Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Just like we need to visit the dentist for an annual checkup, your dog or cat should see us for a dental examination at least once each year. Pets who are more susceptible to dental issues than others may need to come in more often. 

Our vets at Red Rocks Animal Center can assess, diagnose and treat dental health issues in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  It's time to bring your pet in for a dental checkup if you notice any of these symptoms. 

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Before the dental exam, the vet will conduct a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment for your pet. 

  We will take blood and urine analyses to check that it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. We may also need to do additional diagnostics such as chest radiographs. 

  Once your pet has been put 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 x-rays are taken. 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 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

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

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

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

  Similar to humans, when animals eat, plaque attacks their teeth and can build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away. 

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

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

  Did you know that your pet's behavior may indicate oral health issues? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may paw at their mouth or teeth or you may notice them drooling (the drool may contain pus or blood) or yawning excessively. They may also stop grooming sufficiently and grind their teeth. 

  Other signs of oral health problems include tooth discoloration, bad breath and swollen gums. Some pets may even experience pain that prevents them from eating. Read more about symptoms under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams on this page. 

• 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 a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet dentist 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.