Dental Care
Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
Healthy Teeth, Gums, and Brighter Smiles Mean a Healthier Heart
Dental health is an important part of your pet’s lifelong wellness, but it’s one area that can easily be overlooked. Plaque and bacteria build up over time on the teeth and along the gums, just like they do for people. Without regular dental care, this buildup can lead to infection, discomfort, and other health concerns.
Many pets continue eating, playing, and acting normally even when their mouths are uncomfortable. That’s why regular dental evaluations are such an important part of keeping dogs and cats healthy.
At University Animal Clinic, we take a thoughtful and proactive approach to dental care for pets throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to keep your pet comfortable while helping prevent dental disease before it becomes painful.
Where Dental Health Checks Begin: Wellness Visits
During your cat or dog’s regular wellness exam, our team will conduct a surface oral exam. Our veterinarians take time to look closely at your pet’s teeth and gums.
We check for early signs of dental disease, such as:
- Plaque or tartar buildup
- Red or irritated gums
- Loose or damaged teeth
- Changes in chewing or jaw movement
- Signs of oral discomfort
These oral exams help us catch dental problems early, when they are easier to manage and less likely to cause pain. Our team uses a guide, like the chart on the left, to communicate to your family where your pet’s oral health falls on a 1-4 grading scale, with 4 representing the most advanced stages of dental disease.
Why Dental Care Matters
It’s easy to think of dental care as something that only affects the mouth, but dental disease can impact much more than your pet’s breath.
When bacteria build up along the gums, they can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs in the body. Regular dental care helps reduce this risk while keeping pets comfortable.
Healthy teeth and gums can help:
- Reduce bacteria in the mouth
- Prevent painful infections
- Support normal eating and nutrition
- Identify developing problems earlier
- Improve comfort and overall quality of life
Dental care isn’t just about a clean smile. It plays an important role in your pet’s long-term health.
Dental Care for Dogs
Dogs often hide discomfort surprisingly well. Many dogs continue to eat and play even when their teeth are bothering them, which means dental disease can develop quietly over time. Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs Persistent bad breath Dropping food while eating Excessive drooling Swelling around the mouth Broken or worn teeth Difficulty chewing
Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs
- Persistent bad breath
- Dropping food while eating
- Excessive drooling
- Swelling around the mouth
- Broken or worn teeth
- Difficulty chewing
Dental Care for Cats
Cats are especially good at hiding pain. Many cats continue eating normally even when their mouths are uncomfortable, which means dental disease can progress without obvious signs. Signs of Dental Problems in Cats Bad breath Drooling Pawing at the mouth Reduced appetite Difficulty chewing dry food Changes in grooming habits
Signs of Dental Problems in Cat
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty chewing dry food
- Changes in grooming habits
Professional Dental Cleanings
Even with regular brushing at home, plaque and tartar can build up along the teeth and below the gumline, where it cannot be safely removed without professional care. A professional dental cleaning allows our veterinary team to thoroughly clean your dog or cat’s teeth while carefully examining their entire mouth.
Dental disease often begins below the gumline, where it cannot be seen during the oral exam performed at a routine wellness visit. Professional cleanings allow us to reach these hard-to-reach areas and evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums more closely.
When University Animal Clinic moved into our new hospital, we designed a dedicated dental suite to support this important part of veterinary care. This space allows our team to focus entirely on dental procedures using modern equipment, including digital dental X-rays, while keeping pets carefully monitored and comfortable throughout the process.
By combining advanced tools with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, we can identify dental concerns early and help keep your pet’s mouth healthy and pain-free.
Understanding Anesthesia for Dental Procedures
We know anesthesia can feel like a big step for many pet families. Our team understands these concerns and is always happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions.
Anesthesia allows us to perform a complete dental cleaning while keeping your pet comfortable and pain-free. It also allows us to examine each tooth carefully and treat problems that cannot be safely addressed while pets are awake.
Before any dental procedure, we perform a health evaluation and monitor your pet closely throughout the entire process. Our goal is always to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and well cared for from start to finish.
The Role of Digital Dental X-Rays
Many dental problems occur beneath the surface of the gums, where they can’t be seen during a visual exam. In fact, a large portion of each tooth sits below the gumline.
Digital dental X-rays allow us to look deeper and identify concerns such as:
- Hidden infections
- Tooth root damage
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Fractures that may not be visible above the gums
By identifying these issues early, we can often treat problems before they become more serious and help keep your pet comfortable.
What To Expect
Before Your Pet's Dental Procedure
Before your pet’s dental cleaning, our team performs a health evaluation to make sure they are ready for the procedure. We will review your pet’s medical history, discuss any questions you may have, and create a care plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
Clear communication is an important part of how we practice medicine. Our team will take time to explain what we expect to find, what may need treatment, and what options are available so you feel comfortable moving forward.
During the Dental Procedure
While your pet is under anesthesia, our team closely monitors their heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and overall comfort.
During the procedure we will:
- Perform a full oral exam
- Remove plaque and tartar from the teeth
- Evaluate the health of the gums
- Take digital dental X-rays
- Address any dental concerns identified during the exam
Throughout the procedure, your pet is carefully monitored by our veterinary team to ensure they remain safe and comfortable.
After Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
Once your pet’s dental procedure is complete, your pet is carefully monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Our team ensures they are comfortable and recovering well before going home.
Before you leave, we will review:
- What we found during the dental exam
- Any treatment that was performed
- Recommendations for future dental care
- Ways to support your pet’s oral health at home
We believe pet caregivers should always understand their pet’s care plan, and our team is here to answer any questions you may have.
Healthy Teeth, Healthier Life
Dental disease can cause pain and affect your pet’s overall health. Regular dental care helps prevent infection, discomfort, and tooth loss. Schedule a dental evaluation to protect your pet’s health and comfort.