Dental Disease Treated in Humble

How Dental Disease Develops

Dental disease starts with plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Without removal, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus). Tartar buildup causes gum inflammation, infection, and progressive bone loss around the teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and fall out.

Bacteria in infected mouths can enter the bloodstream, spreading infection throughout the body. This can cause heart disease, kidney problems, and liver damage.

Signs of Dental Disease

Watch for these signs that your pet may have dental problems:

• Bad breath (not just normal “pet breath”)
• Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Discolored or tartar-covered teeth
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Drooling more than usual
• Swelling around the mouth or jaw
• Behavioral changes or irritability (from mouth pain)
• Pawing at the mouth

Don’t wait for obvious signs. We can detect early dental disease during routine exams before symptoms appear.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Regular professional dental cleanings are essential. During a cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. We also assess tooth health and perform extractions if necessary.

We recommend cleanings based on your pet’s age and risk factors—often annually or every 2-3 years depending on individual needs.

At-Home Dental Care

Between professional cleanings, at-home care slows disease progression:

• Brushing: Brush your pet’s teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste. Even a few times weekly helps.
• Dental chews: Special chews designed to clean teeth mechanically as your pet chews
• Water additives: Products added to water that reduce bacterial growth
• Diet: High-quality, appropriate diets support oral health

Extractions and Advanced Treatment

If teeth are severely diseased, extraction is often the best option to eliminate pain and infection. We perform extractions with appropriate pain management and anesthesia. Surprisingly, most pets function very well without their teeth, especially if extractions remove painful, infected teeth.

Age & Dental Disease

While dental disease can affect pets of any age, it’s especially common in senior pets. Geriatric care includes dental assessment and management. We carefully evaluate anesthesia risk in older pets before any dental procedure.

Why Regular Dental Exams Matter

Many pets have dental disease without obvious signs. During wellness exams, we assess teeth and gums, catch early disease, and recommend treatment before problems become severe and expensive.

Request an Appointment

Dental Health Questions?