Is it Possible to Remove Tartar from Your Pet’s Teeth? Why an Anesthetic Dental Cleaning is Essential

22 Oct Is it Possible to Remove Tartar from Your Pet’s Teeth? Why an Anesthetic Dental Cleaning is Essential

At Your Pet Dentist, our pet parents often ask if they can remove tartar from their pet’s teeth. While at-home care can prevent tartar build-up, professional dental cleanings are essential for removing existing tartar and preventing diseases. There are many reasons why pet owners should opt for anesthetic dental cleanings for their pets, including the comfort of their pet, proper deep cleaning, and cleaning below the gum line.

 

Can I Remove Tartar From My Pet’s Teeth Without an Anesthetic Dental Cleaning?

 

Removing tartar from your pet’s teeth without anesthesia is not recommended for thorough and effective cleaning. Here’s why:

 

1. Surface Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning:

   While there are over-the-counter dental sprays, gels, or wipes marketed to soften or remove plaque and minor tartar, they only address the visible surfaces of the teeth. Tartar often builds up under the gum line, and without anesthesia, these areas cannot be accessed safely and effectively. Anesthetic procedures allow for comprehensive cleaning beneath the gum line, where periodontal disease begins​. 

 

2. Risks of Non-Anesthetic Dental Procedures:

   Some services offer non-anesthetic “dental cleanings,” which involve scraping tartar off the teeth while the pet is awake. However, this poses several risks:

• Injury to the Pet: Without anesthesia, your pet may move unexpectedly, leading to injury from sharp dental instruments.
• Inadequate Cleaning: The subgingival area (below the gum line) is where periodontal disease starts, and without anesthesia, this area cannot be properly cleaned, which could allow disease to progress unnoticed.
• Stress for the Pet: Dental procedures can be stressful for animals, and anesthesia ensures that your pet remains calm and pain-free throughout the process​.

 

3. Preventive Home Care:

   While anesthesia-free dental cleanings aren’t recommended for removing significant tartar, you can take steps at home to reduce tartar buildup:

• Daily Brushing: Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste can help prevent tartar accumulation.
• Dental Chews and Toys: Specially formulated dental chews or toys can help mechanically clean the teeth and prevent plaque buildup​

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4. Why Anesthesia is Important:

   Anesthesia during dental procedures allows for a thorough examination, including the use of dental radiographs to detect hidden issues, such as fractures, root abscesses, or bone loss. It also ensures that the cleaning is effective and complete, reaching areas that are difficult to access when the animal is awake​.

 

Dog Dentist in Nashville

While non-anesthetic options for tartar removal may be available, they are not a substitute for professional, anesthetized cleanings. Home care is important to maintain oral health, but a vet-supervised anesthetic dental procedure is the only way to fully address tartar buildup, particularly under the gum line. This prevents periodontal disease and ensures your pet’s oral health is thoroughly monitored. Always consult your veterinarian for the best approach to your pet’s dental care.

 

References:

1. American Veterinary Dental College. “Anesthesia for Dental Procedures in Dogs and Cats.”
2. Veterinary Partner. “Why Pets Need Anesthesia for Teeth Cleaning.”
3. VCA Animal Hospitals. “Dental Cleanings for Pets.”

 

Barden Greenfield, DVM, DAVDC  

Board Certified Veterinary Dentist ™ 

 

Your Pet Dentist of Nashville

 

 

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