Veterinary Dental Care

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Like your own annual dental checkup, it's important for your dog or cat to be examined by a professional dental provider at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often. 

Brodheadsville Veterinary Clinic veterinary dentistry team can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you observe any of the following signs in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Before anesthesia is administered, a thorough physical assessment will be completed on your pet before the dental exam. 

  We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure your pet can safely 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 are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken before we apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth. 

  Finally, we apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found during your pet's examination and/or cleaning, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. 

• Prevention

  A follow-up examination should ideally be scheduled about 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

Below, we answer some frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  A consequence of poor oral health for our pets can include the development of periodontal disease or tooth decay. 

  Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly. 

  Tartar buildup can lead to oral infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. Regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or gum disease in our beloved pets.

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

  Did you know that behavioral changes may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, you may notice excessive drooling (which may contain pus or blood), or you might see your pet pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.

  Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and discolored teeth. Some pets may be reluctant to eat because of oral pain, which is a cause for concern. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

• What kinds of issues can poor oral health cause in my pet?

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

  Your pet may feel generally unwell (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!), in addition to experiencing significant pain and a potentially shortened lifespan.

  This is why regular 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 your pet's mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

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

  In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat a more serious oral health concern. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. Special care will be needed for your pet post-surgery. 

• What can I do at home to maintain my pet's oral health between dental appointments?

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

  Ensure that they don't chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys, or objects that are too hard. If you have questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health, contact your vet right away.