10 Mar Dog and Cat Dentistry: What a “Real” Dental Cleaning Includes (And Why It Matters)
When most people think about dentistry for pets, they picture bad breath and a little tartar on the teeth. But dog and cat dentistry is about much more than appearances. Dental disease is one of the most common medical issues we see in dogs and cats, and it can be painful, it can change behavior, and it can quietly impact the rest of the body over time.
Why dental disease is a big deal in pets
Dental disease is common, and it often goes under-recognized at home. Bad breath is one of the top complaints I hear, but bad breath is usually not “normal dog breath” or “normal cat breath.” It is often a sign of dental disease.
More importantly, dental disease creates chronic inflammation in the mouth. That inflammation is not isolated. Bacteria and infection can enter the bloodstream, and that can contribute to systemic issues that involve the heart, kidneys, and liver. Over time, that chronic inflammatory state can make other conditions worse.
And then there is the pain factor. Dental disease can be extremely painful. Many pets keep eating even when their mouth hurts, so owners assume it cannot be that bad. But pain shows up in other ways like dropping food, pawing at the mouth, chewing on one side, avoiding hard treats, or becoming reactive when you touch their face. I have seen pets with “behavior problems” improve dramatically once we addressed dental pain.
What happens when dental disease goes untreated
If dental disease is not treated, it progresses. Pain can worsen. Infection can deepen under the gumline. Tooth root abscesses can develop. Chronic inflammation continues. And in severe cases, the disease can weaken bone and create major complications.
The earlier we catch it, the easier it is to treat and the more we can reduce risk long-term.
Common dental problems in dogs and cats
Dogs: Periodontal Disease (Tartar accumulation on the teeth), fractured teeth and tooth root abscesses
The number one most common disease we see in both cats and dogs is periodontal disease. This is where plaque (bacteria) builds up on the teeth. It hardens into tartar, causes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This then leads into the periodontal ligament, which holds the tooth in the mouth, becoming so disease the tooth becomes loose.
One of the most common serious problems I see in dogs is a slab fracture or tooth fracture. This often happens when dogs chew very hard items like bones or antlers. Dogs can generate tremendous jaw force, and their tooth structure is not built for chewing the same materials humans can.
When a tooth fractures, the root can become exposed and painful, and infection can follow. That is how tooth root abscesses develop.
Cats: resorptive lesions and stomatitis
Cats have their own common dental conditions, including feline resorptive lesions (where the tooth structure begins to resorb) and stomatitis (a significant inflammatory condition in the mouth). These can be very painful, and sometimes the teeth look “fine” on the surface until we evaluate properly with imaging.
The signs of dental pain most owners miss
Here are a few signs I want pet owners to watch for:
- Dropping food or leaving crumbs around the bowl
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Avoiding hard treats or toys
- Pulling away when you touch the face
- Reactivity that seems out of character Bad breath that persists
What a “real” veterinary dental cleaning includes
A real veterinary dental cleaning is not a quick scrape of the visible tartar. The goal is to clean above and below the gumline, evaluate every tooth, and treat disease at its source. That requires anesthesia for safety, comfort, and thoroughness.
Here is what our dental process typically looks like at EastOver Veterinary.
Step 1: Pre-dental exam and risk screening
Before we schedule a dental procedure, we evaluate the pet. We listen to the heart and lungs, examine the mouth, and talk through what we are seeing and what we suspect. Then we run pre-anesthetic lab work. In most pets that includes:
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Chemistry panel (kidney values, liver values, electrolytes)
- Urinalysis In cats, we often add a cardiac screening test (proBNP) when indicated
This is how we tailor anesthesia and care to the individual patient.
Step 2: The Dental Procedure: IV catheter, fluids, and comfort medications
On procedure day, pets are typically fasted and arrive in the morning for drop-off. We place an IV catheter for venous access, start IV fluids to support blood pressure and hydration, and administer medications to help pets relax and stay comfortable. We also use anti-nausea medication to reduce the chance of vomiting and help many pets eat sooner afterward. That IV access is also important because it allows immediate response if we need to act quickly for safety.
