The professional dental cleaning for dogs and cats It is recommended in cases of tartar build-up, persistent bad breath, inflamed gums, oral pain or signs of periodontal disease. It may also be necessary even if the mouth ‘doesn’t seem to be in such a bad state’, because a significant part of the dental problem lies below the gum line, where it is not possible to assess the situation properly without a thorough veterinary examination. Dental disease is very common in pets: the AAHA points out that most dogs and cats show some degree of dental disease from the age of 3 years onwards.
At Benivet Benissa, when we suspect an oral condition, we start with a veterinary practice in Benissa to assess the patient’s oral health and general condition, and to decide whether a dental cleaning, preliminary tests or additional treatment should be scheduled. The clinic offers consultation, surgery, anaesthesia and laboratory testing as part of a comprehensive range of clinical services for dogs and cats.
What are the signs that you may need a dental clean?
You don’t always have to wait until the problem is very obvious. It’s a good idea to check your mouth if you notice:
- persistent bad breath
- visible tartar or a yellowish/brown discolouration on the teeth
- red or bleeding gums
- pain when eating or refusal to eat hard foods
- excessive drooling
- difficulty chewing
- loose or fractured teeth
- oral inflammation or discomfort when touching the mouth
The AAHA recommends arranging a dental check-up if signs such as bad breath, red gums, drooling or difficulty eating appear. Furthermore, its guidelines explain that a professional dental cleaning includes the removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, polishing and an oral examination carried out by trained veterinary staff under general anaesthesia.
If your pet is showing signs of pain, inflammation or a refusal to eat, you shouldn’t just assume it’s ‘tartar’. Sometimes the problem requires a more comprehensive assessment from the field of veterinary dentistry in Benissa or even support from veterinary surgery if there are any damaged parts or if any parts need to be removed.
It’s not just for aesthetic reasons
A professional dental cleaning is not carried out simply to make teeth ‘look whiter’. Its aim is to remove plaque and tartar, assess the actual condition of the teeth and gums, detect periodontal pockets, painful teeth or hidden lesions, and treat oral disease before it progresses. The WSAVA emphasises that oral and dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in companion animals and that managing it properly requires appropriate clinical standards.
This is important because a mouth with visible tartar is usually just the most obvious part of the problem. What is happening beneath the gums can cause chronic pain, infection and tooth loss, even if the owner does not clearly notice it. Therefore, if, in addition to bad breath, there is tooth decay, loss of appetite or pain, it may be useful to supplement the assessment with veterinary blood tests or follow-up from veterinary internal medicine in Benissa if the vet considers that the animal’s general condition needs to be assessed before the procedure.
When is a professional dental clean usually recommended?
The need for this does not depend solely on age, but also on the condition of the mouth and individual risk. It is usually recommended in cases of moderate or heavy tartar build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease, oral pain, loose teeth or a history of recurring dental problems. It may also be considered as part of a preventative plan for pets prone to tartar build-up or with poor oral hygiene.
The AAHA and the AVMA agree that professional dental cleaning in pets should be carried out under anaesthesia, as this is the only way to clean and assess the area beneath the gums properly. The AVMA adds that dental cleanings without anaesthesia do not allow for adequate inspection or cleaning of the subgingival area.
Why is professional dental cleaning carried out under anaesthetic?
This is one of the points that raises the most questions. The main reason is that significant dental problems are not limited to the visible surface of the tooth. To carry out a thorough cleaning, it is also necessary to work beneath the gums, examine the entire oral cavity safely and, where necessary, take dental X-rays or carry out additional treatments. The AVMA explains that cleanings carried out without anaesthesia do not allow for proper cleaning or inspection beneath the gums, and the AAHA states that a dental procedure under anaesthesia is the only way to adequately treat, prevent or reverse dental disease.
At a clinic such as Benivet, this forms part of a protocol that may include a pre-operative examination, anaesthetic assessment and pain management; therefore, for some patients, it also makes sense to draw on the services of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia before and during the procedure.
What tests can be carried out before the cleaning?
Not all patients require the same pre-operative assessment. Depending on their age, symptoms and medical history, the vet may recommend a general examination and, in some cases, pre-anaesthetic blood tests to better assess the safety of the procedure. This is particularly important in older animals, those with pre-existing conditions or those showing systemic signs.
At Benivet Benissa, if the case requires it, we can supplement the assessment with blood test before a veterinary dental cleaning and tailor the treatment plan to each pet’s individual situation. The clinic also offers veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia y veterinary hospitalisation in Benissa for cases requiring closer monitoring.
How to help prevent tartar build-up from recurring
Professional cleaning is no substitute for daily care. After the procedure, it is advisable to maintain a routine of oral hygiene at home to delay the build-up of new plaque. The AAHA points out that teeth should be brushed daily to be truly beneficial, and the WSAVA reminds us that regular professional check-ups remain important even when home care is carried out.
As a useful external resource, you can consult the guide at AVMA pet dental care, which explains why anaesthesia is necessary and what role oral hygiene at home plays.
When should you book an appointment?
It’s a good idea to book an appointment if your dog or cat has persistent bad breath, visible tartar, red gums, pain when eating, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, or if it’s been a while since their mouth was last checked. It’s also worth doing so if you notice any changes in their behaviour when chewing, or if you suspect that a dental problem is affecting their wellbeing.
You can request a valuation via the page at contact Benivet Benissa or to gain a better understanding of the veterinary facilities in Benissa, designed to cater for dogs and cats.
How we can help you at Benivet Benissa
At Benivet Benissa We assess whether your pet needs a professional dental clean, which preliminary tests are appropriate, and what treatment or follow-up care may be required afterwards. The clinic has over 15 years’ experience, purpose-built facilities and a team specialising in various clinical and surgical areas to tackle each case with a personalised approach.
A timely check-up can help detect oral pain, periodontal disease or affected teeth before the problem becomes more serious than it appears at first glance.
