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 in Charleston for Your Pets' Health

When you welcome a puppy or kitten into your home, you’re not just watching them grow—you’re also watching an entirely new set of teeth come in, fall out, and be replaced. Understanding this timeline helps pet owners prevent dental problems and sets the stage for lifelong oral health.

As board-certified veterinary dentists, we often see issues in adult pets that could have been avoided if their early dental changes had been monitored more closely. In this blog, we’ll explore what you can expect and provide guidance on supporting healthy development.

Puppies: Dental Development

2–4 weeks

Baby (deciduous) teeth begin erupting.
By 6–8 weeks, most puppies have their complete set of 28 sharp baby teeth.

3–4 months

Baby teeth start falling out as permanent teeth erupt.
This is the teething stage: chewing intensifies, gums may be sore, and sometimes retained baby teeth stay in place alongside the new ones.

6–7 months

Most puppies have their complete set of 42 permanent adult teeth.
Veterinary checkups around this time are crucial for detecting any retained baby teeth, misalignment, or bite issues.

Dental care tips for puppies:

Begin brushing early with a soft brush and pet-safe toothpaste.
Provide safe chew toys to ease discomfort.
Schedule a dental evaluation during spay/neuter surgery or at 6 months to assess eruption patterns.

Kittens: Dental Development

2–3 weeks

Baby teeth begin appearing.
By 6 weeks, most kittens have 26 baby teeth.

3–4 months

Permanent teeth begin to replace the baby set.
Chewing may increase, and some kittens may drool lightly during this stage.

6–7 months

Kittens typically have their complete 30 adult teeth.
As with puppies, some may retain baby teeth or show early signs of malocclusion that need professional attention.

Dental care tips for kittens:

Start tooth brushing early to normalize handling of the mouth.
Offer appropriate teething toys (avoid strings or items that fray easily).
Ask your veterinarian to check your kitten’s tooth alignment and gum health during routine visits.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

Retained baby teeth can cause crowding in the mouth, leading to the accumulation of tartar and an increased risk of periodontal disease.
Painful teething may lead to chewing on unsafe items, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.
Early habits, such as brushing and regular check-ups, make adult dental care much easier.

By watching these milestones and taking action at the right time, you’re not only protecting your pet’s oral health—you’re also protecting their overall health. Dental infections can affect the heart, kidneys, and more if left untreated.

Trust Veterinary Dental Care in Charleston, SC, for Reliable Pet Dental Care

Your puppy or kitten’s teeth change dramatically in the first 6–7 months of life. Regular monitoring, gentle home care, and timely veterinary dental services can prevent common problems and set them up for a healthy adult smile.

If you’re unsure whether your pet’s teeth are developing normally, ask your veterinarian to take a closer look. Early intervention makes all the difference. Reach out to schedule an appointment.

Puppy & Kitten Teeth Milestones & Dental Care Timeline