Step 3: Anesthesia monitoring like a human hospital
Once a pet is under anesthesia, a trained team member monitors them closely. We use multi-parameter monitoring that includes:
- ECG
- Blood pressure
- Oxygenation (SpO2)
- End-tidal CO2 (capnography)
- Temperature monitoring and active warming support
This is a major reason “real” veterinary dentistry is not the same as an anesthesia-free cleaning.
Step 4: Full scaling, cleaning, and polishing
We scale and clean the teeth, including below the gumline, and then polish. The below-gumline cleaning is where we address the source of infection that creates periodontal disease.
Step 5: Full-mouth dental X-rays (radiographs)
This is where dentistry becomes real medicine. What you see above the gumline is only part of the story. A large portion of dental disease is hidden under the surface. That is why we take full-mouth dental X-rays on our dental patients. Dental X-rays allow us to detect:
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Tooth root abscesses
- Fractures that are not visible on the crown
- Bone loss
- Resorptive lesions in cats
- Other disease processes developing under the gumline
In my experience, it is very common that we find many issues under the gumline that were not obvious just by looking.
Step 6: Treating diseased teeth (including surgical extractions when needed)
If diseased teeth are identified, appropriate treatment is recommended. In some cases, this may involve tooth extraction. Many extractions are surgical in nature, particularly for teeth with multiple roots. Our goal is always to preserve as many healthy teeth as possible, and with the help of advanced dental techniques and therapies, we are often able to do so. Surgical extractions can involve:
- Dental nerve blocks to keep the area numb and reduce pain
- Creating a gum flap to access the tooth properly
- Sectioning multi-rooted teeth
- Removing roots carefully with the right equipment and technique
- Post-extraction X-rays to confirm the full tooth is removed
- Closing the site with dissolvable sutures to protect healing
Our goal is to remove disease completely and set the patient up for long-term success.
Why pet dental cleanings cost what they cost
This is one of the most common questions I get, and it is a fair question. A real veterinary dental procedure includes anesthesia, experienced staffing, pre-anesthetic screening, IV access and fluids, advanced monitoring, a full cleaning above and below the gumline, full-mouth X-rays, dental charting, and potentially surgical extractions with closure and post-op pain control.
That is a lot of medicine, and it takes time, training, and equipment to do it safely. Pricing can also vary because the real cost driver is disease severity. If extractions are needed, the time and complexity can increase. And because so much disease is under the gumline, it can be difficult to give an exact cost without evaluating the pet and taking X-rays.
Recovery: what to expect after a dental
The first 24 hours
After the procedure, pets recover in-hospital for a few hours so we can monitor temperature, comfort, and how they are doing as anesthesia clears. At home, some pets may be a bit groggy for 24 hours, and sometimes up to 48 hours in older pets. Appetite can vary the first night. Some pets eat less, and that can be normal. A small amount of blood-tinged saliva can also be normal, especially if extractions were performed.
Full healing time
Gum tissue typically heals in about two weeks.
Feeding after dentistry
If extractions were performed, we usually recommend soft food. You can use a canned version of their diet or soak kibble in warm water to soften it.
When to call the clinic
Call if you see:
- Excessive bleeding
- Coughing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Not eating or not drinking
- Obvious pain that is not improving
- Anything that feels “off” to you
If you are concerned, it is always appropriate to reach out.
Prevention: the best thing you can do at home
If you only do one thing, brush your pet’s teeth as often as you realistically can. Consistency matters more than perfection.
There are also VOHC-approved dental products that can help, including certain diets, treats, and chews. Some options can reduce plaque, but brushing remains the top at-home tool.
Our approach at EastOver Veterinary
What I am most proud of is that we do not run a one-size-fits-all dental process. Every patient gets an individualized plan based on their health status, what we find in the mouth, and what we see on X-rays. We also put a lot of effort into creating a calm, transparent experience for pets and owners, because dentistry can be stressful, and it does not have to be.
FAQ
Do dogs and cats really need dental X-rays?
Yes. Many serious problems live under the gumline, including periodontal disease, abscesses, fractures, bone loss, and other hidden diseases.
Is bad breath normal in pets?
No. Bad breath is often a sign of dental disease.
Is my pet “too old” for anesthesia?
Age is just a number. What matters is the pet’s overall health and proper screening, planning, and monitoring.
How often should my pet get a dental cleaning?
It depends on the individual pet. Most pets should have their mouth evaluated once or twice per year so we can catch disease early and plan appropriately.
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