Preventing Dental Disease with Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Daleville, AL

A balanced diet, exercise, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are all essential for keeping dogs and cats healthy. But one area of veterinary care that’s often overlooked is cat and dog teeth cleaning. With dental disease affecting a majority of adult dogs and cats, it’s more important than ever for pet owners to know about dental disease and how to prevent it. At Daleville Animal Hospital we offer professional teeth cleaning services for dogs and cats, but we can also educate you on how to keep your pet’s teeth and gums permanently healthy.

Are you concerned about your pet’s bad breath? Call (334) 598-1117 to schedule an appointment.

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Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Often, pets will not show outward signs of being afflicted with dental disease. However, there are several things we suggest you look for, so you can seek the necessary treatment for your pet if necessary.

These signs include:

  • Bad breath
  • Red gums
  • Excessive drooling
  • Dropping food
  • Avoiding toys and tug-of-war games
  • Changes in behavior (sleeping more, not socializing as much)

We also recommend flipping your pet’s lip to check their teeth. If you notice any yellow/brown buildup on their teeth, then they are likely due for a teeth cleaning.

How Cat and Dog Teeth Cleanings Make Dental Disease 100% Preventable

Luckily, your pet does not have to live with dental disease. With routine treatment provided to them at home and regular teeth cleanings at our hospital, they can enjoy a healthy mouth and a healthier life.

At Daleville Animal Hospital, we focus on treating dental disease at its source, and that starts below the gumline. That’s why we perform full-mouth dental X-rays with every cleaning. Dental radiographs allow us to evaluate bone loss, hidden infection, and damage that can’t be seen during a visual exam alone. In many cases, the most significant dental disease is happening beneath the surface, and X-rays help us catch and address those issues early.

This is an important part of how we approach dental care, and it’s one of the ways we provide a more thorough evaluation for pets in the Enterprise area.

Our dental care services include:

  • A thorough oral exam to check for any signs of disease, such as periodontal pockets, redness, buildup, and loose teeth
  • Full-mouth dental X-rays to assess bone health and identify hidden dental disease below the gumline
  • Scaling your pet’s teeth with an ultrasonic scaling tool to remove hardened plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
  • Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and delay future buildup
  • Providing fluoride treatment as needed to help protect enamel
  • Performing tooth extractions if necessary to remove loose or severely damaged teeth

By combining detailed imaging with professional cleaning, we’re able to treat what’s visible and what isn’t, helping your pet maintain a healthier, more comfortable mouth over time.

How to Manage Your Pet’s Dental Care at Home

Your companion’s dental care routine begins at home with you. The key is to start as early in your pet’s life as possible, so they can get used to teeth brushing and other dental care practices. Brushing their teeth daily will effectively stave off plaque and tartar buildup, and prevent infection in the mouth.

If you need help brushing your pet’s teeth, our team would be happy to give you some tips! There are also other treatment options we can provide to make your pet’s home dental care easier, such as a prescription dental diet, oral wipes, dental chews, and water additives.

Call us at (334) 598-1117 to schedule an oral exam or teeth cleaning for your pet!