Teeth Cleaning

Since having 21 teeth removed in November 2019, we have been on a quest to improve Mary’s dental hygiene. A lot of Greyhound’s have terrible teeth, mainly due to the high calorie slop they're fed when they are racing, but while researching ways to look after her teeth I discovered that periodontal disease affects more than 80% of dogs over the age of three. 

The process works the same for dogs as it does for humans, when they eat, food particles and bacteria accumulate on the gum line forming plague (the furry feeling on your teeth after a heavy night out). When combined with saliva and minerals it transforms in to tartar causing gum irritation. Periodontal disease is caused when the plaque on the teeth turns to tartar and the gums start to recede, exposure of the gums and can eventually cause the teeth to fall out. Symptoms can include; bad breath, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, tartar and wobbly teeth.

Lockdown gave me the time to research different teeth cleaning methods and I discovered Emmi-Pet ultrasound toothbrush. Ultrasound waves are transmitted via each wet toothbrush bristle to the toothpaste, creating millions of micro-bubbles that penetrate below the gum line & into the smallest gaps between the teeth. Bacteria, food remains & plague are removed by the micro bubbles and tartare can be loosened enough to be flicked off.  The ultra sound waves also increase blood flow to the gums helping heal wounds & stop bleeding. 

The toothbrush looks like an electric toothbrush, but is completely silent and doesn’t vibrate meaning it is often tolerated by even the most sensitive dogs (Mary, Rosie, Pippa, I'm looking at you)

I love this toothbrush (I even have the human version) and it has definitely helped keep Mary’s teeth clean and breath fresher. It is however not a “Magic Wand” and it can take time and patience to see results. The toothbrush is gentle and gradual and often taking several sessions in order to thin the tartar enough to make it safe to flick off.

It is also not a replacement for a full dental; if teeth are being held in place by tartare, the gum has receded to the root or if periodontal disease is severe unfortunately a veterinary dental procedure is going to be required. The toothbrush is however great for maintenance from a young age, after a dental or as a first step for senior dogs before paying out for expensive dental treatment. 

First session - £25 (30 mins and includes toothbrush head)

Maintenance session - £15 (20 mins)

10 session packages available.