Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is one of the most important ways to protect their long‑term health. At Lort Smith, we provide gentle, professional dog dental cleaning services to prevent gum disease, reduce pain, and support your dog’s overall wellbeing. Our experienced veterinary team offers safe, high‑quality dog teeth cleaning in Melbourne, tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
About dog dental cleaning
Regular dog dental cleaning helps prevent plaque, tartar, gum disease, and painful infections. Many dogs show no obvious signs of dental discomfort, so routine checks and professional care are essential.
Our dog dental services focus on prevention, early detection, and compassionate treatment – helping your dog stay comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout their life.
Why professional dental care is important
Good dog dental care does more than freshen breath. Dental disease can lead to:
- Gum inflammation and infection
- Tooth decay and tooth loss
- Pain when eating
- Bacteria entering the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys
Professional cleaning allows us to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, examine each tooth, and identify issues that can’t be seen during a routine check.
Professional vs at‑home cleaning
At‑home care is a wonderful way to support your dog’s oral health, but it can’t replace a professional clean.
Professional dog teeth cleaning (performed under anaesthetic) allows your vet to:
- Clean below the gumline
- Polish the teeth
- Take dental X‑rays
- Treat hidden disease
- Safely remove damaged or infected teeth
At‑home cleaning helps maintain results between visits. This may include:
- Brushing your dog’s teeth
- Using approved dog dental chews
- Offering dental diets
- Encouraging safe chewing behaviours
For tips on home care, see our guide on dental care for pets.
How often should dogs get cleanings?
Most dogs benefit from a professional clean every 6–12 months, depending on their breed, age, diet, and dental history.
Your vet will recommend the right schedule during your dog’s dental check-up.
Dental cleaning services
Our dog dental clinic in North Melbourne provides comprehensive, compassionate dental care using modern equipment and strict safety protocols.
Our dog teeth cleaning options
Our dog dental cleaning services may include:
- Full oral examination
- Scale and polish under general anaesthetic
- Dog dental X‑rays to assess tooth roots and bone health
- Treatment of gum disease
- Dog tooth removal if a tooth is fractured, infected, or painful
- Pain management tailored to your dog’s needs
All procedures are performed by experienced veterinarians in a fully equipped hospital environment.
If your dog has a broken or fractured tooth, learn more here: Broken tooth in dogs.
Pre and post cleaning tips and considerations
Before your dog’s dental procedure:
- Your dog will need to fast prior to anaesthesia
- Bring any medications your dog is currently taking
- Allow time for admission and pre‑anaesthetic checks
After the procedure:
- Offer soft food for several days
- Avoid hard chews until your vet advises
- Monitor for drooling, swelling, or reduced appetite
- Follow all medication instructions carefully
Your vet will provide personalised aftercare guidance based on your dog’s treatment.
Managing discomfort and recovery
Some dogs may experience mild discomfort after dog dental surgery, especially if extractions were required. We help manage recovery by providing:
- Tailored pain relief
- Anti‑inflammatory medication
- Advice on feeding and activity
- Follow‑up checks to ensure healing is progressing well
If your dog has a tooth fracture, infection, or requires more complex dog dental treatment, our team will discuss all options with you in a clear and supportive way.
Supporting your dog’s long‑term dental health
Good dental care doesn’t end after a professional clean. If you’d like to learn more about brushing, spotting early signs of dental disease, or keeping your dog’s mouth healthy at home, our guide to dental care for pets is a great place to start.
You can also explore broader veterinary advice from trusted organisations like the American Veterinary Medical Association or browse practical oral‑health tips through Australian Animal Oral Care. These insights work hand‑in‑hand with the care your dog receives at Lort Smith.
If you have a cat, click here to learn more about their dental care.
Book a dental consultation
Before booking a dental procedure, your dog will need a consultation so our vets can examine their teeth, assess dental disease, and recommend the safest treatment plan.
To get started, please call us or book a consultation online.
