Fresh Breath Is Just the Start Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning in Phillipsburg, NJ
Bad breath may be the first thing you notice, but dental disease can affect much more than your pet’s breath. Plaque, tartar, inflamed gums, loose teeth, and oral infection can make eating painful and may impact your pet’s overall health.
Regular cat and dog teeth cleanings help prevent dental pain, infection, and tooth loss, while avoiding more serious problems caused by untreated dental disease. Our Phillipsburg, NJ veterinarians also care for select exotic pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets, whose dental needs can be very different from dogs and cats.
If your pet has bad breath, red gums, trouble chewing, or is due for a dental exam, call Phillipsburg Veterinary Clinic today at (908) 859-2552.
Why Pets Need Preventive Dental Care
Dental disease is very common in dogs and cats, and it can develop even when pets are eating normally, affecting up to 90% of all pets by age 3. Pets need preventive dental care because plaque and tartar do not stay on the surface forever. Over time, bacteria can move below the gumline, causing inflammation, infection, tooth pain, and periodontal disease.
Routine dental care can help:
-
Improve bad breath caused by oral bacteria
-
Reduce plaque and tartar buildup
-
Protect gum health
-
Lower the risk of painful tooth loss
-
Identify broken, loose, or infected teeth
-
Help pets eat more comfortably
-
Support better long-term oral health
Dental care matters for exotic pets, too. Rabbits and guinea pigs have teeth that grow continuously, which means overgrown teeth, sharp points, and chewing problems can develop if their teeth do not wear down properly. Ferrets can also develop dental tartar, gum disease, broken teeth, and oral discomfort.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Has Dental Disease?
Pets often hide dental pain, so signs can be easy to miss. Many dogs and cats continue eating even when they have sore gums, infected teeth, or heavy tartar buildup.
Your pet may need a dental exam if you notice:
-
Bad breath
-
Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
-
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
-
Drooling
-
Pawing at the mouth
-
Chewing on one side
-
Dropping food
-
Trouble eating hard food or treats
-
Loose, broken, or missing teeth
-
Swelling around the face or jaw
-
Less interest in toys or chewing
-
Irritability, hiding, or changes in behavior
What Happens During a Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning allows our veterinary team to clean the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. This includes removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins.
Before the cleaning, our veterinarian evaluates your pet and discusses any health concerns, exam findings, and recommended care. Dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia so your pet can remain still and comfortable while the team safely cleans the teeth and evaluates the mouth.
During a cat and dog teeth cleaning, your pet will receive:
-
An oral exam
-
Scaling to remove plaque and tartar
-
Cleaning below the gumline
-
Tooth polishing
-
Evaluation for damaged or diseased teeth
-
Pain management when needed
-
A home-care plan after the visit
What Should I Expect After My Pet’s Dental Cleaning?
After a dental cleaning, your pet may be a little sleepy from anesthesia for the rest of the day. Most pets go home with specific recovery instructions, including when to offer food and water, what activity level is appropriate, and what signs to watch for.
If your pet had a cleaning without extractions, recovery is usually simple. Your pet may have fresher breath and a cleaner mouth, and many return to normal eating quickly once they are fully awake and comfortable.
If your pet had one or more extractions, recovery may take a little longer. We may recommend soft food, activity limits, pain medication, or antibiotics depending on your pet’s needs. While extractions can sound intimidating, removing a painful or infected tooth often helps pets feel much better once healing begins.
Before your pet goes home, our team will walk you through the dental findings, any treatments performed, and how to care for your pet afterward. We will also let you know if a follow-up visit is recommended based on your pet’s age, overall health, and oral condition.