Dental Care for Dogs: Chews vs Brushing vs Masters Pet Grooming Dental Scaling

Keeping your dog’s mouth clean is about more than fresh breath. Dental care protects the heart, kidneys and overall wellbeing, which is why vets now talk about oral health as a key part of preventative care.[1]

 Dental Care for Dogs: Chews vs Brushing vs Masters Pet Grooming Dental Scaling

Why dog dental health matters

 

Plaque forms on teeth within hours of eating. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which creeps under the gumline and leads to gingivitis, loose teeth and painful infections. Bacteria from severe dental disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to problems in other organs, especially in older or small breed dogs.[1]

 

Many dogs hide mouth pain very well. Subtle signs such as smelly breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, chewing on one side or avoiding harder foods are often missed until things are advanced. Regular home care and professional support help catch trouble earlier.[1]

 

Dental chews: what they can and cannot do

 

Dental chews can be a useful “helper” in a wider dental routine. Products with textures that mechanically scrub the tooth surface can reduce plaque on the parts of the tooth the chew actually reaches. Some chews are shaped to encourage more contact along the tooth and gumline, and a few contain enzymes or ingredients designed to slow plaque build up.[1]

 

However, chews come with limitations:

 

·      They may not clean the teeth (molars) at the back of the mouth effectively.

·      Strong chewers can break very hard chews, risking cracked teeth or swallowed chunks.[1]

·      Extra calories can be a problem for dogs that need to watch their weight.

 

Chews are best treated as a supplement to proper cleaning, not as the only strategy.

 

Tooth brushing: the gold standard

 

Regular brushing with a dog safe toothpaste is still considered one of the most effective ways to control plaque at home. Brushing daily or at least several times a week helps to remove the sticky film before it turns into tartar, which is much harder to shift.[1]

 

Success with brushing usually comes down to:

 

·      Using a soft brush or finger brush suited to your dog’s mouth size.

·      Choosing a flavour your dog enjoys to make the process positive.

·      Taking time to very gradually build up tolerance, starting with short sessions and plenty of rewards.

 

Even with good brushing, some tartar will still form over time, especially in breeds that are prone to dental disease, such as small and flat faced dogs. This is where professional help becomes important.[1]

 

Masters Pet Grooming dental scaling as upkeep

 

Before

Masters Pet Grooming offers an in salon dental scaling service that focuses on gently removing visible tartar and staining on the crown of the tooth while your dog is awake. This is designed as a freshen up to improve appearance and odour, not as a replacement for veterinary dental procedures under anaesthetic.[1]

Masters Pet Grooming has achieved outstanding results over the years in dental scaling for dogs, potentially reducing the necessity for regular veterinary dental cleanings.

 

After

Because the dog is conscious, the focus is on:

 

·      Light, careful removal of surface tartar where the dog is comfortable.

·      Respecting each dog’s tolerance and stress levels.

·      Improving breath and the look of the teeth between veterinary cleans.

 

Masters Pet Grooming scaling cannot treat disease below the gumline, take X rays or extract painful teeth. Those parts of dental care must be managed by a vet, usually during a full dental procedure under anaesthesia. Your groomer can suggest a vet check if significant tartar, redness and inflamed gums, loose teeth or mouth pain are noticed.[1]

 

Putting it all together for your dog

 

The best dental plan is usually a mix of tools:

 

·      Daily or frequent brushing for plaque control.

·      Sensible use of dental chews or dental diets where appropriate.

·      Periodic cosmetic dental scaling at Masters Pet Grooming to reduce visible tartar and improve breath between vet visits.[1]

·      Regular veterinary dental checks to address hidden disease and keep the whole mouth healthy.

 

This team approach means your dog’s smile is not just cute in photos, but comfortable and healthy for the long term.

Sources

[1] Masters Pet Grooming | top rated dog groomers | 2 Wallace ... https://www.masterspetgrooming.com.au

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