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Originally Posted by spidey  A proper dentistry by the vet is more than "cleaning" - there can be all manner of problems below the gumline which brushing cannot prevent (resorptive lesions, fractures, bone loss, etc.), although brushing IS very important and useful. The teeth affect the whole body (bad teeth can lead to life-threatening heart, liver and kidney problems, among others), and thinking of proper veterinary dentistry as just "cleaning" is inaccurate. I work for a vet who is in the process of board certification for dental specialty, and it's really amazing just how little some vets know (or care) about teeth - putting a dog under for a proper dentistry should be considered as much a part of good preventive health care as any other procedure, it is not "just" cosmetic (unless the vet only cleans the teeth and does nothing further, in which case it's not worth doing at all in most cases). The teeth do not have to look bad to have a serious problem below the gumline, dog teeth are like icebergs, the part you see is less than half of the whole tooth, which is why the AVMA recommendations include dental x-rays as part of routine dental work. |
This is very true...but after working for vets it is also a HUGE money maker.!!!
Many pet owner's do not realize that they do not have to have to spend $700. for teeth cleaning...if they start brushing their dogs teeth they can get control of gum disease and plaque build up.
Just like the vets like to push yearly vaccinations...they also like to push dentistry.
I've had dogs for over 30 years (many dogs) and have yet to ever had a dog with tooth or gum problems...and never had a dogs teeth cleaned. They have all eaten raw bones...and in the last 10 years or so I have started brushing.
If I had a dog with poor breath, bleeding gums, or nasty looking teeth , I would have it done...because you have to do what is needed when owning a pet.
I've had many dogs boarding that I've gotten the owner's to have their teeth checked out by the vet.
Veterinary offices are a business and will often recommend procedures that make money. JMO.
Gina