When determining how often your pet will need their teeth cleaned, we consider:

  • An oral health evaluation — During routine visits, we examine your pet’s oral cavity to assess their dental health. We look for signs of plaque, tartar buildup, gum inflammation, tooth damage, and other dental issues. Based on this evaluation, we determine your pet’s current dental health and whether a cleaning is necessary.
  • Breed and size — Certain breeds and sizes of pets are more prone to dental issues because of their anatomy and genetics. Small-dog breeds and brachycephalic breeds (i.e., those with short noses and flat faces) are often predisposed to dental problems. Therefore, dachshunds, Yorkies, and bulldogs typically need more frequent dental care than golden retrievers and German shepherds. We consider these breed-specific factors when we recommend the frequency of dental cleanings for your pet.
  • Age — Age can also influence how often a pet requires dental cleanings. Senior pets are more susceptible to dental issues because of decreased immunity, lifelong wear and tear on their teeth, and a lifetime of accumulated dental plaque. As pets age, their dental care needs may change, typically necessitating more frequent cleanings to maintain oral health.
  • Existing dental conditions — Pets with pre-existing dental conditions, such as periodontal disease, resorptive disease, or malocclusions, may require more frequent cleanings to manage these issues and prevent further progression. We may recommend cleanings every six months or as needed, based on the severity of your pet’s condition.
  • Home dental care — The effectiveness of at-home dental care practices, such as toothbrushing, dental chews, and prescription diets, also influences the frequency of professional cleanings. Pets with diligent owners who prioritize home dental hygiene may require less frequent cleanings compared with those with inadequate home care.
  • Response to previous cleanings — If your pet has undergone previous dental cleanings, we consider their treatment response and the rate of plaque and tartar accumulation afterward. Pets who rapidly develop tartar may benefit from more frequent cleanings to prevent dental issues from worsening.

Based on these factors, we develop personalized dental care plans, including our recommendation for the appropriate frequency of professional cleanings, to maintain optimal oral health for each pet. 

What signs indicate my pet needs a professional dental cleaning?

While regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining your pet’s oral health, you must also be vigilant for signs that they may need an earlier cleaning. Some common dental issue signs in pets include:

  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Discolored or broken teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat
  • Pawing at the mouth

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential that you contact our Southern Crossing Animal Hospital team promptly for an evaluation and possible dental cleaning, extraction, or other treatment. Otherwise, discuss scheduling your pet’s next dental cleaning when we see you at their wellness visit. We want to ensure their teeth remain in tip-top shape.