Why is professional teeth cleaning so important?

1
It prevents bad breath!
Have you ever noticed an unpleasant odour from your dog's breath after a slobbery kiss?
The brown substance on your dog's teeth is called plaque. Plaque consists of leftover food particles and bacteria, initially forming as a biofilm and gradually thickening into tartar.
Removing plaque eliminates the smell, which is essentially caused by decaying food.
2
It prevents peridontal disease progressing
Plaque removal has been proven to reduce the occurrence of gingivitis and progression to periodontal disease*1
Removing visible plaque helps to support gum health and reduces the bacterial load at the gum margin.
1. 'Dietary Influences on Periodontal Health in Dogs and Cats By Ellen I. Logan PHD'
3
It saves lives
Did you know?
Periodontal disease has been linked with pathological changes in the tissue surrounding the heart, kidney and liver of the dog*2
Bacteria from plaque within the mouth can lead to lungs, organs and even the heart leading to a whole host of problems!
2. Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States E M Lund
Before and after treatment

Is teeth cleaning right for my dog?
Teeth cleaning at The Modern Dog is a preventative service, carried out with welfare and professional boundaries at its core. Cleaning is limited to visible plaque above the gum line and only performed where the dog is relaxed and comfortable.
This service is not a replacement for veterinary dental treatment, and where concerns such as pain, loose teeth, or advanced disease are identified, veterinary referral will be recommended.
Teeth cleaning is suitable for:
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Dogs with mild plaque build up
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Healthy gums
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Owners looking to support ongoing oral hygiene between veterinary dentals
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Dogs who are comfortable with mouth handling
Teeth cleaning is not suitable for:
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Dogs with loose or missing teeth
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Dogs with inflamed gums, clear signs of pain or gum recession
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Dogs who are distressed, stressed, or unable to tolerate the process safely
If you are unsure whether teeth cleaning is right for your dog, send a picture over or book in for a consultation and I would be happy to advise.


First step- Contact us
We can discuss the condition of your dog's teeth, any previous teeth cleans, and communication you have had with your vet regarding their dental health. Additionally, we may request that you send some pictures to help determine if this treatment is the most appropriate next step.
Second- Book an initial session
Initial sessions are scheduled for one hour. While this may seem lengthy, it allows us to take things at your dog’s pace, giving them time to settle, become familiar with the process, and feel comfortable in the environment. This time also helps to build trust between me and your dog, supporting a calm, positive experience throughout the session and ensuring your dog’s welfare is always prioritised.
Third- Extra sessions
Additional sessions may be necessary if your dog is not yet fully comfortable with the process and requires a slower approach. Alternatively, extra time may be needed if the plaque is more resistant to removal. Each dog's mouth is unique, so a tailored approach is essential.
Fourth- Top up sessions
Top-up sessions are recommended as often as needed. As mentioned previously, each dog's mouth is unique, with varying bacterial communities influenced by factors such as environment and diet, as well as different mouth shapes and sizes. This can affect the rate of plaque buildup. Some dogs may experience buildup within two weeks of treatment, while others may not see significant buildup for up to six months so it's important that we work together to find a schedule that works for everyone.
Professional teeth cleaning is not a cure but a preventative measure for future dental issues.
Prices

1
Initial Session
Initial sessions are £60.
Additional sessions may be necessary if your dog is not yet fully comfortable with the process and requires a slower approach. Alternatively, extra time may be needed if the plaque is more resistant to removal. Each dog's mouth is unique, so a tailored approach is essential.
2
Hourly Sessions
Hourly sessions are £45.
Hourly sessions are only available once an initial session has been completed.
Your dog may need additional appointments from an initial session to ensure all plaque has been removed, so we can start with a clean slate and establish regular appointment times.









