Ultrasound teeth cleaning for dogs
Why clean dog's teeth?
Eating food causes a buildup of plaque which is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria and sugars that forms on the teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.
Tartar buildup can lead to:
- Gum inflammation (Gingivitis) – Gums become inflamed, detach from the bone and form gum pockets in which bacteria can multiply
- Mouth odour – Severe gingivitis can cause the dog's breath to smell
- Inflammation of the dental bed (Periodontitis) – The bone that supports teeth is damaged / destroyed which can lead to teeth becoming loose and falling out
- Organ damage – Dental bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to tumours in the mouth, diabetes, diseases of the kidney; liver; lung and cardiovascular system, and cause stress to the digestive tract and weakening of the immune system
80% of all dogs aged 3 years or more encounter teeth or gum problems.
How does it work?
Trixie & Bess use a system called emmi®-pet which can clean without noise and vibration. It emits high pitched ultrasound waves (only audible by Dolphins and Whales). The ultrasound softens hardened tartar and kills bacteria in the mouth.
During cleaning the brush is moved around the mouth with light brushing to the teeth. A tartar remover may also be used to mechanically lift larger deposits of tartar and remove any persistent staining.
Is my dog suitable for cleaning?
An initial assessment is required to check whether your dog is suitable for ultrasound cleaning. If the tartar buildup is too extensive or there are other oral problems you will be referred to your vet for treatment first.
How long will it take?
Initial sessions need to be booked separately to a groom and are 30 minutes long. Dogs tend to need a total of 3-5 sessions (with no longer than a week between sessions) dependent on the severity of tartar build up and how hard it is.
After initial treatment is completed it’s recommended that dogs have 30 minute top up sessions to keep the teeth clean. These are best carried out within 8 weeks of the previous appointment. They can be done as part of a grooming appointment or they can be booked separately.
What's the cost?
- Studio sessions – £25 each or £100 for 5
- Home sessions – £30 each or £120 for 5
What are the benefits?
- No anaesthetic required
- New plaque and tartar formation is reduced
- Cleans without vibration or noise
- Cleans below the gum line and between teeth
- Improves blood circulation and lymph flow
- Promotes healing and repair of soft tissue within the mouth
- Kills bacteria in the mouth
- Reduces and prevents mouth odour and dental caries
- Reduces load on the immune system
- Cleaning can be done at home
- Gentle on the teeth and gums as abrasive particles are not needed / used in emmi®-pet toothpaste
Care at home
It's recommended that in addition to emmi®-pet cleaning owners brush they're dogs teeth daily to remove any plaque buildup before it starts to harden into tartar. Guidance on what to use and how to do this will be given during the initial assessment appointment, should you wish to go ahead with cleaning.
Complications
If there are any changes in the mouth which need veterinary attention you will be informed and the treatment may need to stop. It is possible for some teeth to become loose or fall out once the hardened tartar has been removed as it’s been holding the tooth in place, but often the tooth can be perfectly fine behind.
