Brushing vs. Professional Cleanings: What’s Best for Your Pet’s Teeth?

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Dr. Lera's Corner

Brushing vs. Professional Cleanings: What’s Best for Your Pet’s Teeth?

February 25, 2025

The Truth About Keeping Your Pet’s Smile Healthy

You Brush Your Teeth Every Day… But What About Your Pet? Your Pet’s Teeth Might Be Hurting More Than You Think

Sarah loves her dog, Bailey, like family. She feeds him high-quality food, makes sure he gets plenty of exercise, and stays on top of his regular vet visits.

But when it comes to dental care, she’s unsure:

❌ “Do I really need to brush his teeth?”
❌ “Is dental cleaning at the vet necessary if I brush at home?”
❌ “What’s the best way to prevent bad breath and tooth decay?”

If you’ve ever wondered the same, you’re not alone!

💡 Good news? A combination of at-home care + professional cleanings is the key to a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Let’s break down the truth about pet dental care—and what you can do TODAY to keep your pet’s mouth fresh and healthy.

Is Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Enough?

Daily brushing is one of the best ways to prevent plaque buildup—just like for humans.

BUT… let’s be honest. How often do you actually brush your pet’s teeth?

🐾 85% of pet parents admit they DON’T brush daily.
🐾 Even with brushing, plaque hardens into tartar—leading to gum disease.

Brushing is important, but it only removes surface plaque—it doesn’t reach below the gumline where bacteria thrive.

👉 That’s why professional cleanings are still necessary!

The Role of Professional Dental Cleanings

Even with regular brushing, pets still need professional cleanings to:

✔️ Remove stubborn tartar (brushing can’t get rid of hardened buildup).
✔️ Prevent gum disease & tooth loss.
✔️ Detect hidden dental issues before they cause pain.
✔️ Freshen breath (no more stinky kisses!).
✔️ Improve overall health – Dental disease can impact the heart, kidneys, and liver.

At Heron Lakes Animal Hospital, we offer both:

  • Traditional Anesthetic Dental Cleanings – Ideal for pets with advanced dental disease.
  • Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings – A gentle, sedation-free option for pets with mild to moderate tartar.

Brushing vs. Professional Cleanings: What’s Best for Your Pet?

Feature Brushing at home Professional Dental Cleaning
Removes Daily Plaque? ✅ Yes ✅ Yes, but also removes hardened tartar
Prevents Gum Disease? ❌ Not completely ✅ Yes, removes bacteria below the gumline
Detects Hidden Dental
Issues?

❌ No

 ✅ Yes, vet can find problems early
Freshens Breath? ✅ Somewhat ✅✅✅ Major improvement!
Necessary for Long-Term
Health?		 ❌ Not enough on its
own		 ✅ Yes, essential for preventing pain & disease

How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy Between Cleanings

To maintain your pet’s oral health, here’s what we recommend:

🦷 Brush Daily (or at least 3x per week) – Use a pet-safe toothpaste (never human tooth paste!).
🍖 Choose Dental-Friendly Treats & Chews – Look for VOHC-approved dental chews.
🚰 Add Dental Water Additives – These help reduce plaque & freshen breath.
🦷 Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings – Even if you brush at home, plaque will still harden over time.
🦴 Incorporate Raw Bones or Dental Toys – These can help scrape plaque off naturally.
💧 Ensure Your Pet Stays Hydrated – Proper hydration helps maintain a healthy oral environment.

🚨 Did You Know?

Even the best pet parents struggle to brush their pet’s teeth daily. That’s why annual cleanings are so important!

The Dangers of Neglecting Dental Health

Ignoring dental care can lead to:
⚠️ Painful infections – Bacteria from gum disease can spread to internal organs.
⚠️ Tooth loss – Untreated tartar buildup weakens tooth structure.
⚠️ Heart & kidney disease – Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs.
⚠️ Expensive procedures – Advanced dental disease may require costly extractions and treatments.

February Special: Get $X Off Your Pet’s Dental
Cleaning!

🐶🐱 Don’t wait until your pet’s in pain! A quick dental cleaning today can prevent serious health issues later.
📅 Book a dental cleaning in February & get $X off!
📞 Call (954) 344-4911 or Book Online Now
🔹 Limited spots available—reserve yours today!
🐾 Fresh breath, healthy gums, and a happy pet—it all starts with professional dental care!

FAQs

Is brushing my pet’s teeth enough to prevent dental disease?
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly helps reduce plaque buildup, but it isn’t enough on its own. Plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional cleaning. Plus, brushing doesn’t clean below the gumline, where bacteria can cause infections and gum disease.
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most pets need a professional dental cleaning at least once a year. However, small breeds, senior pets, and those prone to dental disease may require cleanings every 6-12 months. Your vet can help determine the best schedule based on your pet’s oral health.
What’s the difference between brushing at home and a professional cleaning?
Brushing at home removes daily plaque from the tooth surface but can’t remove hardened tartar or clean below the gumline. Professional cleanings eliminate deep-seated bacteria, tartar, and plaque buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease, infections, and tooth loss.
Can poor dental health affect my pet’s overall well-being?
Yes! Untreated dental disease can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and even systemic issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause serious health complications over time.
What are some easy ways to maintain my pet’s dental health between cleanings?
To keep your pet’s teeth clean between professional cleanings, brush their teeth with pet-safe toothpaste, provide dental chews, use water additives, and offer raw bones or dental toys. Staying hydrated also helps maintain good oral health by washing away bacteria.
What are the signs that my pet may need a dental cleaning?
Bad breath, yellow or brown tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, excessive drooling, difficulty chewing, and pawing at the mouth are all signs of dental disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental exam as soon as possible.
Are non-anesthetic dental cleanings a good alternative to traditional cleanings?
Non-anesthetic dental cleanings can be a great option for pets with mild to moderate tartar buildup who don’t require deep cleaning or extractions. They are stress-free, safe, and effective for maintaining oral hygiene, but pets with advanced dental disease may still require an anesthetic procedure.
What happens if dental disease goes untreated?
If left untreated, dental disease can progress to painful infections, tooth loss, and even damage to major organs. Advanced periodontal disease can require costly extractions and may negatively impact your pet’s overall quality of life. Regular checkups and cleanings help prevent these serious health risks.
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