Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams

You should aim to bring your pet in for a dental checkup at least once per year. Cats and dogs who are more prone to dental problems may also need to see us more often than that. 

TLC Animal 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.

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  We will provide your pet with a comprehensive physical exam before administering anesthesia and conducting the dental checkup for your dog or cat. 

  We will take blood to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs may also be conducted. 

  Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will complete an oral exam, including checking each individual tooth and charting our findings. 

• Treatment

  Our vets will clean your pet's teeth and polish them above and below the gum line. We will also take x-rays to evaluate for disease of the tooth root system beneath the gum line. 

  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

  Our vets will provide you with information on how you can implement dental hygiene and care at home.

  We will also discuss implementing teeth brushing at home and can 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 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?

  Behavior can be an excellent indicator of oral health issues. If your pet is having dental health problems, they may drool more than normal (and that drool may include substances like pus or blood), they may paw at their mouth frequently, yawn excessively, or stop grooming themselves sufficiently. 

  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. 

  They may even develop cysts or tumors and feel generally unwell if suffering from oral health issues. If you've ever had a toothache, you know it can affect every part of your life. As well, diseases related to oral health conditions can significantly shorten your pet's lifespan and cause them 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.

  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, your cat or dog will require surgery to treat serious conditions. They will be provided anesthesia before their procedure in order to ensure they are comfortable and don't experience any pain. You will have to make sure that you can provide special care for your pet after their procedure as well. 

  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.