Did you know that dogs can get cavities, too? It’s true. Gum disease, missing teeth, and painful tooth infections are just some of the issues that stem from poor oral health. These problems can have lasting consequences for your pet. They can cause full-body infections, and tooth pain might make your dog stop eating or playing.
Routine dental care is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but what does that look like for a dog? Our vets answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What Does Routine Dental Care for Dogs Look Like?
Aside from brushing their teeth every day, it is important to take your dog to the vet at least once a year for a checkup. During their head-to-tail examination, we also take a look at your pet’s teeth.
These appointments help us ensure that your dog’s mouth is healthy and staying clean. They also give us a chance to look for problems like tooth fractures from gnawing, or gums that are irritated from tartar buildup. If your pet’s teeth need further attention, we might recommend scheduling an exam and cleaning.
Most dogs can benefit from getting a teeth cleaning every year. It’s the best way to protect them from the tooth and gum infections caused by tartar buildup. If your pet’s teeth are looking yellow, it may be time for a cleaning.
What Happens to Dogs During a Dental Cleaning?
Step 1: Pre-treatment checkup
Before your dog can go in for a cleaning, we need to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Your veterinarian will assess their risk and if they have any doubts about your pet’s health, they will reschedule the appointment.
Step 2: Anesthesia
Dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings all happen while your pet is asleep. This way, they won’t be frightened, and they won’t accidentally injure themselves or bite their veterinarian.
Step 3: X-Rays
Dental x-rays are a very important part of the exam. They help us see problems that might be lurking under the gumline or in your dog’s jaw. And don’t worry, x-rays are perfectly safe for your pet!
Step 4: Exam and Cleaning
Dental exams help us identify areas of concern and determine if your dog needs additional treatments, like a tooth extraction. And cleaning their teeth removes all the tartar buildup that causes tooth decay and gum disease.
Step 5: Recovery
Once your pet’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, the last step is recovery. Throughout the exam and cleaning, your pet is closely monitored to ensure they are safe under anesthesia. This doesn’t change once the procedure is completed. They are monitored until they wake up from anesthesia, and for some time after as well. This is to ensure that there were no complications. Once your veterinarian is certain they are safe, you will be able to take them home.
Compassionate Dental Care for Dogs in Gilbert, Arizona
Routine dental care will keep your dog’s teeth healthy, strong, and pain-free. And with the right vet, you never have to worry about their safety. Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we treat every pet like one of our own. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, please don’t wait! Contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/21/25). Photo by Chewy on Unsplash