Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Our vets highly recommend yearly dental checkups for your dog or cat to best protect their oral health. If your pet is prone to dental concerns then your vet may suggest more frequent visits.

Millbrook Valley Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  Here are some of the signs that your pet needs a dental checkup:

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Your vet will conduct a thorough pre-anaesthetic physical assessment for your pet before the dental exam. 

  We will confirm the safety of anaesthesia for your pet through pre-procedure blood work and diagnostic testing. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted. 

  Once your pet is under anaesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting. 

• Treatment

  Next, your pet's teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line). If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan for this and discuss the process with you.

  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 for this and discuss the process with you.

• Prevention

  Once the treatment is complete, your vet will schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks later to ensure that there are no further concerns.

  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 things that our clients often ask us about pet dental care:

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Just like humans, our pets are also at risk of developing dental conditions due to a lack of oral hygiene.

  When our pets eat, the resulting plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away as soon as possible. 

  Unfortunately, this can cause 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?

  Your pet's ongoing behaviour can be a clear indicator of potential oral health concerns. If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood) or paw at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.

  If your pet is experiencing oral health problems including horrible breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. There is also the risk of tooth pain resulting in your pet being unable to eat properly. 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?

  Aside from the obvious concerns of cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and other dental conditions may lead to more concerning issues such as disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body. 

  Your pet may also experience a general sense of feeling unwell just as any human would when suffering from tooth pain. In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain. 

  This makes dental care an essential part of the overall health care routine for your beloved pet.

• What happens during pet teeth cleaning appointments?

  When you bring your pet in for a dental cleaning your vet will first thoroughly examine your pet's mouth for any obvious conditions or concerns.

  The vet will then clean away any 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 offer suggestions on what your next steps should be.

  In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anaesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  Daily brushing is highly recommended for your cat or dog, along with providing them with chew toys to help eliminate plaque buildup. 

  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.