Healthy teeth and gums are essential to your pet’s overall well-being. Dental disease is one of the most common issues we see in dogs and cats and, if left untreated, can lead to problems like painful infections, tooth loss, or more serious systemic issues that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Our clinic provides comprehensive veterinary dentistry services, including oral exams, cleanings, and extractions to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Symptoms of Dental Disease
- Bad breath
- Discolored teeth
- Broken or loose teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or isolating
More than just a cleaning
Just like humans, our pets benefit from regular dental care—but in veterinary medicine, what we often call a ‘dental cleaning’ is much more than just cleaning teeth. A COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) is a detailed, surgical-grade procedure that involves far more than surface-level care. It includes a thorough oral exam and charting, full-mouth dental radiographs to assess below the gumline, and professional scaling and polishing. If dental disease is found, treatment may involve advanced interventions such as deep periodontal cleaning, tooth sealants, or even extractions—procedures that are more accurately described as oral surgery.
To ensure your pet’s comfort and safety, all COHATs are performed under full anesthesia, allowing our veterinary team to complete a comprehensive and pain-free evaluation and treatment. Prior to the procedure, pre-anesthetic bloodwork is recommended to confirm your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
Home Dental Care Tips
- Schedule annual dental exams and cleanings with your veterinarian
- Work with your care team to discuss safe and effective dental chews and toys
- Explore vet-recommended dental diets formulated to control tartar build-up
- Try brushing your pet’s teeth use a pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrush daily
- Visit https://vohc.org/ for more information about preventing periodontal disease and see a list of recommended products
