Dental health and grooming
Periodontal disease is the most common health issue in adult dogs, and Florida dogs may have it worse than the national average due to humid-climate bacterial growth and the prevalence of soft food (heat affects appetite for kibble).
Grooming addresses dental health in three ways: teeth brushing add-on at salons ($5–$15), spotting dental issues during the bath, and addressing breath/drool issues that affect facial fur.
Salon teeth brushing is not a substitute for vet dental cleaning. It removes surface plaque but can't address tartar below the gumline. A professional dental cleaning under anesthesia at the vet costs $300–$800 in Florida and is recommended every 1–2 years for most adult dogs.
Signs your dog needs dental attention: persistent bad breath, brown/yellow tartar on teeth, red or bleeding gums, drooling more than usual, dropping food, or chewing on one side. See a vet.
Florida-specific note: dental disease accelerates faster in humid climates because bacterial growth thrives. Florida dogs often need professional cleanings annually rather than every 2 years.
At home: brush 3 times weekly with dog toothpaste. Dental chews (Greenies, Dentastix) help but aren't sufficient on their own. Water additives have minimal effect.
For dogs that won't tolerate brushing, ask the vet about dental sprays and gels. Less effective than brushing but better than nothing.