The Importance of Dental Cleaning for Pets: What to Expect During a Vet Visit

Dental health plays a crucial role in your pet’s overall wellbeing, yet it’s often overlooked. Regular professional teeth cleaning for pets is essential to prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and other serious health complications. While brushing your pet’s teeth at home is an important part of their oral hygiene, it’s not enough to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that can lead to infections and discomfort.

In this article, we’ll explain why pet dental cleaning is so important and what you can expect during a vet visit for this procedure.

Why is Pet Dental Cleaning Important?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common health issues in pets, affecting up to 80% of dogs and cats by the age of three. It starts with plaque build-up, which hardens into tartar and leads to inflammation, infection, and potentially severe health problems.

Without professional dental care, pets may experience:

• Pain and discomfort as untreated dental disease can make eating and chewing painful.

• Tooth loss from severe gum disease, which can cause teeth to loosen and fall out.

• Systemic health issues as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

A professional teeth cleaning by your vet can address these issues and significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.

What to Expect During a Professional Pet Dental Cleaning

A professional dental cleaning for pets involves a thorough and safe process designed to restore and maintain their oral health. Here’s what typically happens during a vet visit for dental care:

1. Pre-Procedure Examination

Your vet will conduct a comprehensive health check to ensure your pet is fit for anaesthesia. This may include:

• A physical examination

• Blood tests to assess organ function

• Reviewing your pet’s medical history

Anaesthesia is essential for professional dental cleaning, as it ensures your pet remains still, stress-free, and pain-free throughout the procedure.

2. Anaesthesia and Monitoring

Once your pet is cleared for the procedure, they’ll be placed under general anaesthesia. This allows the vet to clean their teeth thoroughly and safely without causing distress or discomfort. During the procedure, your pet’s vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored to ensure their safety.

3. Scaling and Polishing

The actual cleaning process involves:

• Scaling: Special dental tools are used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, including areas below the gum line that are impossible to reach with at-home brushing.

• Polishing: The teeth are polished to smooth out any scratches and make it harder for plaque to accumulate in the future.

4. Dental X-Rays (If Needed)

In some cases, your vet may take dental X-rays to check for issues below the gumline, such as abscesses or root damage. This step is crucial for identifying hidden problems that could impact your pet’s oral health.

5. Post-Cleaning Examination

After the cleaning, your vet will examine your pet’s mouth for any signs of gum disease, loose teeth, or other issues. If necessary, they may recommend additional treatments, such as tooth extractions or antibiotics for infections.

Aftercare for Your Pet’s Dental Health

Following the procedure, your pet may be drowsy from the anaesthesia and require a day or two to recover fully. Your vet will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Monitoring your pet for any signs of discomfort or complications

• Adjusting their diet temporarily, if needed

• Scheduling follow-up appointments, if required

To maintain your pet’s oral health after professional cleaning, it’s important to establish a regular dental care routine at home. This may include:

• Brushing their teeth: Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth regularly.

• Providing dental chews and toys: These can help reduce plaque build-up between cleanings.

• Scheduling routine check-ups: Regular vet visits ensure any new dental issues are caught early.

The Long-Term Benefits of Vet Dental Care

Investing in regular dental cleanings for your pet can prevent serious health issues and save you money on costly treatments down the line. Clean teeth and healthy gums also mean your pet can enjoy their favourite foods without pain or discomfort.

We are experienced in professional dental care for pets. From thorough cleanings to personalised advice on maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene, our experienced team is here to support your pet’s health every step of the way.

Book Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning Today

Don’t wait until your pet shows signs of dental disease. Contact our team to schedule a professional teeth cleaning for your furry friend.

Together, we can keep their smile healthy and their tail wagging! Want to save money and help your pet live a happy and healthy life? We created the Vital Pets Club to help pet owners do just that! Learn more here.