Why is pet dental care important?
At our vet clinic in Chattanooga, TN, we often see one common issue overlooked by pet owners: dental care.
Your dog or cat won’t wake you up to tell you they have a toothache. Instead, they quietly adapt. They might chew on the other side of their mouth or even stop chewing food altogether and just swallow it. Pets are incredibly resilient — but that doesn’t mean they’re pain-free.
Most owners don’t look inside their pet’s mouth regularly. That means it’s often during a vet visit that dental problems are discovered. And even then, a quick look at the teeth and gums is just the surface; many serious issues hide below the gumline and require x-rays to detect.
What’s Involved in a Pet Dental Cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning at a veterinary clinic isn’t just a surface cleaning. It involves:
Anesthesia (to safely and fully examine the mouth)
Pre-anesthetic blood work (to ensure your pet is healthy for the procedure)
Full-mouth dental x-rays (to detect hidden issues like tooth root infections)
Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar buildup
Yes, it’s an involved process — and yes, it comes with costs and some risks — but the benefits almost always outweigh the risks. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to serious infections, chronic pain, and even long-term problems like heart and kidney disease.
How You Can Help at Home
The good news? More Chattanooga pet owners are now being proactive about pet dental care. Even small actions help, like:
Providing dental chews or treats
Using pet-safe oral rinses or water additives
Brushing your pet’s teeth (we know, easier said than done!)
Scheduling regular veterinary exams to catch problems early
Ready to Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam?
If you’re looking for a trusted veterinary clinic in Chattanooga that offers comprehensive dental care, we’re here to help. Our team is experienced, compassionate, and committed to keeping your pet healthy — from head to tail.
Call us today to schedule a dental check-up or cleaning for your pet.