Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often. 

Mamaroneck Veterinary Hospital 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.

  • 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 
  • Discolored teeth 

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  If your pet is receiving anesthesia for their dental treatment, a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam. 

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

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

• Treatment

  To begin the treatment, we will X-ray your pet's teeth. Then, any necessary dental work will be conducted before your pet's teeth undergo a thorough cleaning. 

  During the cleaning process, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line). We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.  

  If advanced periodontal disease or other conditions are found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. 

• Prevention

  Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled one week after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

  During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home.

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients 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?

  Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming 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. 

  Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause 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 physical examination, the veterinarian will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment. If your pet is found to have dental or gum disease, your pet’s veterinarian may recommend a dental appointment (including a dental cleaning, dental X-rays and/or additional treatments including but not limited to dental extractions, tooth surface restorations, root canals, etc.) under general anesthesia.  

  At the time of the procedure, the tartar and other debris will be cleaned from your cat's or dog's teeth, and dental X-rays will be taken. X-rays are imperative for a complete oral health assessment as 2/3 of the tooth is below the gum line and we often find a lot of disease around the tooth roots, which we would otherwise miss without the X-rays.

  If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions that need to be addressed are identified, the veterinarian will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take. 

• 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 veterinarian with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.