10/12/2026
🦷🐾 Does your pet need a dental? The answer may be yes!
Did you know that 70–80% of dogs and cats have signs of dental disease by just 3 years of age? Dental disease can cause painful inflammation, infection, and damage below the gumline—even when your pet is still eating normally.
🪥 What can you do at home?
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for helping prevent plaque buildup. If brushing isn't an option, dental wipes can be a helpful alternative. Look for products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance to help control plaque and/or tartar.
🩺 What happens during a professional dental?
Under general anesthesia, we can safely and thoroughly evaluate your pet's entire mouth. We:
• Scale the teeth above AND below the gumline
• Take dental X-rays to evaluate the tooth roots and bone
• Extract teeth that are damaged or cannot be saved
• Take post-extraction X-rays when needed
• Polish the teeth to smooth the enamel after scaling
🚫 What about anesthesia-free dental cleanings?
They are not recommended because they primarily remove visible tartar from the tooth surface. Without anesthesia, it is not possible to safely and thoroughly clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, or perform necessary extractions.
Anesthesia-free cleanings also do not polish the teeth afterward. Scaling can leave microscopic scratches and an uneven tooth surface where plaque and bacteria can more easily accumulate. Polishing smooths the tooth surface after scaling, helping make it less favorable for plaque buildup.
❤️ Don't wait until dental disease becomes painful or advanced. If your pet has been recommended for a dental procedure, scheduling it as soon as possible can help us address problems before they become more serious.
Have questions about your pet's dental health or need to schedule a dental? 🐶🐱🦷 Give us a call!
