I’ll admit it — for a long time, I didn’t take my dog’s dental health seriously. Max, my big, friendly Labrador, had always had what I called “strong breath.”
But since he was eating well, playing, full of energy, and never seemed to be in pain, I just assumed it was normal.
Then, during a routine check-up, the vet suggested a more detailed dental evaluation.
He pointed out visible tartar on Max’s molars and some mild gum inflammation. Nothing serious yet, but definitely a warning sign.
That’s when I realized: our dogs’ dental health is just as important as ours, and ignoring it can lead to major problems.
Why is a dental check-up so important?
Just like humans, dogs accumulate plaque on their teeth.
Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis, infections, tooth loss, and even issues with vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys — thanks to bacteria entering the bloodstream.
Large dogs like Max often take longer to show visible signs of oral problems because they’re naturally resilient and strong.
But that also means when symptoms do appear, the issue is usually more advanced.
Max never showed signs of pain or stopped eating.
But after we started focusing on his dental care, I noticed a real change — he became more energetic, his breath improved (thankfully!), and overall, he just seemed healthier.
What happens during a dental check-up?
If you’ve never taken your dog in for a dental exam, here’s what happened with Max:
🦷 1. Visual Evaluation
The vet first did a full visual inspection of Max’s mouth — checking his teeth, gums, tongue, and bite.
In Max’s case, it was easy to spot tartar and slight redness in the gums.
📸 2. Additional Testing
Depending on the situation, your vet might recommend dental X-rays to see what’s happening below the gumline.
Max didn’t need them right away, but we agreed to consider it in the future if symptoms appear.
🧼 3. Professional Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
This was done under light sedation so Max stayed calm and didn’t feel a thing.
The vet removed the tartar and left his teeth sparkling clean.
When I saw the before-and-after photos… I was shocked. He looked like a whole new dog.
📝 4. At-Home Dental Care Plan
After the cleaning, I got clear guidance from the vet: regular brushing with dog-safe toothpaste, dental chews, and even specific toys that help reduce buildup.
Max wasn’t thrilled at first, but with a little patience and a few treats, he warmed up to the new routine.
What happens if you ignore dental health?
Skipping dental care can lead to:
- Constant bad breath
- Painful gum disease
- Infections that spread to other organs
- Tooth loss
- Serious heart or kidney problems
And sadly, most pet owners don’t realize something’s wrong until it’s advanced — when their dog stops eating, seems lethargic, or develops a serious condition.
What I Learned from Max
Max’s dental check-up was a wake-up call for me. I used to think brushing a dog’s teeth was silly.
Now it’s a regular part of our routine. He may not love it, but he tolerates it — especially when there’s a treat waiting at the end.
He’s now 6 years old, has clean teeth, no tartar, and (believe it or not) a pretty neutral-smelling breath — which is a huge win for a Labrador.
Knowing I’m preventing more serious problems just confirms that this kind of care is absolutely worth it.
So if you have a big dog at home, don’t wait for signs of trouble.
Include dental check-ups in your yearly vet visits and keep your best friend smiling — literally.
Because a healthy dog starts with a healthy mouth.
And Max taught me that with his goofy grin and loyal heart. 🐶🦷💛