Signs your pet may have dental disease
- Persistent bad breath
- Visible tartar, red gums or oral bleeding
- Dropping food, chewing on one side or avoiding hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or resisting facial handling
- Loose or damaged teeth
Some pets show few outward signs. Regular examinations give us an opportunity to look for changes before they become more advanced.
What professional dental care may include
Recommendations are individualized after examination. When a dental procedure is indicated, the plan may include pre-anesthetic evaluation, monitoring, cleaning above and below the gumline, polishing, dental assessment and treatment of diseased teeth when necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Can brushing remove existing tartar?
Brushing can help slow new plaque accumulation, but it cannot safely remove hardened tartar already attached to the teeth.
Why is anesthesia used for veterinary dentistry?
It allows thorough examination and cleaning below the gumline while protecting the patient and veterinary team. Your pet’s individual anesthetic considerations are discussed before treatment.