Why Does My Pet Need Anesthesia for Dental Procedures?

The reason your pet will receive anesthesia for a dental procedure is mainly for pain control and to ensure their safety. During any procedure, we have to probe underneath your pet’s gum line to examine the health of the gums and teeth. If your pet moves or jerks, it can be dangerous. It is necessary to examine under the gum line to treat most oral conditions.

At Veterinary Dental Care, we use a multimodal form of anesthesia, where we deliver multiple drugs in small doses to minimize any adverse effects. Most of the drugs that we use are reversible.Throughout the procedure, we monitor a minimum of seven parameters to ensure their safety, including heart rate and rhythm, oxygenation, blood pressure, temperature, anesthetic depth, and carbon dioxide exhalation.We recommend using anesthesia to address minimal concerns before they become major concerns, which may require extensive time under anesthesia for more in-depth treatment protocols.

How Many Teeth Do Cats and Dogs Have?

Cats typically have 30 teeth and dogs usually have 42 teeth.

Will My Dog or Cat Eat After Teeth Extractions?

Yes, your pet should be able to eat the same day, even if in the worst-case scenario, they have no teeth left.

How Long Will My Dog’s Tooth Ache?

Unfortunately, both cats and dogs can live with oral pain for a long time without showing signs. They will still eat normally and often show no signs of discomfort. A tooth can be diseased for years without any signs of a problem. That is why regular dental exams are so critical.

Does My Pet Need a Tooth Extracted?

There are times when a tooth can be saved and others when it cannot. When the tooth is beyond repair, an extraction is the best course. The only way to know for sure is to have it examined by a dental professional using an oral exam combined with intraoral imaging.

When Can a Tooth Be Saved?

Many teeth can be saved. There are periodontal procedures and endodontic procedures that can save teeth and not extract them. These procedures usually require a referral to a veterinarian with advanced training in veterinary dentistry, such as a veterinarian who is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College.

Why Doesn’t My Pet Act Like It Hurts?

Cats’ and dogs’ survival in the wild depends on them hiding weaknesses. If they act vulnerable, predators may attack them. They also are very good at finding ways to eat around a painful spot in their mouths.An animal will not starve itself if it has a toothache. He or she will use the other side of the mouth to eat or pick food up. Dogs and cats find ways to get food to the back of their mouths using the tongue or lips.

How Do I Brush My Pet’s Teeth?

Starting to brush the teeth when your dog or cat is young helps them get used to having a toothbrush in their mouths. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use dog or cat toothpaste or water. Human toothpaste with fluoride should be avoided because dogs and cats do not spit out the toothpaste.Do not attempt to open the mouth; instead, lift up the lips with the mouth somewhat closed. This allows better access to the back of the mouth. Brush along the gumline and then use praise and scratches to provide a positive experience.

What Chew Toys Are Acceptable for Dogs?

A good rule of thumb is that if you can press a fingernail into a chew toy, then it likely will not be hard enough to break a tooth. Toys such as Kong toys, Oravet chews, or Greenies are acceptable chew toys.

What Dental Products are Good for My Pet?

The Veterinary Oral Health Council was created to test and recommend dental products for dogs and cats. This council tests products and approves them based on safety and efficacy. A list of approved products for cats and dogs can be found on their website: http://www.vohc.org/.

Essential Veterinary Dental Care: Tips for a Healthier Pet Smile

Pet parents know that oral health is vital to their companion’s overall well-being, but brushing your pet’s teeth every day may not always be realistic. That’s why dental rinses, chews, and toys have become go-to solutions for many people trying to keep tartar and bad breath at bay. But with all the products on the market, figuring out what’s effective and just a waste of money can be challenging.

In this blog, our veterinary dental health team will explore the world of dental rinses, chews, and toys as a part of your pet’s dental health care routine.

Dental Rinses: Helpful or Hype?

Dental rinses are liquid additives that can be mixed into your pet’s water bowl or sprayed directly into their mouth. Some contain chlorhexidine or zinc-based solutions to help reduce bacteria, while others use essential oils or enzymes.

What to look for:

Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal: Products that carry this seal have been tested and shown to reduce plaque or tartar.
Clear instructions and safety labeling: Avoid anything vague about ingredients or dosage.
Pet-friendly taste: If your dog or cat stops drinking its water, the rinse isn’t helping.

Do they work?

Yes, but they work best as a supplement to regular care, not a replacement. Dental rinses can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath, but they won’t remove existing plaque or tartar. Think of them like mouthwash—they’re helpful, but not a substitute for brushing.

Dental Chews: Tasty and Functional

A wide array of dental chews is available, from crunchy biscuit-style treats to enzymatic chews to rawhide alternatives.

The good ones include:

Mechanically scrub the teeth while the pet chews, helping to reduce plaque buildup.
Contain enzymes or antiseptics to help kill bacteria.
Last long enough to provide real chewing action.

Again, look for the VOHC seal when shopping. Brands like Greenies, C.E.T. chews, and Oravet have undergone clinical testing.

The risks:

Choking hazards: Particularly with hard treats or rawhide.
Empty calories: Some treats are high in fat and can lead to weight gain.
Digestibility: Make sure what they’re chewing on won’t upset their GI tract.

Remember:

Don’t assume “natural” always means “safe.” Deer antlers, hooves, and bones can break teeth. If it’s too hard to dent with your thumbnail, it may be too hard for your pet’s teeth.

Dental Toys: Play with a Purpose?

Dental toys are designed to stimulate your pet’s teeth and gums while they chew or play. Many come with ridges or rubber bristles, and some can be stuffed with toothpaste or treats.

Are they worth it?

Yes, if your pet likes to chew. Toys like Kong dental toys, Nylabones (for gentle chewers), and textured rubber toys can be helpful, especially for younger dogs and puppies.

But keep in mind:

Chew strength matters—aggressive chewers may destroy toys quickly, risking ingestion.
Supervision is critical. No toy is 100% safe if left unattended.

Cats may be less interested in traditional dental toys, but some respond well to catnip-infused dental chews or soft toys that encourage chewing and gnawing.

What’s the Best Approach?

The best dental care plan is a layered one. No single product can do it all, but combining a few of the right tools can make a real difference in your pet’s oral health.

Here’s a simple hierarchy to aim for:

Daily brushing (if your pet tolerates it)
Veterinary dental cleanings
Approved dental chews or rinses
Smart chew toys

Prioritize Your Pet’s Dental Health with Veterinary Dental Care

Just like with human dental care, consistency is key for our pets. Dental chews, rinses, and toys are great tools, but they work best as part of a routine that includes professional oversight and regular check-ups. At Veterinary Dental Care, we focus exclusively on advanced dental and oral health for pets, and we’re happy to guide you toward products that truly support your pet’s health.

Ultimately, not all solutions are right for every animal, and sometimes what looks like bad breath is a sign of a deeper issue.

Need Help Creating a Dental Care Plan? Reach Out to Our Veterinary Dental Care Team in Charleston, SC

Whether your pet needs a cleaning, an oral exam, or treatment for a more complex condition, we’re here to help. Contact Veterinary Dental Care today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified veterinary dentist. Together, we’ll work to keep your pet’s smile clean, comfortable, and healthy for years to come.

Dental Rinses, Chews, and Toys: What Actually Works?