Why Professional Dental Care Is Essential for Your Pet’s Health 

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats. Unfortunately, it often progresses quietly, causing discomfort and infection long before obvious symptoms appear. 

At Welleby Veterinary Hospital, we provide professional dental cleanings for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets to help prevent oral pain, tooth loss, infection, and other health complications. Routine dental care is an important part of keeping your pet healthy, comfortable, and happy throughout their life. 

Understanding Dental Disease in Pets 

Dental disease, or periodontal disease, begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. 

As the disease progresses, bacteria move beneath the gumline and begin damaging the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to chronic pain, infection, loose teeth, and tooth loss. 

One of the biggest challenges with dental disease is that much of the damage occurs below the gumline, where it cannot be seen during routine examinations at home. 

Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Evaluation 

Many pets continue eating and acting normally despite significant oral disease. Common warning signs include: 

• Persistent bad breath 
• Yellow or brown tartar accumulation 
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums 
• Excessive drooling 
• Pawing at the face or mouth 
• Difficulty chewing 
• Dropping food while eating 
• Preference for softer foods 
• Loose, broken, or missing teeth
• Chewing primarily on one side of the mouth 

Even if your pet shows none of these signs, dental disease may still be present.

Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings 

Improve Comfort and Quality of Life 

Dental disease can be extremely painful. Because pets instinctively hide discomfort, many owners don’t realize how much their pet has been suffering until after treatment. Following a dental procedure, owners frequently report improved appetite, increased activity, and a happier overall demeanor. 

Reduce the Risk of Tooth Loss 

Periodontal disease gradually destroys the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Early intervention can help preserve healthy teeth and prevent irreversible damage. 

Support Overall Health 

The mouth is connected to the rest of the body. Bacteria associated with dental disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation that may affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. 

Avoid More Extensive Treatment Later 

Addressing dental disease early is often less costly and less invasive than waiting until severe infection, fractured teeth, or advanced periodontal disease develops. 

Why Dental Radiographs Matter 

A complete dental procedure involves much more than cleaning the visible surfaces of the teeth. 

Approximately 60% of each tooth lies below the gumline, making it impossible to fully evaluate with a visual examination alone. 

Dental radiographs (X-rays) allow us to identify: 

• Tooth root infections 
• Bone loss associated with periodontal disease 
• Abscesses 
• Fractured teeth 
• Retained tooth roots 
• Hidden disease beneath the gums

Without dental X-rays, significant sources of pain and infection can remain undetected.

Why Dental Procedures Require Anesthesia 

Professional veterinary dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia to ensure a safe, thorough, and stress-free procedure. 

Anesthesia allows us to: 

• Clean above and below the gumline 
• Perform a complete oral examination 
• Obtain dental radiographs 
• Treat painful or diseased teeth 
• Perform extractions when necessary 

For patient safety, pre-anesthetic bloodwork is required within 90 days of all anesthetic procedures. 

The Risks of Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings 

Some facilities offer non-anesthetic or “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings. While these procedures may make the teeth appear cleaner, they do not address the most important aspects of dental health. 

Limitations include: 

• No cleaning beneath the gumline 
• No dental radiographs 
• Hidden disease remains undiagnosed 
• Incomplete tartar removal 
• No treatment for painful teeth 
• Potential stress and discomfort from restraint 
• A misleading appearance that dental disease has been resolved 

For these reasons, professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia remain the standard of care in veterinary medicine. 

Feline Tooth Resorption (FORLs) 

Cats commonly develop a painful dental condition known as tooth resorption, previously referred to as Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs). 

This condition causes the body’s own cells to break down tooth structure, often beginning below the gumline. Dental radiographs are typically required to diagnose tooth resorption accurately.

Signs may include: 

• Drooling 
• Reduced appetite 
• Chewing on one side 
• Chattering when eating 
• Pawing at the mouth 
• Preference for soft foods 
• Irritability 

Many affected cats continue eating despite significant discomfort. 

When Are Dental Extractions Necessary? 

Some teeth cannot be saved due to advanced periodontal disease, severe infection, fractures, or tooth resorption. 

If extractions are needed, they are determined during the comprehensive oral examination performed under anesthesia. 

While losing a tooth may sound concerning, most pets recover extremely well. In fact, many owners notice their pets are noticeably happier and more comfortable after painful teeth have been removed. 

Please note that extraction fees are separate from the base dental cleaning and depend on the number and complexity of the affected teeth. 

What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?

A complete dental procedure may include: 

• Comprehensive oral examination 
• Dental radiographs when indicated and approved 
• Ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline 
• Tooth polishing 
• Evaluation of each individual tooth 
• Oral disease assessment 
• Extractions when necessary and approved 

How Often Does My Pet Need a Dental Cleaning?

There is no single schedule that fits every pet. 

Recommended frequency depends on factors such as:

• Age 
• Breed 
• Genetics 
• Tooth alignment 
• Existing dental disease 
• Home dental care routine 

Small-breed dogs often require dental care more frequently due to crowded teeth and faster tartar accumulation. Many cats also require regular monitoring because of their increased risk for tooth resorption. 

Birds and exotic pets can also develop oral abnormalities, beak issues, and dental-related conditions depending on species, making routine wellness examinations important for early detection. 

Is Brushing at Home Enough? 

Home dental care is extremely beneficial, but it cannot replace professional dental treatment. 

Brushing, dental chews, treats, and water additives help reduce plaque buildup and slow the progression of disease. However, once tartar forms or disease develops below the gumline, home care alone cannot remove it. 

The best approach combines both: 

• Professional dental cleanings to diagnose and treat active disease 
• Consistent at-home dental care to maintain oral health between procedures For approved dental products, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website. 

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Evaluation 

If your pet has bad breath, visible tartar, inflamed gums, or simply hasn’t had a dental evaluation recently, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. 

Early dental care helps prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss while supporting your pet’s long-term health and comfort. Contact Welleby Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your pet’s dental evaluation.