Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in North Charleston, SC for Whole-Body Health
Our parents teach us good dental habits when we’re young, but our pets don’t always get that lesson. Many pet owners don’t realize how important cat and dog teeth cleaning is for their loved ones until they find out their pet has gum disease. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, most pets will have some form of gum disease by age three! Here in North Charleston, our veterinarians will be happy to discuss your pet’s dental needs and work with you to create a dental health plan to keep their mouth clean and healthy.
If your pet has bad breath, trouble chewing, red gums, or has not had a dental exam recently, call (843) 554-4361 or request an appointment online.
Why Does Pet Dental Care Matter?
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. It often begins with plaque and tartar along the gumline, then progresses to inflammation, infection, tooth pain, and tooth loss.
Untreated dental disease can affect more than your pet’s mouth. Bacteria from infected gums and teeth may enter the bloodstream and put added strain on organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings help us find problems earlier, reduce oral pain, and support better overall health. They also give you a clearer plan for keeping your pet’s mouth cleaner between visits.
Signs Your Dog or Cat May Have Dental Disease
Pets often hide dental pain. Many dogs and cats continue eating even when their mouth hurts, so pet owners may not notice a problem until dental disease has progressed.
Call us if you notice signs such as:
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Bad breath
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Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
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Loose, broken, or missing teeth
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Drooling more than usual
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Difficulty chewing
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Dropping food from the mouth
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Chewing on one side
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Pawing at the face or mouth
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Facial swelling
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Loss of appetite
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Acting sensitive around the mouth
Our Cat & Dog Dental Care Services
Pet dental care is about more than polishing teeth. Our team evaluates your pet’s mouth, removes buildup, and looks for signs of disease that may need treatment.
We perform a variety of services to improve and preserve your pet’s oral health, including:
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Routine oral exams
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Extractions (as needed)
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Dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) above and below the gum line
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Root planing (smooths tooth root to remove residual bacteria)
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Dental treats and chews
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Teeth-brushing demonstrations
What Happens During Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning?
For your pet’s safety and comfort, professional dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia. Anesthesia allows our team to clean below the gumline, examine the mouth thoroughly, take dental X-rays when recommended, and perform extractions if needed.
Before anesthesia, we recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork for pets under 6 years old and require it for pets 6 years and older. Bloodwork helps us screen for internal health concerns that could affect anesthesia or recovery.
During the cleaning, our team removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, including areas below the gumline that cannot be cleaned during an awake exam. We then polish the teeth to smooth the surface and help slow future buildup.
If we find dental disease, damaged teeth, or concerns on X-rays, we’ll discuss findings and treatment recommendations with you. Our goal is to make dental care clear, safe, and focused on your pet’s comfort.
How Often Does My Pet Need a Dental Cleaning?
The timing depends on your pet’s age, breed, dental history, diet, chewing habits, and how quickly plaque and tartar build up. Some pets need professional cleanings more often than others.
During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarians can evaluate their teeth and gums and recommend when to schedule a cleaning. If your pet already has signs of dental disease, we may recommend treatment sooner to help reduce pain and prevent the condition from worsening.
Whether your pet needs a routine oral exam, professional cleaning, dental X-rays, extractions, or help starting home care, we’re here to guide you. Call (843) 554-4361 or request an appointment online.