Dog & Cat Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is a key component of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health, but most pets don't receive the oral hygiene care they need to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy.
At our veterinary hospital in Fremont, you'll find complete dental care for your pet, from basics including dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also provide dental health education to pet owners regarding home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Fremont
We understand that learning that your pet needs dental surgery can feel daunting. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your pet.
We'll do everything in our power to ensure your pet's experience with us is as comfortable and easy as possible. We'll explain each step of the process to you in detail prior to the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We offer tooth extractions, gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repair surgeries for dogs and cats.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Similar to your annual checkup at the dentist, we should see your cat or dog for a dental examination and prophylaxis at least once a year. Pets that are more prone to dental issues than others may need to come in more often.
Newark Pet Clinic can examine, diagnose and treat dental health problems in dogs and cats. Dental prophylaxis includes these elements:
- Symptoms
Have you noticed any of the following symptoms in your pet? If so, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Bad breath
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, the vet will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will perform a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
The next step is to clean and polish the teeth (including under the gum line) and take X-Rays. A fluoride treatment will then be applied to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to keep plaque from attacking the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will create a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be booked two weeks following 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?
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 under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams on this page.
- 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 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.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs do not understand what is happening during dental procedures, they will often react to procedures by biting or struggling.
Like the anesthesia offered to anxious or nervous patients by dentists, our vets in Fremont provide anesthesia to all of our patients before conducting dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to X-Ray their mouth as required.
