Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Similar to your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should see us for a dental examination at least once each year. Pets who are more susceptible to dental health issues than others may need to visit more often. 

Limehouse Veterinary Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat oral health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your pet? If so, book a dental checkup. 

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Before performing the dental exam, the vet will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment. 

  We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an EKG may also be conducted. 

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

• Treatment

  Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth. 

  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 and discuss it with you. 

• Prevention

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

  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 most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Just like us, our pets can develop tooth decay or periodontal disease as a consequence of poor oral health. 

  Plaque can attack our pets' teeth and build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away. This may lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is critical to preventing disease or pain in the gums.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Did you know your pet's behavior can indicate oral health issues? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may paw at their mouth or teeth, or yawn excessively. They may also grind their teeth, stop grooming sufficiently or drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood). 

  Other signs of oral health issues can include swollen gums, bad breath, and discolored teeth. Some pets may even experience 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 bad breath and cavities to severe periodontal disease, oral health conditions and issuescan lead to liver, heart, and kidney disease, in addition to other health conditions throughout your pet's body. 

  Tumors or cysts can develop and your pet may not feel well generally (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 we remind pet owners about how important regular dental care is to their animals' physical health and wellbeing. 

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

  The vet will clean 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 provide advice on which actions you should take. 

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

  If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us. 

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