Dental

When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. For that reason, Summit Veterinary Hospital and Kennels recommends that all pets have a yearly dental cleaning and oral examination.

Dog getting teeth examined

Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your pet eats. When your pet eats, food particles get on their teeth and gums. This fuels the bacteria in your pet’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your pet’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities and oral infections.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in pets, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup, teeth cleaning and gum disease treatment.

  • Broken or Loose Teeth
  • Discomfort While Eating
  • Extremely bad Breath
  • Pussy or Bloody Drool
  • Red Gums
  • Staining on the Teeth
  • Swollen or Inflamed Gums
  • Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite

The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease in Pets

Untreated periodontal disease in dogs and cats can lead to dangerous infections, like abscesses and blood infections. Advanced dental disease may also affect your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your pet’s teeth clean with a combination of at-home care and regular veterinary teeth cleanings.

Pet Dental Cleanings in Los Gatos

Summit Veterinary Hospital and Kennels recommends that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include an examination of your pet’s head, neck, face, ears and mouth in order to check for signs of health problems. Once the basic examination is complete, your veterinarian will completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gum line. Once your pet’s teeth are clean, we can give you tips and tricks to help you remove food particles and plaque at home between professional pet dental cleanings, like pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as dental chews.

To learn more about our veterinary dental services and how they can protect the health of your pet, call us at (408) 353-1113 today.


Dental Care In Pets
Fahimeh Zibaee, D.V.M.

Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs and cats, and most develop periodontal (dental) disease by three years of age. Signs of dental problems can include bad breath, sensitivity around the mouth and pawing at the mouth and face, yellow-brown spots on teeth, bleeding or inflammation of gums, loose or missing teeth, and difficulty chewing.
Dental problems can destroy teeth, which can lead to damage in the jaw bone. Bone loss, once it starts, is not reversible. This is especially a problem in small dogs. In addition, bacteria from the mouth can travel to other areas in the body leading to infection in the heart, liver, kidney or virtually anywhere the bloodstream carries them.
You can prevent dental disease in your pet by getting annual veterinary checkups, brushing your pet’s teeth at home, providing plaque-reducing food, treats, and toys, and feeding dry food.
Home brushing your pet’s teeth just twice a week can remove most plaque. Not every pet is amenable to hands-on oral care, but if they are, open your pet’s mouth and examine the teeth and gums. Be sure to look at the back teeth, as this is where tartar is usually the heaviest. If you see tartar buildup, it is probably time for professional teeth cleaning.


Home care basics. Don’t use human toothpaste on your pet. Use a toothbrush without any paste at first, so your pet can get used to the object in the mouth before having to contend with flavor. Don’t attempt to clean the inner surface of your pet’s teeth, as natural saliva cleans this surface on its own.

Professional teeth cleaning. Most pets need professional teeth cleaning once or twice a year. Pets are administered anesthesia for this process. A veterinarian will remove tartar from the teeth and gum line with specific dental instruments. They will probe and measure periodontal sockets and plane the tooth roots, which removes tartar from below the gum line until the roots are smooth again. The tooth enamel is polished, and the mouth is disinfected and possibly treated with a fluoride sealer or plaque repellent. The veterinarian will take notes on a dental chart, noting abnormalities on each of a dog’s 42 teeth or a cat’s 30 teeth.


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