Ultrasound teeth cleaning for dogs
Why clean dog's teeth?
Eating food causes a buildup of plaque which is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria and sugars that forms on the teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.
Tartar buildup can lead to:
- Gum inflammation (Gingivitis) – Gums become inflamed, detach from the bone and form gum pockets in which bacteria can multiply
- Mouth odour – Severe gingivitis can cause the dog's breath to smell
- Inflammation of the dental bed (Periodontitis) – The bone that supports teeth is damaged / destroyed which can lead to teeth becoming loose and falling out
- Organ damage – Dental bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to tumours in the mouth, diabetes, diseases of the kidney; liver; lung and cardiovascular system, and cause stress to the digestive tract and weakening of the immune system
80% of all dogs aged 3 years or more encounter teeth or gum problems.
How does it work?
Trixie & Bess use a system called emmi®-pet which can clean without noise and vibration. It emits high pitched ultrasound waves (only audible by Dolphins and Whales). The ultrasound softens hardened tartar and kills bacteria in the mouth.
During cleaning the brush is moved around the mouth but it is not necessary to ‘brush’ the teeth. A dental scraper may also be used to gently lift larger deposits of tartar and remove any persistent staining.
How long will it take?
Sessions need to be booked separately to a groom and are 1 hour long. Dogs tend to need a total of 3-5 sessions (with no longer than a week between sessions) dependent on the severity of tartar build up and how hard it is.
After initial treatment is completed it’s recommended that dogs have 30 minute top up sessions to keep the teeth clean. These must be carried out within 12 weeks of the previous appointment. This is usually done as part of a grooming appointment but can be booked separately.
What's the cost?
- Initial sessions – £40
- Top-up sessions – £20-30
What are the benefits?
- No anaesthetic required
- New plaque and tartar formation is reduced
- Cleans without vibration or noise
- Cleans below the gum line and between teeth
- Improves blood circulation and lymph flow
- Promotes healing and repair of soft tissue within the mouth
- Kills bacteria in the mouth
- Reduces and prevents mouth odour and dental caries
- Reduces load on the immune system
- Cleaning can be done at home
- Gentle on the teeth and gums as abrasive particles are not needed / used in emmi®-pet toothpaste
Complications
If there are any changes in the mouth which need veterinary attention you will be informed and the treatment may need to stop. It is possible for some teeth to become loose or fall out once the hardened tartar has been removed as it’s been holding the tooth in place, but often the tooth can be perfectly fine behind.
