Tartar Build-up

[BC_MoM]

Molly is a year old, Mickey is 3 years old. Mickey's teeth are in better shape than Molly's!

Two of her back teeth on either side are completey tartared over. She never uses these teeth for anything! Whether it be a chewy, pig ear, anything.. she uses her front teeth and very front side teeth.

She also won't eat hard things, and is very slow at eating kibble.

Could it be possible she has some kind of deformity?

My main question is, how do I get these teeth clean? The dental treatment at the vet is pretty expensive here. I've tried brushing her teeth, but clearly to no avail.

[Kater]

Brushing won't remove tartar that is already there, however, it will prevent additional build-up. I know sometimes people don't see immediate results and think that their efforts are wasted. However, brushing is really the best thing you can do! You just have to make it part of your routine...I brush my dog's teeth right after I brush mine in the evening. It's easier to remember if you associate it with something else you do everyday. It only takes 2 minutes per dog!

Most dogs will need a dental cleaning at some point in their lives, but I'm sure whatever tartar she has now does not warrant one at just a year old.

I really have no idea as to whether she has a deformity. Dogs are individuals....and a result some chew more, some accumulate more tartar, etc. If you are worried, then describe your worries at her next vet visit and make sure your vet looks in her mouth.

[MajesticCollies]

Read this post. This product is worth a try.



http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=113934

[Tralee]

Raw marrow bones several times a week. It is much cheaper than any special bones or a cleaning treatment. Toby had horrible buildup when we got him and now about 50% of the tartar is gone. More would be gone if he was given marrow bones more regularly.

[BC_MoM]

I would get a raw marrow bone.. but Molly doesn't use her back teeth so I don't think it would help.

Thanks for the link, Tim.. I'll read up.

[Tralee]

I would still give the raw bones a try. It is very cheap alternative
I don't know if you have looked at this thread recently, but it has some good suggestions
http://tinyurl.com/kr6aw

[wolfsoul]

We have people that come in to our shop and do teeth for our us and our clients. They travel all over the place so I'll ask them if they ever head your way. They charge alot less than a vet because they don't use anasthetic. They only charge $75-200. I haven't heard of a vet charging less than $400.

[areias]

We have a package at the vet I work for, it's only about $180, includes everything including preanesthetic bloodwork. I would shop around, honestly.

[Catlady711]

We have people that come in to our shop and do teeth for our us and our clients. They travel all over the place so I'll ask them if they ever head your way. They charge alot less than a vet because they don't use anasthetic. They only charge $75-200. I haven't heard of a vet charging less than $400.

Guess it depends on the area you live, and the particular vet.

Where I work a basic dentistry, including anesthetic, is around $90-95, it's an additional $50-60 if you want lab work done prior, and is only required on older animals.

[binka_nugget]

They only charge $75-200. I haven't heard of a vet charging less than $400.

Kaedyn's bill came out to $300 including anesthetic.

It wouldn't hurt to give raw bones a try. Even if she ends up not using those teeth, it's only a buck or less wasted.. and she still might get a good cleaning for the rest of her teeth.

Brushing won't help tarter.. but it will help with plaque and prevent anymore buildup. I'd bring it up the next time you're at the vet. Then just keep up with brushing and she won't get any tarter on those teeth