I’m feeling a bit conflicted and could really use some advice about my dog’s dental care. I have a wonderful golden retriever named Max who's turning five this year. I've been pretty diligent about brushing his teeth at home a few times a week, and he seems to be doing really well—no bad breath or anything. But I took him in for his routine dental cleaning at the vet, and they recommended dental x-rays. It kind of caught me off guard because it feels like an extra expense, and I'm not entirely sure if it's necessary considering how much care I already try to provide at home. They didn’t mention any specific concerns, but just said it’s a good thing to do. I love Max to bits and obviously want the best for him, but I also don't want to put him through something he might not need, or stress out my wallet for that matter. Has anyone been in a similar boat? Do x-rays really make a difference even if you're diligent at home? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Hello there! It’s great to hear you’re keeping up with your dog’s dental hygiene at home; brushing is one of the best things you can do. Whether your dog needs dental X-rays during a routine cleaning depends on a few factors.
X-rays help us see below the gum line where most dental issues occur. Even if the surface looks clean, there could be underlying issues such as broken teeth, infections, or bone loss that are not visible during a regular exam. For many dogs, particularly as they get older or if they have a history of dental problems, X-rays can be very beneficial.
At-home care like regular brushing is fantastic and does wonders for maintaining oral health, but it doesn't allow us to see problems that might be lurking out of sight. Keep an eye out for signs of dental distress, such as bad breath, reluctance to eat, drooling excessively, or pawing at the mouth.
If you notice any of these signs, or even if you just want peace of mind, consider booking a video consult with us on Dial A Vet. We’ll be more than happy to discuss your dog's specific needs and whether dental X-rays could be beneficial.
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