What Is Dental Disease in Pets?
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions we see in both dogs and cats. In fact, most pets will develop some level of dental disease during their lifetime, often without showing obvious signs at home.
Understanding what dental disease is and why it matters can help you protect your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life.
How Dental Disease Develops
Dental disease begins when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
As bacteria move below the gumline, they cause inflammation and infection of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. This process is called periodontal disease.
What makes dental disease difficult to recognize is that it often develops quietly. Many pets continue to eat, play, and act normal even when their mouth is painful. By the time bad breath, red gums, or loose teeth are visible, there is often already significant disease present below the surface.
Why Dental Disease Matters
Dental disease is not just a problem in the mouth.
When bacteria and infection are present in the gums, they can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Untreated dental disease can contribute to chronic pain, tooth loss, and systemic illness.
Pets are very good at hiding discomfort, which means dental pain often goes unnoticed for long periods of time.
What We Do at Moffitt Animal Clinic
When we recommend a professional dental cleaning, it is not cosmetic. Our goal is to:
- Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Treat infection and inflammation
- Take dental X-rays to evaluate the roots and bone
- Identify and address painful or damaged teeth
- Help protect your pet’s long-term health
Before any dental procedure, your pet is carefully evaluated and appropriate pre-anesthetic testing is performed. During the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored and kept comfortable with pain control and warming during recovery.
Safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
When to Schedule a Dental Evaluation
We recommend scheduling a dental evaluation if you notice:
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Facial swelling
Even if you do not see obvious signs, dental disease can still be present below the gumline. Regular dental evaluations allow us to catch and treat problems early, before they become more painful or more complicated.
Have Questions About Your Pet’s Dental Health?
If you have concerns about your pet’s teeth or gums, or if you are wondering whether dental cleaning is needed, our team is always happy to help.
Early treatment of dental disease can make a significant difference in your pet’s