Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets, yet many Laguna Woods pet owners overlook it. Poor dental health doesn't just cause bad breath - it can lead to serious systemic health issues affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
The Hidden Danger of Pet Dental Disease
By age 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease. Bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, potentially causing infections in vital organs. This is why regular professional dental cleanings are essential preventive care.
- Bad breath (not normal for pets!)
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Loose or missing teeth
Anesthesia-free dental cleanings only remove visible tartar. Professional veterinary dental cleaning under anesthesia is the only way to properly clean below the gumline where disease starts.
What Happens During Professional Dental Cleaning
At OC Vet Animal Hospital, professional dental cleaning includes: pre-anesthetic bloodwork, safe anesthesia monitoring, full oral examination, dental X-rays to detect problems below the gumline, scaling and polishing all tooth surfaces, and extractions if necessary.
Home Dental Care for Orange County Pets
Between professional cleanings, brush your pet's teeth daily with pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste!), offer dental chews approved by VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council), and provide dental-specific diets recommended by your Laguna Woods veterinarian.
How Often Should Pets Have Dental Cleanings?
Most pets benefit from professional dental cleaning annually. Smaller breeds, senior pets, and those with previous dental disease may need cleanings every 6 months. Your OC Vet veterinarian will create a personalized dental care plan.
About Dr. Jyoti Dhankhar, DVM
Dr. Jyoti is a dedicated veterinarian at OC Vet Animal Hospital, passionate about keeping pets healthy through preventive care.
