Dental care is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet health—but it plays a major role in comfort, quality of life, and longevity. At Coast Veterinary Services, we emphasize comprehensive dental care, because a healthy mouth supports a healthy body.
Why Dental Health Matters
By age three, most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease. What often begins as mild tartar buildup can progress to periodontal disease, a painful condition affecting the gums, teeth, and surrounding bone.
Dental disease doesn’t just stay in the mouth. Ongoing infection and inflammation can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially impact:
- The heart
- The liver
- The kidneys
Caring for your pet’s teeth is an important part of protecting their overall health and helping them live a longer, more comfortable life.
What Makes a Professional Dental Cleaning Different?
A true veterinary dental cleaning is much more than what you can see on the surface. It includes:
- A complete oral exam
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Cleaning in areas that are not accessible while pets are awake
- Polishing to help slow future buildup
- Treatment of any diseased teeth if needed
These steps allow us to address both visible and hidden disease—not just cosmetic buildup.
Why Dental X-Rays Are So Important
One of the most critical parts of dental care is something you can’t see: what’s happening below the gumline.
Up to 60–70% of dental disease occurs beneath the surface, where it isn’t visible during a routine exam.
Dental X-rays allow us to:
- Detect infected tooth roots
- Identify bone loss around teeth
- Find abscesses or fractures
- Diagnose conditions like resorptive lesions in cats
- Determine which teeth are healthy and which may need treatment
Without dental X-rays, painful conditions can easily be missed—even in pets that appear normal on the outside.
Why Pets Need to Be Under Anesthesia for Dental Procedures
To provide a thorough, safe, and stress-free cleaning, pets need to be under anesthesia so we can carefully examine every tooth, clean below the gumline, and obtain high-quality dental X-rays.
This approach allows us to deliver complete care while minimizing anxiety and ensuring your pet’s comfort throughout the procedure.
The Benefits of Routine Dental Care
Regular dental cleanings can:
- Eliminate bad breath
- Prevent pain and tooth loss
- Improve appetite and energy
- Reduce the risk of systemic disease
- Support a longer, healthier life
We’re Here to Help
Dental disease is common—but it’s also very treatable with the right approach. If you’ve noticed bad breath, visible tartar, or changes in your pet’s eating habits, it may be time for a dental evaluation.
Our team is here to guide you through every step and create a plan that keeps your pet healthy, comfortable, and thriving.