At Countryside Animal Hospital, we believe every pet deserves a healthy, happy smile. Just like in people, good dental hygiene is essential for your pet’s overall comfort, health, and well-being. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats and dogs, but with the right care, it’s also one of the most preventable. That’s why we make oral health a priority—because a clean mouth leads to a healthier, longer life for your furry family member.
Preserve your pet’s pearly whites with regular dental care! Call us at (770) 788-7387 or book an appointment online today.
Spotting Dental Disease in
Your Pet
It’s easy to overlook dental disease in pets—after all, they don’t always show obvious signs of discomfort. But beneath the surface, tartar buildup and gum inflammation can lead to serious health concerns, including infections that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Even minor issues like bad breath can be an early warning sign of something more serious.
At every annual wellness visit, our veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam to check for signs of dental disease, such as:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums (gingivitis)
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Loose or broken teeth
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Drooling more than usual
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swelling around the mouth or face
If we find any concerns, we’ll recommend a professional dental cleaning to restore your pet’s oral health and prevent further complications.
Our Pet Dental Care Services
Professional Dental Cleanings
Performed by our credentialed veterinary technicians, thorough dental cleanings allow us to remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline, reducing the risk of periodontal disease and improving overall health.
At-Home Dental Care Guidance
Pet dental care is a team sport. We’ll teach you how to care for your pet’s teeth at home, including brushing techniques, recommended dental chews, and special diets that help reduce plaque buildup so we can extend the time between dental cleanings.
Extractions & Advanced Dental Care
If a tooth is severely damaged or infected, we may recommend an extraction to prevent pain and further health complications. Don’t worry—your pet won’t even notice a missing tooth and you’ll be amazed at how much better they feel once we remove the source of pain and infection!
Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays
Since most dental problems occur beneath the surface, where up to 60% of the tooth’s structure lies, we take digital dental X-rays to detect hidden infections, fractured teeth, and other issues that may not be visible during an exam.
The Trusted Choice
for Covington Families
You may have heard about anesthesia-free dental cleanings as a way to save money or avoid putting your pet under anesthesia. While this might sound appealing, these procedures are purely cosmetic and don’t address the real problem: bacteria and plaque beneath the gumline. Here’s why we only perform dental cleanings under anesthesia:
Safety First
Pets don’t understand why someone is poking around in their mouth, making it nearly impossible to clean their teeth without restraint. Anesthesia ensures your pet remains calm and pain-free while we thoroughly clean their teeth, above and below the gumline.
More Than Just a Pretty Smile
Anesthesia-free cleanings only remove surface tartar, leaving dangerous bacteria and plaque beneath the gumline untouched, in addition to roughing up the tooth enamel. Without proper cleaning, pets remain at risk for periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infections that affect vital organs.
Comprehensive Dental Care
Before any dental procedure, we conduct a full exam and bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. During the cleaning, we also take dental X-rays to check for hidden issues like tooth root infections or fractures—something an anesthesia-free cleaning simply cannot provide.
Count On Countryside for Polished Pet Dental Care
Preventive care is the key to maintaining your pet’s dental health. Regular professional cleanings, combined with at-home brushing and dental-friendly treats, can help keep their teeth strong and their breath fresh. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from teaching you how to brush your pet’s teeth to recommending the best dental products.
Give us a call at (770) 788-7387 to schedule your pet’s next dental cleaning, or book an appointment online.