Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems can benefit from more periodic visits. 

Bullard Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup:

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  We will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment 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, we clean and polish the teeth (including under the gum line) and take X-rays. We then 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 we find advanced periodontal disease, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. 

• Prevention

  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. 

  Ideally, we will schedule a followup examination for two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care:

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Just like humans, animals can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. 

  When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly. 

  This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to prevent pain or disease in the gums.

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

  Did you know your pet's behavior can be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and the drool can contain pus or blood) or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth or stop grooming properly.

  Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. 

• 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 areas throughout your pet's body, including the liver, kidney and heart. 

  Your pet may develop cysts or tumors and may also not feel well in general. Diseases related to oral health conditions can cause significant pain to your pets and can even shorten their lifespan. 

  This is why regular dental care is so essential to the physical health of your pets. 

• What happens during a pet teeth-cleaning appointment?

  During a regular oral exam, the vet will examine your pet's mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

  The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your pet's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on what actions you need to take. 

  In some cases, your pet will need surgery 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. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  Brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis and giving them dental chew toys will help eliminate plaque. 

  Discourage them from chewing 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.