Dentals

 Healthy Teeth, Healthier Pets

Your pet’s dental health is an important part of their overall well-being. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum inflammation, periodontal disease, loose teeth, and painful infections. Unfortunately, pets often hide signs of dental pain, making regular dental evaluations an essential part of their care.

At Bar S Animal Clinic, we provide professional dental cleanings to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy, comfortable, and free from painful dental disease.

Dental disease can affect more than just your pet’s breath. Left untreated, it may lead to:

• Bad breath caused by plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Painful or loose teeth
• Difficulty eating or decreased appetite
• Oral infections and damage to the tissues supporting the teeth

Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can also affect organs throughout the body. Routine dental care helps protect your pet’s oral health and supports their overall quality of life.

Bar S Animal Clinic offers dental services tailored to your pet’s individual needs, including:

• Comprehensive oral examinations under anesthesia
• Professional dental cleaning and prophylaxis
• Ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces
• Tooth extractions when necessary to address damaged, diseased, or painful teeth
• Bond and Seal procedure to save cracked or broken teeth deemed not ready to be pulled

Anesthesia and safety: Professional dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia so the veterinary team can thoroughly examine and clean the teeth, including areas below the gumline, while minimizing stress and discomfort.

Pre-anesthetic blood work is available and required for pets age 10 and older. Required blood work must be completed at least 24–48 hours before the scheduled dental appointment. Our team can help you determine what testing is appropriate for your pet.

Cats are particularly good at hiding pain, and dental disease may progress before obvious symptoms appear. Many cats develop dental problems as they age, making regular oral examinations especially important.

Signs of dental problems in cats may include:

• Bad breath or excessive drooling
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Reduced appetite or difficulty eating
• Dropping food or chewing on one side of the mouth
• Missing, discolored, or damaged teeth
• Weight loss or pawing at the mouth

Even if your cat continues to eat normally, dental disease may still be present.

At-home tip: If your cat tolerates it, regular brushing with a cat-safe toothbrush and toothpaste can help control plaque buildup. Never use human toothpaste on your pet.

Dogs can develop plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease throughout their lives. Without regular care, these problems may lead to gum damage, loose teeth, and oral pain.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Loose, broken, or discolored teeth
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat
• Swellings or unusual growths in the mouth

Daily toothbrushing, veterinarian-recommended dental chews, and professional dental cleanings can all play an important role in maintaining your dog’s oral health.

Professional cleanings are important, but home care helps maintain your pet’s dental health between veterinary visits.

Our team can help you choose appropriate options for your pet, including:

• Pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Finger toothbrushes
• Dental diets and dental chews
• Veterinary-recommended oral rinses and water additives

Start slowly and make dental care a positive experience. Even small steps toward a consistent routine can make a difference.

A healthy mouth can mean greater comfort, easier eating, and a better quality of life for your pet. Regular dental evaluations help identify problems early, before they become more serious or painful.

Contact Bar S Animal Clinic to schedule a dental evaluation and discuss your pet’s dental cleaning needs.

Let’s help keep your pet smiling for years to come!