£90 for a hygienist appointment - any DIY options?!

I think its practically impossible to stop some calculus building up no matter how often you brush or how well. The hygienist says I brush well but still have some calculus to remove at each visit.
 
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As someone else pointed out, I don't believe you can get all the plaque out DIY style but you can prevent it from ever
hardening if you can be bothered to follow a routine. Xylitol would be most useful for this, its a pretty decent alternative to sugar. Its sold in a chewing gum. The bacteria cannot ferment Xylitol like with sugar. The cost of the gum would add up though.
 
mid_gen said:
Vets and dentists are both falling prey en masse to parasitic private equity firms.
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Such a pity, the NHS dentist I had was part of a chain actually. They blamed the Government in the letter they sent me saying they were switching to private only. Something about changing rules or regulations too often I think they claimed.
 
Would you like to call a friend on that one?

intrawebs said:
The cost to remove a pet's tooth varies significantly based on the pet's size, the complexity of the extraction, and location, generally ranging from $300 to over $2,500 for the total procedure in NZD/USD. A single, simple tooth extraction often costs between $300 and $700, while complex surgeries for multiple or diseased teeth can easily exceed $1,000-$2,500+.
Key Cost Factors & Estimates (NZ/General Context)
  • Simple Extraction: Starts from around $385+ for a single tooth.
  • Comprehensive Dental (Clean + Extractions):
    • Cats: $800 to $2,000+.
    • Dogs: $1,000 to $2,500+.
  • Complex/Large Tooth Removal: Can range from $800 to $1,500+ per tooth.
  • Components of the Bill: The final cost includes pre-anesthetic blood tests, general anesthesia, x-rays ($100–$300), the extraction itself, pain relief, and antibiotics.
Factors Affecting Price
  • Anesthesia: Because all extractions require general anesthesia to ensure safety and comfort, this adds a base cost of $500+.
  • Number of Teeth: More teeth, especially deep-rooted canines or molars, increase time, complexity, and cost.
  • Specialist vs. Regular Vet: A general practice vet may be cheaper than a board-certified veterinary dentist, though specialists are often needed for complex cases.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Older pets or those with advanced gum disease may require more intensive care, increasing the price.
How to Reduce Costs
  • Pet Insurance: Can cover 50% to 90% of the cost, often reducing a $1,000 bill to $100–$500.
  • Wellness Plans: Some clinics offer plans (e.g., $250 off dental work).
  • Preventive Care: Daily brushing and, in some cases, veterinary dental diets can prevent the need for expensive extractions.
It is highly recommended to get a written estimate from your veterinarian, as they can provide a more accurate range based on an initial oral exam.
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Mine is £120 every year. I do have an DIY kit which I got from ebay. Deals with the basics but I still need to go to a professional.

Pain in the ass with the cost but dentists are a business and if you want to maintain decent teeth you have to pay up.
 
Uther said:
vet costs are horrific.
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was in portugal with my dog in 2023 he developed a cough and i was pretty sure it was kennel cough but was quite worried so took him to the vets
sunday same day appointment, anti inflamitry injection and 5 days of tablets also a worming tablet = 47euros i was expecting a couple of hundred at least
was quite a posh vets too, this country is all about the profits
 
Beans on toast Dave said:
was in portugal with my dog in 2023 he developed a cough and i was pretty sure it was kennel cough but was quite worried so took him to the vets
sunday same day appointment, anti inflamitry injection and 5 days of tablets also a worming tablet = 47euros i was expecting a couple of hundred at least
was quite a posh vets too, this country is all about the profits
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It costs me more than that just to see a vet here. Somehow we have allowed ourselves to get in the position where we are being reamed for absolutely everything.
 
Dentistry is a funny one. When compared to the annual cost of going to the barbers it can be seen as good value for money, for those with actual hair anyway. The dentistry repair costs are extortionate. Still, my NHS dentist does feel bad value at £25 as I don't feel they ever really care these days. I only bother going so I'm covered for treatment if I ever require any work done.

Just another worsening problem for England.
 
The_Arbiter said:
Dentistry is a funny one. When compared to the annual cost of going to the barbers it can be seen as good value for money, for those with actual hair anyway. The dentistry repair costs are extortionate. Still, my NHS dentist does feel bad value at £25 as I don't feel they ever really care these days. I only bother going so I'm covered for treatment if I ever require any work done.

Just another worsening problem for England.
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Yep, twice a year at @ 25 quid a time and I would be surprised if I'm in the chair 5 minutes. Got to stay on that list though so they have you over a barrel.
I'm surprised the surgery hasn't just gone private tbh, but they are still occasionally taking on NHS patients. There were a load of people in there a couple of weeks ago with forms desperately trying to get on the books.
 
I work with a guy who chipped his tooth and just to get a consultation as a new patient was charged £175. He was absolutely seething!!
 
Heading to the dentist is a straight rip-off in most cases.. on £90 to get an assesment ,followed by more to do the patch up.. how about you put them together in cases when it makes sense.
 
Not been to the dentist for 15 years now - but I used to pay 90 quid for the hygienist 2006-2010, and if the actual dentist came in to touch my jaw and generally congratulate me; that was an extra 45 quid!

I always use a leccy brushat night - and follow the advice they game me: 3 seconds per tooth. I also have some of the aforementioned tools off Amazon for the odd scratch and scrape.

The prices of vets and dentists are completely mental though!
 
Participant said:
Is it even necessary if you brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush, floss, and use mouth wash?
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Depending on what you use to floss, it may be that your flossing technique needs improving, etc.

I've been flossing with Oral-B waxed dental floss for many years now, but my flossing technique wasn't great until a hygienist showed me how to do it properly. That was a massive improvement, as that helped me to get rid of 99% of plaque myself, meaning I no longer need to visit a hygienist that often.

Personally think mouth wash is unnecessary, providing you're brushing with an electric toothbrush properly and flossing properly. Both my dentist and hygienist also advised against using mouthwash.
 
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