Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
Dental disease is the most common health problem we see in adult pets. By age three, most dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease, and because pets hide pain so well, many owners never realize their companion is uncomfortable. At The Pet Clinic, our veterinarians diagnose and treat dental disease in pets throughout Omaha, NE using digital dental X-rays, professional cleanings and gentle oral surgery.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. Within days, plaque hardens into tartar that sits above and below the gumline. Bacteria under the gums cause inflammation (gingivitis), and over time they destroy the ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place. Left untreated, this infection can spread through the bloodstream and has been linked to problems with the heart, liver and kidneys.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Loose, broken or missing teeth
- Chewing on one side of the mouth or dropping food
- Pawing at the face or drooling
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
Cats can also develop painful tooth resorption, and small breed dogs are especially prone to crowding and early tooth loss. Many of these problems are only visible on X-rays, which is why a thorough wellness exam includes an oral evaluation every year.
How We Diagnose and Treat Dental Disease
Treatment starts with a complete exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork from our in-house laboratory to make sure your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia. During a professional dental cleaning, we scale away plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, polish the teeth and take full-mouth digital dental X-rays. These images reveal infection, bone loss, root fractures and resorptive lesions hidden beneath the surface.
If we find diseased or broken teeth, our veterinarians can perform extractions and other oral surgery during the same procedure. Pain management is part of every dental procedure, and we monitor each patient closely from induction through recovery. Some pets also benefit from laser therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing after extractions.
Preventing Dental Disease at Home
Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard for keeping teeth healthy. Dental diets, water additives and veterinary-approved chews can also help. Our team can recommend options during a nutritional counseling visit and show you how to introduce brushing using the same low stress handling techniques we use in our hospital.
Dental disease can also contribute to other health problems, including kidney disease in older pets. If you are new to our practice, visit our New Clients page, and explore our full list of conditions we treat.
Pet Dental Disease FAQs
How do I know if my pet has dental disease?
Common signs include bad breath, tartar buildup, red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, drooling and trouble eating. Many problems are hidden below the gumline, so a veterinary exam and dental X-rays are the most reliable way to know.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays and treat painful teeth safely and thoroughly. Anesthesia-free cleanings only remove visible tartar and miss the disease that causes the most harm.
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a cleaning every one to two years, though small breed dogs and pets with existing disease may need them more often. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s exam.
Can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?
Yes. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to heart, liver and kidney problems, which is why treating dental disease early matters.
Will my pet be able to eat after tooth extractions?
Most pets eat comfortably within a day or two. We send home pain medication and soft food instructions, and many pets feel better than before once painful teeth are removed.
What is tooth resorption in cats?
Tooth resorption is a painful condition in which a cat’s tooth structure breaks down, often below the gumline. It is diagnosed with dental X-rays and usually treated by extraction.
How can I prevent dental disease at home?
Daily brushing with pet toothpaste is the most effective prevention. Dental diets, chews and water additives approved by your veterinarian can also help slow plaque and tartar buildup.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation in Omaha, NE
If your pet has bad breath, tartar or trouble eating, do not wait. Call The Pet Clinic at (402) 330-3096 or request an appointment to have your pet’s teeth and gums evaluated.