While home dental care is essential, it cannot replace professional veterinary dentistry. Many of the most serious dental problems occur below the gumline, where they are invisible to the naked eye and impossible to address with brushing alone. Professional cleanings allow veterinarians to fully assess oral health and treat disease before it causes significant pain or tooth loss.
One of the most critical components of professional dental care is diagnostic imaging. If your pet is getting dental care, be sure they are also getting x-rays, otherwise they are missing disease under the gumline. Dental X-rays reveal hidden infections, bone loss, fractured tooth roots, and abscesses that can severely impact your pet’s comfort and overall health if left untreated.
Timing is just as important as technology. Get dental care early. When you wait, your pet is older with more advanced disease. Early dental treatment often means less invasive procedures, faster recovery, and a greater ability to preserve natural teeth. Delaying care allows disease to progress silently, sometimes until extraction is the only option.
Consistency over a lifetime helps protect your pet’s oral health long term. Get professional dental care regularly to save teeth as long as possible. Regular cleanings help control plaque and inflammation, allowing veterinarians to monitor changes and intervene before permanent damage occurs.
Just like people, pets benefit from routine preventive care. Pets may need professional dental cleaning annually just we do, especially as they age or if they are prone to dental disease. Annual evaluations and cleanings help maintain comfort, prevent chronic pain, and reduce the risk of infection spreading beyond the mouth.