Dog Teeth Cleaning vs. Scraping

Oral health is one of the most commonly neglected components of dog care. While most owners know that poor dental care can lead to cavities and tooth loss, the consequences of severe oral decay can be much worse. Oral infections can cause systemic infections, heart problems and even behavioral issues. Thus it's vitally important to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. Scraping the teeth is analogous to brushing them and is an excellent way to remove built-up plaque and trapped food. Some owners also choose to passively clean their dogs' teeth by giving them treats that remove plaque. Professional cleaning by a veterinarian is typically the most effective form of oral care, but it is also the most expensive.

  1. Dental Cleaning

    • When your veterinarian cleans your dog's teeth, he will place your dog under anesthesia to ensure that your dog remains still and does not become anxious or upset. During the cleaning, your veterinarian may remove severely decayed teeth and will scrape your dog's teeth, clean in between the teeth and check for signs of gum disease. This cleaning is analogous to a human visit to the dentist, and most veterinarians recommend having your dog's teeth cleaned every year or two.

    Teeth Scraping

    • Teeth scraping is the process of brushing a dog's teeth with a tooth scraper meant for use at home. This removes surface plaque and can help with bad breath. It can also prevent small food from becoming lodged between the teeth, resulting in pain and decay. Rewarding your dog with her favorite treat is an excellent way to encourage her to accept tooth scraping. If you begin brushing your dog's teeth from a young age, she's more likely to be cooperative in the process. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth once every one to two weeks.

    Passive Cleaning

    • Passive cleaning occurs when chew toys and bones help to dislodge food from the teeth. While this approach to cleaning is generally not particularly effective on its own, some forms of passive cleaning can prevent tooth decay. Veterinarian Ian Billinghurst theorizes that, when dogs ate bones in the wild, they were not susceptible to tooth decay because the bones helped keep their teeth clean. He also points to research indicating that dogs who eat a raw diet have fewer dental problems. Consider giving your dog raw, meaty bones a few times a week to clean her teeth, but never give her cooked bones.

    Which Is Best?

    • Each method of cleaning is necessary to keep your dog's teeth healthy, and one method will not replace the other. However, frequent tooth scraping and a healthy diet can cut down on the frequency with which your dog needs to have her teeth cleaned by a veterinarian, and meticulous daily care may eliminate this need entirely. Your dog's needs may vary with age, overall health and other factors, so consult your veterinarian for advice on oral health.