Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Like your annual visit with your dentist, your cat or dog should see us for a dental examination at least once every year. Pets who are more vulnerable to dental problems than others may need to come in more often. 

Catawba Animal Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you see your pet display any of the following symptoms, it's time for a dental checkup.

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam. 

  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

  Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and we apply a fluoride treatment 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

Please read some of the most frequently asked questions we've received from our patients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Like us, if our pets have poor oral health they may develop tooth decay or periodontal disease. 

  When animals eat, their teeth attract plaque, which can build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away. 

  This can lead to mouth infections, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and eventually loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is critical to preventing pain or gum disease.

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

  Were you aware that your pet's behavior can point to oral health issues? If your pet is suffering from dental problems, they might drool excessively (and the drool may contain blood or pus), or you might notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. You may also see them yawn excessively, stop grooming sufficiently or grind their teeth. 

  Other symptoms of oral health problems are swollen gums, tooth discoloration, and bad breath. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

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

  Besides causing problems ranging from 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. 

  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 dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing. 

• What happens during my pet's 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 cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-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.