Dental Health for Pets
Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or saw a dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most commonly diagnosed health issue in companion animals.
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Loose teeth
- Lethargy or depression
Even if your pet isn’t showing obvious signs, we recommend an annual dental evaluation by a veterinarian. Bacteria and food debris build up along the gumline and, if left untreated, can lead to painful inflammation, irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and even systemic infection.
Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and impact major organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. In severe cases, untreated dental disease can contribute to life-threatening conditions. A combination of physical exam, dental imaging, and lab work helps us assess how far any infection has progressed and determine the safest course of treatment.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning
We offer comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats, performed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety:
- Professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) is performed by a trained veterinary technician or assistant, similar to a human dental hygienist.
- Monitoring and safety: A dedicated nurse is present for the entire procedure and recovery, carefully monitoring your pet’s vitals—heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory function, and temperature—to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
- Full-mouth dental X-rays are taken during every procedure for the doctor to evaluate the health of the teeth below the gumline.
- Doctor evaluation: The veterinarian reviews the X-rays, probes each tooth, and assesses gum health to determine the extent of any dental disease.
- Client communication and consent: The doctor will contact you directly to review the oral findings. No further treatment is performed without your expressed consent, and all decisions regarding care are made collaboratively. Any additional costs will also be discussed at this time.
- Tooth extractions are performed, if necessary, using absorbable sutures for comfort and healing.
- Pain management: A veterinary nurse monitors the pet during the anesthetic recovery and works with the doctor to determine the most appropriate pain control plan.
- Complimentary nail trim is included with every dental procedure.
- Post-operative care: Pets go home the same day. A dedicated nurse discusses post-op instructions with you during discharge, and a complimentary recheck is scheduled to ensure your pet is healing well and to address any follow-up concerns.
Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.
Contact Us
contactus@seacoastanimal.com
760-760-7973
Hours
Mon: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tues: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Weds: Closed
Thurs: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Fri: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Sat/Sun: Closed