Dental Care

Does your pet have bad breath, discolored teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or difficulty chewing? These can all be signs of periodontal disease, one of the most common health problems affecting dogs and cats.

Just like people, pets benefit from regular dental care. While dental treats and chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. Untreated dental disease can cause pain, infection, tooth loss, and may even affect your pet’s overall health and quality of life.

More Than “Dog Breath”

Bad breath is more than just an unpleasant odor—it is often one of the first signs of dental disease. Pets with periodontal disease may experience:

• Pain and discomfort
• Difficulty chewing
• Loss of appetite
• Inflamed or bleeding gums
• Loose or damaged teeth
• Changes in attitude or activity level

Because pets instinctively hide pain, many continue eating and acting relatively normal despite significant oral disease.

Professional Dental Cleanings

At the Animal Hospital of Orleans, every dental procedure begins with a thorough oral examination. Under anesthesia, we perform a complete cleaning using ultrasonic scaling equipment to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line—similar to the tools used by your dental hygienist.

As each tooth is cleaned, it is carefully evaluated for:

• Fractures
• Loose teeth
• Tooth resorption (cats)
• Gum pockets
• Bone loss

We also perform full-mouth dental radiographs (dental x-rays) to evaluate the structures below the gum line. Since up to 60% of a tooth lies beneath the surface, dental x-rays are an essential part of diagnosing hidden disease, including root abscesses, bone loss, fractured teeth, and tooth resorption. Many painful conditions cannot be seen during a visual examination alone.

If a tooth is severely diseased or damaged, extraction may be recommended to eliminate pain and prevent future infection.

Safe Anesthesia and Monitoring

Your pet’s safety and comfort are our highest priorities. We use the same advanced anesthesia protocols and monitoring for dental procedures that we use for surgery. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is required for all dental procedures, and a trained veterinary technician is dedicated to monitoring your pet throughout anesthesia.

Pain management is included with all extensive dental procedures, and therapeutic laser therapy may be recommended to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Oral Health and Whole-Body Health

Dental disease is not just a problem in the mouth. Chronic oral infection and inflammation can affect the entire body. Studies in veterinary medicine have shown associations between periodontal disease and changes affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Maintaining good oral health is an important part of your pet’s overall health and longevity.

Helpful Resources

For additional information about dental disease and oral health in pets, we recommend:

• American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) – Client education on periodontal disease, fractured teeth, tooth resorption, and home dental care.
• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) – Information on products proven to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – Guidelines and educational resources on dental care for dogs and cats.

Fear Free Dental Care

We understand that veterinary visits and procedures can be stressful for both pets and their families. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, Fear Free care every step of the way, with individualized plans designed to minimize stress and maximize comfort.

Healthy mouths contribute to healthier, happier lives. If you have concerns about your pet’s teeth or breath, we would be happy to discuss whether a dental evaluation is recommended.