Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Just like your own annual checkup at the dentist, your cat or dog should come in for a dental examination at least once per year. Pets who are more prone to oral health issues than other may need to come in more often than that. 

Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic 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.

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

  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 the effects of anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination and charting. 

• Treatment

  Next, their teeth are both cleaned and polished (above and below their gum line) and x-rays will be taken to assess their oral structures. We will then pply 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 speak with you about implementing tooth brushing while at home. We will also be able to recommend products that might help to improve your pet's oral health.

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?

  Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. 

  Just like in humans, 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 preventing pain or disease in the gums.

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

  Did you know what your pet's behavior may actually be an indicator of their oral health? If your dog or cat is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and that drool may contain blood or pus). You may also notice them yawning excessively, grinding their teeth, ceasing to groom properly and pawing at their teeth or mouth.

  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. 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 a pet 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.

  Our vet will clean tartar as well as other debris from your dog or cat's teeth. if gingivitise, cavities or another oral health issue is detected, we will explain what they found and what action should be taken to address them.

  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.