A healthy mouth is one of the most important, and often most overlooked, foundations of your pet’s overall health. At Buckeystown Veterinary Hospital, we take dental disease seriously because we’ve seen how much it impacts comfort, happiness, and long-term wellness. Whether your pet needs a routine teeth cleaning or has been struggling with a chronic periodontal problem like stomatitis, we offer the expertise and compassionate care it takes to restore their smile and protect their oral health.
Annual or more frequent teeth cleanings help prevent the onset of periodontal disease and allow us to catch early signs of trouble. We use ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, followed by a polish that smooths the enamel and helps delay future buildup. Regular cleanings keep your pet’s mouth healthy, their breath fresher, and their heart, liver, and kidneys safe from oral bacteria-induced infections.
Because over 60% of the tooth structure lies below the gumline, x-rays are an important part of your pet’s dental care. Our digital dental radiography system gives us a high-resolution view of your pet’s tooth roots and jawbone, helping us identify problems like infections, resorptive lesions, or impacted teeth early.
If a tooth is loose, fractured, or severely infected, removal is often the best way forward. We perform dental extractions with precision and complete pain management, including local anesthetics and post-op care. Our goal is to relieve your pet’s discomfort while supporting a smooth, stress-free recovery.
Chronic bad breath usually means your pet’s oral microbiome is unbalanced. It’s one of the first, and most ignored, signs of dental disease.
Pets rarely show obvious signs, but subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or chewing habits can be red flags. If your pet is avoiding toys or seems reluctant to eat, it’s worth scheduling a dental exam.
Most do, especially as they age. Small dog breeds, cats, and pets with underlying health issues may require more frequent cleanings. We’ll make a personalized dental plan based on your pet’s unique needs.
Yes—daily brushing is ideal, but we can recommend products like dental chews, rinses, or prescription dental diets if brushing isn’t feasible. Preventive home care goes a long way between professional cleanings.
No. Cleaning a pet’s teeth without anesthesia may remove surface tartar but leaves dangerous bacteria behind under the gums. Worse, it can cause stress and pain. True dental care must happen under anesthesia, where it can be done thoroughly and humanely.
