Bad breath in your dog or cat isn’t just unpleasant—it often signals poor dental hygiene or underlying health issues. Many dental problems develop below the gum line, where they’re hard to spot at home. Ignoring these can lead to pain, infections, and even serious organ damage in the heart, kidneys, liver, or lungs.
Home Dental Care: A Good Start, But Often Not Enough
Daily brushing and dental treats are excellent first steps for maintaining your pet’s oral health. However, many pets—especially cats—resist having their teeth brushed, making consistent home care challenging.
For thorough removal of plaque and tartar (particularly below the gum line), professional dental cleaning for dogs and dental cleaning for cats is essential. Talk to your veterinarian about the ideal schedule for cleanings and a tailored at-home routine.
Regular professional care prevents minor issues from becoming major (and potentially life-threatening) problems while extending your pet’s healthy lifespan.
Watch for These Behavioral Signs of Dental Pain
Pets instinctively hide pain, a survival trait from their wild ancestors. What seems like “grumpiness” could actually be discomfort.
Common behavioral red flags include:
- New irritability or aggression
- Avoiding touch, especially around the face, mouth, or throat
- Sluggishness or lethargy
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Changes in mood or activity levels
Urgent Physical Signs: Contact Your Vet Immediately
If you notice any of these visible symptoms, schedule an appointment right away:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums (especially during eating or brushing)
- Swelling around the mouth
- Oral abscesses
- Abnormal or difficult chewing
- Loose or missing teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Crusted buildup along the gum line
- Persistent foul breath
- Excessive drooling
- Unexplained weight loss
The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Preventive dental cleaning for dogs and dental cleaning for cats not only keeps breath fresh but also saves money in the long run. Treating advanced dental disease can be expensive, but at Community Pet Outreach ~ Pet Health Hub we offer routine dental cleanings starting at $350. Routine professional cleanings are far more affordable and help avoid those higher bills.
Why We Use Anesthesia for Dental Procedures
We always use anesthesia during dental cleaning for dogs and dental cleaning for cats to ensure safety and effectiveness. While anesthesia carries minimal risks, the benefits far outweigh them:
- Keeps your pet completely still for precise work (especially below the gum line)
- Prevents injury from sudden movement
- Reduces stress and fear – pets can’t understand the procedure like humans can
- Allows accurate
Modern anesthetics are safe, and most pets go home the same day, returning to normal behavior by the next day.
Comprehensive Dental Procedures We Offer
Our veterinary dental services mirror human dentistry, providing complete care for your pet’s oral health.
Hygiene and Preventative Services
- Scaling (removing plaque and tartar above the gum line)
- Sub-gingival cleaning (below the gum line)
- Polishing and filing
- Full oral exams
Oral Treatments
- Root canals (endodontic therapy)
- Periodontal disease treatment
- Infection control
Surgical Procedures:
- Tooth extractions
- Fracture repairs
- Treatment for oral cancer or cysts
- Cleft palate repair
- Abscess management
Next Steps
Your pet’s dental health is a vital part of their overall well-being. Don’t wait for signs of trouble – schedule a dental evaluation at our Lewisville, TX, vet clinic today to keep your pet smiling brightly! You can schedule online via our online booking portal or call us at 972-353-9672.
