Dental cleaning for dogs and cats is one of the most frequently overlooked aspects of pet health care, even though periodontal disease is the most common condition in adult dogs and cats. Bad breath, tartar or reddened gums are not merely cosmetic nuisances: they are signs of an oral infection that, if left untreated, can affect the heart, kidneys and liver. We explain, in simple terms, when a dental cleaning is necessary, why it must be done under anaesthesia and how to prevent oral problems from home.
Periodontal disease: the most common dental problem
Bacterial plaque forms every day on the teeth from food debris, saliva and bacteria. If it is not removed, within a few days it mineralises and turns into tartar, a hard yellowish or brown crust that can no longer be eliminated by brushing. Tartar progresses below the gum line and damages the tissues that hold the tooth in place, causing inflammation, infection and, over time, the loss of teeth.
This process is known as periodontal disease and it is progressive: it begins with mild gingivitis (red gums) and, if nothing is done, it ends in periodontitis that destroys the bone. It is important to know that bacteria from the mouth can pass into the bloodstream and affect vital organs, so dental health is part of your pet's overall health. You can read more about this in our guide on dental problems in pets.
Particularities in dogs and cats
In dogs, small and brachycephalic breeds tend to accumulate tartar more quickly because of the crowding of their teeth. In cats, in addition to periodontal disease, tooth resorption lesions and gingivostomatitis are common, very painful conditions that can cause the animal to stop eating. If your cat is eating less, drooling or has bad breath, it is also worth checking other causes: our article on symptoms of a sick cat will help.
Signs that your pet needs a dental check-up
Dogs and cats tend to hide pain, so the signs often appear when the disease is already advanced. Check your pet's mouth regularly and pay attention to these warning signs:
| Warning sign | What it usually indicates |
|---|---|
| Persistent bad breath | Build-up of plaque and bacteria; usually the first warning of periodontal disease. |
| Visible tartar | Yellowish or brown crust that can no longer be removed by brushing at home. |
| Red or bleeding gums | Gingivitis or inflammation; a veterinary check-up is advisable. |
| Pain when eating or drooling | Advanced disease or damaged teeth; requires prompt assessment. |
If you notice one or more of these signs, the best course of action is to come in for a check-up to assess the condition of the mouth and decide whether a professional cleaning is needed.
Why professional cleaning is done under anaesthesia
A complete veterinary dental cleaning must always be performed under general anaesthesia with intubation. This is not a whim, but a matter of safety and effectiveness. Only with the animal asleep is it possible to clean below the gum line (where periodontal disease hides), examine each tooth individually, take dental X-rays if necessary and treat the tartar without causing pain or stress.
You should be wary of so-called anaesthesia-free dental cleanings. In an awake animal, only the visible tartar on the surface of the tooth can be removed, with a purely cosmetic result: the area below the gum, which is where the real problem lies, is not cleaned. In addition, scraping the mouth of an awake pet is painful, causes a great deal of stress and carries the risk that it may inhale fragments of tartar or water into the airways. Modern anaesthesia, with prior assessment and continuous monitoring, is very safe even in older patients.
What a professional dental cleaning involves
The procedure, carried out in our veterinary dentistry service, usually includes a prior assessment (blood tests to confirm that the patient tolerates the anaesthesia well), the removal of tartar with ultrasound above and below the gum, the polishing of the enamel to slow the new adhesion of plaque, a detailed examination of each tooth and, if necessary, the extraction of teeth that are no longer viable. When finished, we will give you hygiene guidelines to maintain the result for as long as possible.
“A healthy mouth means whole-body health. Dental cleaning isn't cosmetic: it prevents pain and infections that affect other organs.”
How often a dental cleaning is needed
There is no single rule, because how quickly tartar forms depends on the species, breed, size, genetics and diet. As a general guideline, an annual dental check-up is advisable (which can coincide with the vaccination visit) and, from there, the vet will indicate whether a cleaning is necessary. In small dogs it is usually recommended every 1 to 2 years, while medium and large dogs can space it out somewhat more if they maintain good hygiene at home. In cats, the frequency is assessed individually according to their predisposition to dental lesions.
Take advantage of health check-ups to monitor other aspects too. For example, in cats it is a good time to review their vaccination schedule, and in overweight dogs and cats it is worth remembering that obesity in dogs and cats also affects their overall health.
Prevention at home: the best investment
Professional cleaning solves the problem, but daily prevention is what stops it from coming back. These are the most effective measures you can apply at home:
- Tooth brushing: this is the most effective measure. Always use a brush and toothpaste specifically for pets (never human toothpaste, which is toxic for them) and introduce the routine gradually, with positive reinforcement. Ideally you should brush daily or several times a week.
- Dental snacks and toys: approved chewable treats help reduce plaque through mechanical friction. They are a useful complement, but they do not replace brushing.
- An appropriate diet: there are specific dental-health diets whose kibble, by its size and texture, helps to clean the surface of the tooth as the pet chews. Ask your vet which one is best for your pet.
- Regular check-ups: a professional look at the mouth at least once a year makes it possible to detect tartar and gingivitis in time.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
Frequently asked questions
Are anaesthesia-free dental cleanings a good option?
We do not recommend them as a treatment for dental disease. They only remove the visible tartar on the surface and leave the area below the gum, which is where the problem lies, untreated. They are also stressful and painful for the animal and carry risks. An effective and safe cleaning is performed under anaesthesia.
Is anaesthesia dangerous for my pet?
Modern anaesthesia is very safe. Before the procedure, an assessment of the patient is carried out (including blood tests) and throughout the intervention their vital signs are monitored. The benefits of treating an infected mouth far outweigh the anaesthetic risk, even in older animals.
Can I avoid dental cleanings just by brushing the teeth?
Daily brushing greatly reduces the formation of tartar and spaces out cleanings, but it does not always avoid them completely, because some plaque ends up mineralising over time. The combination of good hygiene at home and regular check-ups is the ideal formula.
Take care of your pet's smile at Clínica Veterinaria Somo
Dental health is key to the well-being and longevity of your dog or cat. If you have noticed bad breath, tartar or any discomfort when eating, do not wait for the problem to progress. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo, in Cantabria, we assess your pet's mouth and recommend the best prevention and treatment plan.
Book your dental check-up appointment through our contact page or by calling 942 51 00 66. We will be delighted to help you keep the smile of the one you love most healthy.
