Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Similar to your yearly checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should visit us for a dental exam at least once annually. Pets that are more prone to dental issues than others might have to visit us more frequently. 

The vets at Companion Animal Hospital are able to assess, diagnose and treat cat and dog dental health conditions. 

• Symptoms

  If you see any of the following symptoms in your cat or dog, bring them in for a dental checkup.

  • Bad breath 
  • Tartar buildup
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  An in-depth pre-anesthetic physical examination will be conducted for your pet before their dental exam. 

  We will take blood and urine analyses to see if it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG could also be conducted. 

  When your pet is under anesthesia, we will perform a comprehensive oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting. 

• Treatment

  Next, we clean and polish their teeth (including under the gum line) as well as take x-rays. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth. 

  The last step is to apply a dental sealant to keep plaque from attaching to the enamel. If we find advanced periodontal disease, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. 

• Prevention

  We recommend scheduling a follow-up examination two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

  At this visit, we will talk about implementing teeth brushing at home as well as recommend products that could help improve your cat or dog's oral health. 

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our patients have about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Cats and dogs can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a result of poor oral health. 

  Just like humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if it isn't brushed away routinely. 

  This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Your pet's behavior could be a sign of oral health problems. If your cat or dog is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), paw at their mouth or teeth, yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.

  Other signs of dental health problems could include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some animals might even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Learn more about these symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Besides causing problems such as cavities, bad breath, and severe periodontal disease, oral health problems and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas within your pet's body. 

  Cysts or tumors can develop. Your pet might also not feel well in general. Also, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause them a great deal of pain. 

  This makes regular dental care very important to your dog or cat's physical health and wellbeing. 

• What happens during a pet's teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your cat or dog's routine oral exam, your vet will examine your pet's mouth and look for any oral health issues or symptoms requiring treatment.

  The veterinarian will clean tartar and other debris from your furry companion's teeth. If the vet finds any cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions that need to be addressed, they will explain these to you and provide you with advice on the actions you should take next. 

  Sometimes, surgery will be required to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to make sure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, your pet will require special care after the surgery. 

  If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with your vet. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  At home, you should brush your pet's teeth regularly and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque. 

  Don't allow your pet to chew on things that could damage their teeth, such as bones, toys, or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns you have about your cat or dog's oral health.