Dental Needed?

GlennR

GlennR

Forums Enthusiast
Willow had her annual vet visit today. All was well but the vet would like to have her in to do a full dental. She has very mild plaque on some teeth. I'm not really convinced that it is required for her health but I thought I'd toss the question into the forum. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
 
I admit I'm not a fan of dentals unless they're totally needed. Between the anesthesia and the cost (four figures here) I prefer to try and improve things first with products like plaque remover. The problem is most of them are great at prevention, but not as good if plaque is already there. Still, if her plaque is mild, I think I'd try some of them first. ProDen Plaque Off gets good reviews although I've had better luck with water additives. I use Oxydent from Amazon. It's easy to use and might be worth a try.
 
Shelties are notorious for bad teeth. We brush their teeth and the vet always says they look great. Well, suddenly, one of Eli's lower incisors literally flew out of his head while we were playing frisbee. And when I looked, the one next to it was loose. Off to the vet. She said the loose one needed to come out and she was concerned about at least one more. She took Xrays which showed more teeth were marginally hanging on because the bone in his jaw had thinned. So he lost a few teeth, mostly the small premolars, but she said some others were marginal as well.

Her comment was "Well, genetics won this fight". He just turned 9.

The problem is not the tartar or plaque, it's whether there's any gum inflammation. That bacteria can seed itself in their kidneys and other organs.
 
I use Oxyfresh, tried Oxydent and didn't help. Plaque Off is a powder additive, used it for ages; I'm having better luck with Finn. Dogs always had chewies, loved Bully Sticks... stopped them and now have a large variety of Dental Chews around instead. I truly believe dental issues are a mix of genetics and food and gee, maybe even what's in the water.

Have you considered a sonic tooth cleaner? If she is willing, I have great luck with one. There is an awesome organic toothpaste... Black Sheep Organics... my dogs love it! When you receive the container after paying the price you might be like.. what???? But it is VERY effective and lasts forever. I personally believe with dogs and teeth, you really have to try and see what works for your dog.

Does Willow need a dental? Who knows... Might be your vet looking at her age and suggesting because of that... might be something going on with her gums or teeth, might be they want work - who knows... I'd ask your vet exactly why they are recommending. I stewed over a dental for Brodie - he and Willow are same age - and last year she mentioned Brodie's teeth showed plaque. A year later, I had almost convinced myself I'd okay a dental, and she said his teeth looked great - Deacon's were a concern. I figure sooner or later I will probably do one, he turns 8 in November, feel I want to at least do it before the double digits arrive.

Such a hard decision. I hope you keep posting on what you do and why...
 
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