Brushing your Dogs Teeth
Does this conjure up visions of running after your Dog with a toothbrush ? Could this be mission impossible ? It doesn’t have to be.
Why Regular Canine Teeth Cleaning Matters: The Top Reasons to Look After Your Dog’s Oral Health
This is a service we have been looking at offering for quite some time, and we’re delighted to say that the investment in qualifications, training, and the correct professional equipment has absolutely been worth it. We can now confidently and safely help you look after your dog’s teeth—something that plays a huge role in their long-term health and wellbeing.
Many owners are surprised to learn just how much their dog’s oral health can impact the rest of their body. Just as with humans, dental issues don’t stay confined to the mouth; they can affect eating, behaviour, energy levels, and even vital organs. By introducing a professional canine teeth-cleaning service, our aim is to support you in preventing problems before they become painful—and expensive.
So why is canine dental care so important? Here are the top ten reasons to have your dog’s teeth cleaned regularly, followed by practical tips you can use at home.
Top Ten Reasons to Have Your Dog’s Teeth Cleaned
1. Prevents Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar build-up is the leading cause of gingivitis and periodontal disease in dogs. Regular cleaning removes these harmful deposits, keeping your dog’s gums healthy and reducing the risk of long-term oral issues.
2. Eliminates Bad Breath
If your dog’s breath is less than pleasant, bacteria and decaying food particles are usually to blame. Deep cleaning helps to dramatically reduce odour and leave your dog’s mouth fresher.
3. Maintains Strong, Healthy Teeth
A clean mouth supports stronger, healthier teeth that are less likely to crack, break, or develop cavities. Prevention is always easier—and far more comfortable—than treatment.
4. Reduces the Risk of Tooth Loss
Gum disease weakens the structures that hold teeth in place. By keeping gums healthy, you significantly reduce the chances of loose teeth and long-term dental damage.
5. Improves Overall Health
Bacteria from untreated dental issues can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys. Good oral hygiene is an important part of keeping your dog healthier for longer.
6. Reduces Pain and Discomfort
Dental infections, hidden abscesses, and gum inflammation can all cause significant discomfort. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues and ensures your dog isn’t living with silent pain.
7. Prevents Oral Infections
Early detection is key. Regular cleaning can reveal small problems before they develop into more serious infections that may require veterinary intervention.
8. Supports Better Eating Habits
Dogs with sore mouths often avoid eating or chew on one side only. Healthy teeth and gums make eating more comfortable, supporting better digestion and proper nutrition.
9. Enhances Overall Wellbeing
When dogs aren’t battling oral discomfort, they’re naturally more active, playful, and content. Good dental care genuinely improves quality of life.
10. Saves Money in the Long Term
Whilst not negating the need for regular dental check ups at the vets, preventative cleaning with dogs, like us can keep teeth healthier longer reducing the risk of veterinary dental treatments, which often require anaesthesia and can be very expensive. A little routine care goes a long way.
Tips for Dog Owners: How to Help Maintain Your Dog’s Dental Health at Home
Professional teeth cleaning is extremely beneficial, but what you do at home is just as important. Here are some simple habits that can help support your dog’s oral hygiene:
✔ Watch for Early Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for:
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Bad breath
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Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
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Brown or yellow staining on the teeth
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Drooling more than usual
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Pawing at the mouth
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Difficulty eating or chewing on one side
If you notice any of these, it’s worth booking a dental check or professional clean.
✔ Introduce Brushing Slowly
Daily brushing is ideal, but even a few times a week can make a difference. Use:
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A dog-safe toothbrush
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A canine-friendly toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
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Positive reinforcement and patience
Start small—just a few seconds at a time—so your dog gets used to the sensation.
✔ Provide Dental Chews and Toys
Chewing naturally helps scrape away plaque. Choose products that are:
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Size-appropriate
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Vet-approved
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Durable but not so hard they risk tooth fractures
✔ Choose Foods That Support Dental Health
A balanced diet contributes to a healthier mouth. Some dental diets can help reduce tartar build-up, but always speak to your vet or a trained professional before changing your dog’s food.
✔ Schedule Regular Professional Cleaning
Just as humans see the dentist, dogs benefit from regular professional care to maintain optimal oral health.
Why We Took Time to Offer This Service
We want to be transparent about why it has taken us some time to introduce canine teeth cleaning to our salon.
When ultrasonic toothbrushes were first marketed, some of the promotional claims were ambiguous—particularly around the suggestion that dog owners might no longer need veterinary dental treatment. That simply isn’t true. Cleaning your dog’s teeth is just like cleaning your own: it supports good hygiene but does not replace dental check-ups.
Certain procedures—such as extractions, scaling below the gum line, treatment for infection, or removing decayed teeth—can only legally and safely be performed by a qualified veterinarian.
As dog grooming is a self-regulated industry, we felt a responsibility to approach this service correctly, ethically, and within legislation. Although it is not currently a legal requirement to hold qualifications to offer canine teeth cleaning, we felt strongly that proper education was essential. This led to our investment in the iPET Level 3 Award in Canine Oral Hygiene, ensuring your dog receives safe and professional care.
Want to Find Out More About Our Canine Teeth Cleaning Service?
Just fill in the form here and Chris will be in touch with details, availability, and any current offers.
Your dog’s health and happiness start with a clean, comfortable mouth—and we’re excited to help make that possible.
