It’s easy to overlook dental care when it comes to your pet’s overall health. But oral health problems like plaque, tartar, gum disease, and infections can develop quickly, and silently. Pets with healthy teeth and gums often live 2–3 years longer than those suffering from untreated dental disease. With consistent at-home care and scheduled professional cleanings, you can protect both your pet’s smile and their overall health.
What to Expect at a Professional Cleaning
Veterinary dental cleanings go far beyond what you can accomplish with brushing. Your veterinarian scales away tartar above and below the gumline, polishes the teeth, and checks for hidden issues such as fractured teeth, advanced periodontal disease, or oral tumors. These are problems that anesthesia-free cleanings simply cannot address, which is why professional care is so important.
Complimentary Dental Evaluations
We offer free dental evaluations with our veterinary technicians to help you better understand your pet’s dental health. During this visit, your pet’s mouth will be checked for tartar, gum inflammation, and other concerns, and a dental grade will be provided. If advanced dental disease is detected, a doctor will need to examine your pet and may prescribe antibiotics. In this case, a doctor’s exam fee will be applied, and you may be asked to return for a detailed treatment plan.
Why Dental Cleanings Matter
By the time most pets are 3 years old, more than 80% already have signs of dental disease. What starts as bad breath and tartar can progress to serious infections that spread through the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. To protect against these risks, we include dental cleanings in our Preventative Care Wellness Plans with affordable monthly payment options.
Signs of Dental Trouble You Shouldn’t Ignore
Keep an eye out for these symptoms, which may indicate advanced dental disease that requires veterinary care:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Loose or missing teeth
- Bloody saliva or blood on chew toys
- Eating slowly, dropping food, or chewing on one side only
- Decreased appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Avoidance of crunchy food, treats, or chews
- Excessive drooling
- Rubbing the face or pawing at the mouth
- Swelling around the mouth or jaw
How Often Do Pets Need Cleanings?
The frequency varies depending on your pet’s age, breed, and health. General guidelines include:
- Dogs and cats over 3 years old: At least once a year.
- Small breed dogs: Every 6–9 months because they’re prone to faster plaque buildup.
- Pets on wet food diets: Every 6 months, since wet food does not provide natural cleaning like dry kibble.
- Senior pets (6+ years): Often require more frequent cleanings.
- Pets already diagnosed with dental disease: May need cleanings more often based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Tips for At-Home Dental Care
Professional cleanings are necessary, but you can help maintain your pet’s oral health between visits with daily care:
- Brush teeth with pet-safe toothpaste several times weekly.
- Provide veterinary-approved chews such as Oravet or Greenies.
- Add Plaque Off to meals to reduce tartar and prevent buildup.
- Use dental wipes or water additives for added support.
- Schedule regular wellness exams so your veterinarian can monitor progress.
In Summary
Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, but some will need them more often. Your veterinarian will recommend the schedule best suited to your pet’s needs. Remember, healthy teeth mean more than fresh breath. They mean a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Ready to book your pet’s dental cleaning? Call us at 480.987.4555 or schedule online.
For pricing and details, visit our dental page here: https://santanvalleyvets.com/pet-dental/.