Dental Care Services for Pets

Dental care is not always prioritized for cats and dogs. For this reason, dental disease is one of the most common issues seen by veterinarians. At Orillia Pet Hospital, we take a proactive approach to dental health to prevent gum disease by offering professional dental cleaning services, digital X-rays, extractions (if necessary), and at-home recommendations. Taking care of your loyal companion's dental health can prevent other health issues and improve their quality of life. To schedule a dental appointment for your cat or dog, please contact us at 705-325-4224.

What are signs of dental disease?

In most cases the signs of dental disease are there but are seen as normal. Take for example bad breath - your dog or cat will have bad breath when bacteria and food particles are not removed from their mouth. Overtime, not brushing their teeth will lead to other symptoms such as:

1. Yellow or brown build-up on their teeth
2. Swollen, bleeding or inflamed gums
3. Broken or loose teeth
4. Chewing on one side
5. Blood on their chew toys
6. Drooling excessively

How can I maintain good oral hygiene for my cat or dog?

Good oral hygiene should always include frequent brushing and professional dental cleanings. It's important that your cat or dog gets comfortable with having their teeth brushed often. They won't like it at first but try to be gentle and patient while brushing their teeth. Also ensure you use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste for your cat or dog. Professional cleanings are essential to remove tartar, clean teeth that are far to reach, and examine below the gum line. Your veterinarian can also recommend dental diets that can help with dental care.

How is my dog or cat's teeth cleaned at the vet?

We'll begin your pet's dental cleaning with an oral exam prior to placing them under anesthesia. Once your pet is anesthetized, we perform a second exam and proceed with the following steps:

1. Ultrasonic scaling (cleaning): To remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line
2. Root scaling and planning: To remove calculus from the root surface and smooth out roughened root surfaces
3. Polishing: To smooth out any defects and remove any residual plaque from the surface of the teeth
4. Irrigation (water spray): To remove plaque and diseased tissue from the gingival pocket
5. Fluoride treatment: To harden and protect teeth enamel
6. Digital X-rays: To examine the teeth below the gum line to evaluate the presence or degree of gum disease
7. Charting: To record any abnormalities, such as feline oral resorptive lesions or fractured teeth, before treatment
8. Personalized oral care solutions: To correct or prevent any dental problems found