Maintaining Your Dog's Healthy Smile With Dental Cleanings

Does your dog's breath often smell funky? Do you notice tartar buildup or inflamed gums when your dog pants and smiles? Summit Veterinary Hospital in Los Gatos, CA, encourages pet owners to prioritize preventative dental care for their furry companions just as they do for their oral health. Professional dental cleanings and exams protect dogs against dental diseases and other significant health issues due to poor oral hygiene. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect during a dental cleaning and how they can benefit your dog.

What Is a Veterinary Dental Cleaning?

Veterinary dental cleanings involve thoroughly scaling, polishing, and flushing your dog’s teeth above and below the gum line to remove all plaque, tartar, and bacteria accumulation. Your vet will examine your dog’s mouth tissues for signs of infection or disease. They will perform this exam while your dog is under anesthesia to ensure optimal health and cleanliness. Any diseased or damaged teeth may undergo extraction if your vet determines an extraction is necessary to prevent oral pain or systemic complications. Depending on your dog’s dental health status, your vet may prescribe post-procedure antibiotics or medication to reduce pain.

The Benefits of a Dental Cleaning

Keeping your dog’s teeth consistently clean through brushing and regular dental cleanings every 6-12 months, depending on breed and health status, offers several wellness benefits beyond pleasant breath. Removing bacteria that can cause diseases protects your dog’s teeth and gums against decay, infection, and painful cavities. Doing this also ensures your dog remains comfortable when eating. Dental cleanings and preventative care also reduce systemic inflammation tied to oral bacteria that can affect your dog’s liver, heart, kidney, and immune function.

Visit Your Veterinarian in Los Gatos, CA, to Give Your Dog a Dental Cleaning Today

Dental cleanings and proper preventative care are crucial for maintaining your dog’s overall health and well-being, so contact Summit Veterinary Hospital in Los Gatos, CA, to get your dog a dental cleaning today. Protect your dog’s health by scheduling its next wellness exam and cleaning by calling (408) 353-1113 to keep its smile bright and healthy for the future.