How Often Should My Pet Get a Dental Cleaning?

Dental health is an important component of your pet's overall health. After all, dental issues can cause or stem from other health issues. Your vet should check your animal companion's teeth and gums at least once yearly to look for early signs and symptoms of a dental problem and to keep their mouth healthy.

Veterinary Dentistry

Veterinary dentistry is the branch of veterinary medicine concerned with animal oral health. That includes veterinary dental and oral disease and condition diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Veterinary dentists are animal health professionals with additional training in animal dental care. They undergo training in various procedures such as teeth cleaning, tooth extraction, and dental fracture repair. They might also use diagnostic tools like X-rays and dental charts to diagnose and treat dental problems in animals.

Dental care is an integral part of your pet's overall health. That is because dental problems can lead to other health problems. Regular dental checkups and cleanings prevent dental issues and keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Recommended Frequency of Veterinary Dental Cleanings

Several factors will determine your pet's dental cleaning schedule. These include their age, breed, and overall oral health. Here are some general guidelines for how frequently pets should have their teeth cleaned:

Young Pets

Veterinarians recommend that young pets—those under the age of three—have a dental cleaning at least once every two years. That will help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause gum disease and other dental problems.

However, it is best to note that these are only guidelines. Your vet may recommend a different frequency of dental cleanings based on your pet's specific needs. The frequency of dental cleanings for young pets may depend on their breed, overall oral health, and any underlying health conditions.

Older Pets

Since older pets are more susceptible to dental issues, they should have a dental cleaning once or twice a year. That can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. The veterinary dentist will identify and treat any dental issues that may develop with age.

Pets With Dental Issues

Pets with severe dental issues, such as advanced gum disease, may need more frequent dental cleanings to keep their condition under control. Based on your furry friend's specific needs, your vet will recommend the appropriate frequency of dental cleanings.

Are you worried about your pet's oral health? Are they experiencing dental problems? If so, consider seeking the advice of a vet specializing in veterinary dentistry. They will diagnose and treat your pet's dental issues and make recommendations for maintaining oral health.

Veterinary dentistry is vital to maintaining your beloved pet's overall health and well-being. You can help keep your pet's mouth healthy and free of dental problems by providing regular dental care, including dental cleanings. Please do not wait until they have dental issues to seek treatment. Preventive dental care is the key to maintaining your pet's oral health.

For more on pet dental cleanings, visit Palisades Animal Clinic at our Pacific Palisades, California office. Call (424) 402-5800 to schedule an appointment today.