Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Just like your own annual checkup with your dentist, your cat or dog should come to see us for a dental exam at least once per year. Pets that are more prone to dental health issues than others may need to come in for a dental appointment more often than that though. 

At PetVax Complete Care Centers, we can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you notice any of the following symptoms in your cat or dog, it's time for a pet dental checkup.

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Our vets will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your pet before their dental exam and administering any anesthesia. 

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

  Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting. 

• Treatment

  Your pet's teeth will be polished and cleaned (both above and below their gum line) and our vets will apply fluoride to each tooth.

  The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. 

• Prevention

  Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

  During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health. 

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. 

  Just like in our mouths, our pets build up plaque and food debris that sticks to their teeth as they eat. They can build into tartar if not regularly cleaned away.

  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?

  Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.

  Other signs of issues affecting your pet's oral health can include bad breath, swollen gums and discoloration of their teeth. Some pets may even suffer from pain that stops them from eating as much as they need. Red about other symptoms to the left in Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.

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

  Besides causing serious problems, from cavities to periodontal diseases, oral health issues in your pet can also directly lead to liver, heart and kidney issues in the long term. 

  Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain. 

  This is why regular pet dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing. 

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

  The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take. 

  In some instances, your pet will require surgery to treat more serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their procedure to help ensure that they remain comfortable and don't experience any pain. However, special care will be required after their surgery. 

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

• 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 on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque. 

  Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.