blue puppy paw prints for veterinary

Promoting Oral Health with Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning in Chadds Ford, PA

happy dog with tongue out

Your pet's teeth are essential to their health and well-being. Dogs and cats use their teeth every day when they’re eating, playing, investigating, and grooming. When dental disease causes discomfort, it not only affects their mouth; it affects their quality of life. Yet, this disease is entirely preventable. At Old Ridge Veterinary Hospital, we provide Chadds Ford's pets with the latest in cat and dog teeth cleaning to promote healthy mouths from their first year to their golden years.

Be proactive about your pet’s dental health!
Schedule a dental cleaning today.

Make an Appointment

Or call us at (484) 383-8387

What Problems Can Dental Disease Cause in Cats and Dogs?

Dental disease is a blanket term for several different oral conditions. In the beginning stages of disease, it’s common for cats and dogs to have halitosis or bad breath. Yet, as the disease progresses, it can cause more serious conditions that can result in oral discomfort and even affect your pet’s systemic health.

Problems dental disease causes include:

gingitivus

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a disease that causes gum inflammation and results in redness and bleeding

periodontal

Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease refers to plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline which, over time, can cause root damage, tooth damage, and even jaw damage.

broken tooth

Loose, broken teeth
Periodontal disease breaks down the roots and bone of teeth, making them weak and easily damaged.

disease

Heart, liver, and kidney disease
If disease is allowed to progress, bacteria from the plaque and tartar in the mouth could leak into the bloodstream and affect vital organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

brown lab with bone
checking cats teeth

How to Prevent Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats

Preventing dental disease is a matter of setting up a dental care regimen at home as well as making routine trips to the vet to assess oral health and undergo professional cleanings as needed. Here’s how you can play an active role in preventing dental disease:

  • Brush your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste and a toothbrush or finger brush.
  • Use dental health products such as dental chews, dental treats, water additives, oral rinses, etc.
  • Schedule an annual vet visit so we can assess your pet’s dental health and make recommendations for their care.
  • Book a routine professional cleaning based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Professional Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning

To give your pet a thorough examination and cleaning, it’s essential that we use general anesthesia for their comfort and safety. For these procedures, we follow the same safety protocols we do for surgery. Once your pet is approved for the procedure, we’ll perform the following:

  • Digital dental X-rays to assess dental health below the gumline
  • Complete examination to look for signs of disease including periodontal pockets, damaged teeth, etc.
  • Ultrasonic and hand scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup on teeth
  • Polishing the enamel to smooth the surface and reduce future buildup
  • Extractions of damaged teeth as needed*

*In the event your pet needs an extraction, we’ll first check in with you to approve the procedure. All pets who undergo extractions receive appropriate pain medication to reduce discomfort.

We are proud to be your local Veterinarian offering premium pet care:

Chadds Ford

Glen Mills

Pocopson

Chatham

Mendenhall

Concordville