Tartar Removal & Preventive Care for Dogs and Cats
Dental cleaning and thorough examination of the mouth and teeth at the Sonnenallee Veterinary Clinic in Berlin-Neukölln
Dental plaque hardens into tartar if not regularly removed by brushing. The bacteria multiplying within it are harmful to teeth and gums, which can quickly lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation). If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a bacterial infection of the tooth-supporting structures. In addition to tooth loss, long-term consequences for the entire organism (heart valves/liver/kidneys) are also a risk.
Therefore, regular professional dental cleaning and periodontitis prophylaxis for dogs and cats, just as for humans, are crucial for their health.
At our veterinary practice in Berlin-Neukölln, we begin by conducting a thorough examination of the mouth and teeth. We assess the gums, teeth, and oral mucosa, and measure the depth of the gum pockets. We use X-rays to evaluate the jawbone and tooth roots. For cats, this is always necessary to rule out FORL . During tartar removal, dental plaque is removed using an ultrasonic scaler; our state-of-the-art device utilizes various ultrasonic tips for this purpose. In some areas, additional manual finishing is performed using a scaler. Afterward, tartar is removed from the tooth necks and any gum pockets, and these areas are smoothed using special hand instruments. Since the tooth surface may be rough after a dental cleaning, we conclude the procedure with a thorough polishing of the teeth. The smooth surface thus slows down the re-accumulation of plaque.
If very deep pockets are detected during the examination, they must be treated with specialized periodontal therapy, or the affected tooth must be extracted.
Regular brushing is key to preventing the buildup of tartar and plaque!
Toothbrushing Information for Dogs and Cats
Brushing your teeth regularly is the only truly effective way to prevent plaque, tartar, and the associated problems. While special foods, dietary supplements, and chew toys can be helpful, they are not as effective as brushing.
Animals and humans are very similar in this respect! No human dentist has ever said that you can skip brushing your teeth if, for example, you chew a special kind of gum....
How to Get Your Pet Used to Having Its Teeth Brushed
Start slowly and be patient. Allow about a month for the adjustment period. You can proceed gradually, for example, by following these steps:
Gently stroke your pet's snout and briefly lift its lips.
Start by briefly touching the outer surfaces of your teeth with your finger. Gradually increase the duration.
Let your pet lick some toothpaste that is suitable for dogs and cats. Never use human toothpaste.
Getting Started with a Toothbrush: Use a soft, small baby toothbrush or a special pet toothbrush. An ultrasonic pet toothbrush is an option, but not required. Some pets are sensitive to this type of toothbrush. Spread some tasty toothpaste on the brush and let your pet lick it off. Start by brushing just a few teeth for a very short time. Gradually increase the duration over time.
The ideal goal is to brush your teeth daily, or at least every third day. A short brushing session is sufficient.
Better short and frequent than rare and long!
About the plastering technique:
Be sure to brush the outer surfaces of your teeth, since that's where plaque tends to build up most often, but brush the inner surfaces as well, if possible.
Be sure to reach the back molars as well. Sometimes it can be a little difficult to get all the way to the back of the mouth, into the molar pockets. In that case, use a toothbrush with the smallest head possible.
Proceed carefully and do not apply excessive pressure.
The following applies to all exercises: End the exercise on a positive note and reward your pet. Do not force your pet—fear and stress make the adjustment process more difficult.
If the animal won't let you brush its teeth at all, you can clean them by rubbing them with cleaning gel and a piece of gauze.
If brushing goes well, you can try brushing using the modified Bass technique:
45-Degree Angle: Place the brush at the junction between the tooth and the gum (tilted slightly upward in the upper jaw and downward in the lower jaw).
Gentle shaking: Perform small, vibrating shaking motions in place without pressing too hard. This loosens the plaque in the spaces between your teeth and along the gumline.
Brushing: Tilt the brush head slightly away from your teeth and brush the loosened plaque from “red to white” (from the gums toward the chewing surface).
Section by section: Clean only one or two (or two or three) teeth at a time before moving on to the next section.
Chewing surfaces and inner surfaces of the front teeth: Brush the chewing surfaces using back-and-forth motions. Clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth with the brush held vertically (on its side).