Dog Teeth Cleaning

[Terps]

How often does everyone get their dog's teeth cleaned? We have a 5 year old black lab and have actually never had her teeth professionally done. We brush, give her bones and I want to try the bright bites dental treats to help with plaque and tartar. Is there anything else to do at home and do you just go by your vets recommendation on cleaning?

[toppick08 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Terps

How often does everyone get their dog's teeth cleaned? We have a 5 year old black lab and have actually never had her teeth professionally done. We brush, give her bones and I want to try the bright bites dental treats to help with plaque and tartar. Is there anything else to do at home and do you just go by your vets recommendation on cleaning?

Give her several real big bones.........

[Cowgirl]

Get a toothbrush and doggie toothpaste and brush them. Has your vet said they need to be cleaned? Are her gums red and swollen? Do you see plaque built up on the teeth? I just had my dog's teeth cleaned at the vets for the first time a few months ago. She said they werent' that bad, but I wanted to get them done anyways.

[nosey]

We use an electric toothbrush and poultry flavored canine toothpaste about every 2 weeks. There are a couple of spots that are not accessible, but for the most part, his smile is bright!

[Terps]

Thanks for the suggestions! Our vet hasn't said that she needs to get them cleaned but I was curious how often others do it. Her teeth and gums look good to me. She's not a fan of brushing so I think I miss some spots when I do it and that's why I wanted to try bright bites. They're supposed to help with plaque and tartar. Hopefully the bones are doing the trick right now. Any thoughts on dental treats and bones?