Is 1 (or a bit after) too early for dental cleaning?

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by alschwahn, Apr 10, 2018.

  1. alschwahn

    alschwahn Registered Users

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    @Emily_BabbelHund Aspen does not mind me being nosey when it comes to his mouth but I am not sure how he would feel about another person doing it. I know there are a few options for the scaling where I live but I am not sure how he would do with someone else inspecting his mouth! I will see what the vet has to say as I don't want to try anything crazy before he sees her. :) Maybe after the appointment I will buy a scaler and see if we can work our way into it. He is pretty calm for me (surprisingly :D) if I get him around his after-dinner lounging.
     
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  2. Emily_BabbelHund

    Emily_BabbelHund Longest on the Forum without an actual dog

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    Yes, I agree it would feel strange to let someone else do it. :) Just thought I'd mention it as a lot of people think it's always necessary to have full anaesthesia for a teeth cleaning. It was actually my vet eons ago who told me to do it myself. I thought he was nuts but it worked!
     
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  3. TheresaM

    TheresaM Registered Users

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    Just be careful with at home scaling! After teeth are scaled there are little scrapes(fissures) into the enamel that need to be buffed/polished out so they do not collect bacteria. Scaling without anesthesia does not allow for subgingival scaling where bacteria and calculus can build up and degrade the roots. Different scalers are for on the teeth or below the gumline and there are other risk factors with releasing the calculus and bacteria into the system (including a pet who is moving or struggling can inhale the calculus). Nothing personal to those who do it, I'm just not a fan of anesthesia free dental scaling unless the pet is extremely patient and tolerant and if the person doing the scaling knows what they are doing. The benefits of sedated dental cleanings include dental x-rays, cleaning the inside of the teeth, and a full oral exam screening for tumors, broken teeth, missing teeth, gingival pocketing, mobile teeth, and other potential health concerns. Having a professional cleaning done under anesthesia followed with daily brushing is best in my opinion!
     
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