Dental health is an important part of your dog's or cat's overall health and well-being. Just like people, pets can develop plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Without appropriate dental care, dental disease can cause pain, infection, tooth loss, and other health complications.
Regular veterinary examinations, professional dog and cat dental cleanings, and consistent at-home dental care can help keep your pet's mouth healthier and more comfortable.
Why Is Dental Care Important for Dogs and Cats?
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs and cats, particularly as they get older. Plaque begins forming on the teeth when bacteria naturally present in the mouth combine with food particles and saliva. If plaque isn't regularly removed, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus.
Tartar provides additional surfaces for bacteria to accumulate along the gumline. This can lead to inflammation of the gums, known as
gingivitis, and eventually progress to
periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can affect the tissues and bone that support the teeth. In advanced cases, teeth can become loose or painful and may need to be extracted.
Because dogs and cats often hide signs of discomfort, dental disease can be present even when your pet appears to be acting normally.
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
Some pets show obvious signs of dental problems, while others may show very few outward symptoms. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Yellow, brown, or heavy tartar buildup
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Dropping food while eating
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swelling around the face or jaw
- Reluctance to eat hard food or treats
- Changes in eating habits
It's important to remember that
bad breath isn't simply a normal part of getting older. Persistent bad breath can be an
indication of dental disease and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
What Is a Professional Dental Cleaning for a Dog or Cat?
A professional pet dental cleaning is much more comprehensive than simply removing visible tartar from the teeth.
At Edgewater Animal Hospital, dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia allows our veterinary team to safely perform a thorough examination and cleaning of your pet's entire mouth, including areas below the gumline that cannot be properly evaluated in an awake pet.
A comprehensive dental procedure at our hospital includes:
- Pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork to make sure you pet is safe to go under anesthesia
- IV catheter placement
- This allows our veterinary team to administer anesthetic medications and other medications directly into the bloodstream. It also provides immediate IV access should additional medications or emergency treatment be necessary during the procedure.
- IV fluids during anesthesia
- Fluid therapy helps support circulation and can help maintain appropriate blood pressure during the dental procedure.
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Professional scaling and polishing
- This removes tartar from the visible tooth surfaces and around the gumline.
After scaling, the teeth are polished. Polishing helps smooth microscopic imperfections on the tooth surface that can be created during scaling, The combination of scaling and polishing leaves the teeth cleaner and smoother, helping reduce the surfaces where plaque can accumulate.
- Professional polishing
- An in-depth oral examination under anesthesia
- Dental radiographs (X-rays)
Each part of the procedure plays an important role in your pet's dental health and safety.
Anesthesia Monitoring During a Dental Cleaning
General anesthesia is necessary for a thorough veterinary dental cleaning because it allows your pet to remain still, comfortable, and pain-free while we examine and clean the entire mouth.
Your pet is carefully monitored throughout anesthesia. Depending on the procedure and your pet's individual needs, monitoring includes parameters such as:
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Blood oxygen levels
- Blood pressure
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Capnography (CO2 levels)
- Body temperature
- Anesthetic depth
Continuous monitoring allows the veterinary team to identify changes in your pet's condition and make adjustments to their anesthetic care as needed. Safe anesthesia is our top priority.
An In-Depth Oral Examination Under Anesthesia
One of the major benefits of performing a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia is the ability to conduct a
complete oral examination.
While your pet is anesthetized, our veterinary team can carefully evaluate the teeth, gums, tongue, and other structures throughout the mouth.
We look for signs of:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
- Damaged or fractured teeth
- Loose teeth
- Abnormal gum tissue
- Oral masses or other abnormalities
- Problems that may require additional treatment
An awake pet may not allow a complete examination of every area of the mouth. Anesthesia makes a detailed evaluation possible while keeping your pet comfortable.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important for Dogs and Cats?
Dental radiographs, or dental X-rays, are an essential part of a comprehensive pet dental cleaning.
Looking at the visible portion of a tooth doesn't always tell the whole story. Much of each tooth is located below the gumline, including the roots and supporting structures.
Dental X-rays allow our veterinary team to evaluate areas that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
Radiographs can help identify:
- Tooth root abnormalities
- Bone loss
- Dental disease below the gumline
- Retained tooth roots
- Problems associated with damaged or fractured teeth
- Other abnormalities involving the teeth and surrounding bone
A tooth can look relatively normal above the gumline while significant disease exists below it.
Dental radiographs give us a much more complete picture of your pet's oral health.
Why At-Home Dental Care Matters
Professional dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining your pet's oral health, but dental care should continue at home. Plaque begins accumulating again after a professional cleaning, which is why regular
at-home dental care for dogs and cats is so important.
The most effective form of at-home dental care is regular tooth brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets.
Tips for Brushing Your Pet's Teeth
If your dog or cat isn't accustomed to having their teeth brushed, introduce the process gradually. Start by allowing your pet to become comfortable with you touching their lips and mouth. Once they are comfortable, gradually introduce a pet toothbrush and veterinary-approved toothpaste. Aim for consistency rather than perfection. Even establishing a regular brushing routine can make a meaningful difference in your pet's ongoing oral health.
Never use human toothpaste on your pet. Some ingredients in human toothpaste can be harmful if swallowed by dogs or cats.
Other At-Home Dental Care Options
Tooth brushing is an important part of pet dental care, but some pets may not tolerate brushing easily. Your veterinarian may recommend additional products to help support oral health, such as:
- Veterinary-approved dental treats or chews
- Dental diets
- Water additives
- Dental wipes
- Other products designed to reduce plaque or tartar
Not every dental product is appropriate for every dog or cat. Ask our veterinary team which products may be appropriate for your pet.
If you are interested in having your pet's teeth cleaned, notice a bad smell from your pet's mouth, or you think something may be wrong in with your pet's teeth, give us a call and we can schedule a dental consultation.
