Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning
Did you know that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some kind of oral disease by the age of three? Pet dental disease is more common than you think. Making sure your pet has a comprehensive checkup from your veterinarian at least once a year is the most important thing you can do to prevent disease!
Why is Pet Dental Care Important?
Pet dental care is important because bacteria in your pet's mouth can spread throughout the body, which can affect the rest of their health and well-being. The most common serious result of poor dental health is an increased risk of infected valves in your pet’s heart.
The best way to keep your pet’s pearly whites in tip-top shape is by taking preventative measures such as:
- Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly, if possible
- Ensuring that your pet receives regular dental checkups during their wellness exams
- Scheduling dental cleanings when recommended by your veterinarian
- Giving your pet dental chews
How Does Pet Dental Cleaning Work?
Once your BetterVet veterinarian has determined that your pet needs a routine dental cleaning, we will run pre-operative blood work to make sure your pet is healthy. Pet dental cleaning covers full mouth x-rays, anesthesia, and a comprehensive oral exam, followed by cleaning and polishing. Sometimes during a dental cleaning, your doctor may uncover unforeseen problems which require additional services. These will be discussed with you on an individual basis.
Our Process
Generally, your pet’s teeth are examined during their annual wellness exam. In this exam, your veterinarian will determine if your pet needs a dental cleaning. If your pet hasn’t had a wellness visit in the last 12 months, an in-home visit is required to determine your pet’s dental care needs. Once it has been decided, your doctor will run required blood work to make sure your pet is in good health for the cleaning.
Cleaning typically involves scaling, which removes the tartar and plaque build-up near or below the gum line. This is followed by polishing, which smooths the surface of your pet’s teeth, and prevents plaque buildup by making it harder to adhere to your pet’s teeth.
After the teeth cleaning, your BetterVet doctor will prescribe any medications as needed for infections and/or pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good dental care for dogs includes preventative measures such as brushing your dog’s teeth and scheduling regular wellness exams that include a dental checkup are great ways to improve your dog’s dental health.
The top 5 signs of poor dog dental hygiene include bleeding gums, bad breath, discolored teeth, loose teeth, and a reduced appetite. Other common signs include gum inflammation, chipped or missing teeth, and recent weight loss.
