Veterinary Dentistry

Ensure your pet’s dental health with expert veterinary dentistry services at Stoneside Veterinary Hospital in Waller, TX.

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Veterinarian Brushing Cat's Teeth in Clinic

Pet Dentistry at Stoneside Veterinary Hospital

Good oral health is essential to your pet’s overall well-being. Pet dental care plays a crucial role in preventing dental disease, which can lead to severe health complications affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. At our veterinary facility, we offer professional pet dentistry services to ensure your furry friend maintains clean, healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

Many pet owners are unaware that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease. Unfortunately, without proper dental care, bacteria from plaque buildup can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic infections and organ damage. Routine veterinary dental care is the key to preventing serious health issues and improving your pet’s quality of life.

If your pet is recommended a cleaning during your next visit, book that same day for 10% OFF the cleaning!

Signs your Pet May Have Dental Disease

Pets can’t tell us when they’re experiencing dental pain, so it’s important to look out for signs of dental disease, including:

Bad breath (persistent odor despite regular eating habits)
Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Difficulty eating or chewing
Excessive drooling
Pawing at the mouth or face
Loose or missing teeth

If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, it may be time for a comprehensive pet dental examination.

hand brushing dog's tooth for dental care

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Prevents Pain and Discomfort

Routine cleanings and early detection help avoid painful dental issues.

Improves Overall Health

Reduces the risk of bacteria spreading to vital organs through the bloodstream.

Extends Lifespan

Healthy teeth and gums can contribute to a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Enhances Quality of Life

A pain-free mouth allows your pet to eat, chew, and play comfortably.

Common Myths About Pet Dental Care

Even the most caring pet owners can be misled by myths. Let’s set the record straight on a few common misconceptions:

Myth: “If my pet had a bad tooth, they’d stop eating.”

Fact: Pets have strong survival instincts – most will continue to eat despite throbbing dental pain. They often just chew on one side or swallow food whole to cope. Don’t assume they’re fine simply because their food bowl is empty! Often, owners only realize how uncomfortable their pet was after a dental procedure, when their furry friend becomes noticeably more playful and energetic.

Myth: “Dogs and cats just have stinky breath – that’s normal.”

Fact: While your pet’s breath may never smell minty fresh, foul breath is usually a sign of dental trouble, not something to ignore. Regular cleanings will make those affectionate licks much more pleasant (and healthy).

Myth: “Crunchy food or chew toys clean my pet’s teeth enough.”

Fact: Eating dry kibble or the occasional chew toy isn’t a substitute for proper dental care. In fact, the texture of pet food alone makes little difference in tartar buildup – only daily brushing and professional cleanings truly keep plaque at bay. Chew toys can help, but they can’t reach below the gumline where many problems start.

Join the Happy Pet Club

Is your pet’s smile sparkling? After a dental cleaning at Stoneside Veterinary Hospital, your furry friend becomes an official member of our Happy Pet Club — a special pack of pets who proudly show off their clean teeth, fresh breath, and healthier smiles!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved with a dental exam?

At Stoneside Veterinary Hospital, the first step in your pet’s oral care is a comprehensive dental exam to determine whether a dental cleaning is needed. Before scheduling the procedure, our veterinarian will discuss the likely treatments your pet may require. We may also recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess kidney and liver function, along with additional evaluations—such as heart or abdominal assessments—if appropriate. Anesthesia is essential to safely perform a thorough, tooth-by-tooth examination and obtain detailed dental X-rays to guide your pet’s care.

How are my dog's teeth cleaned?

Following a complete oral examination, our team performs thorough tooth scaling using both hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Because tartar beneath the gumline is the primary cause of periodontal disease, its removal is essential for protecting your dog’s long-term oral health. Once scaling is complete, the teeth are polished to smooth microscopic surface scratches and help slow future plaque accumulation.

Do I have to make an appointment for my dog to have a dental scaling and polishing?

Yes. Before the procedure, our veterinarian will perform pre-anesthetic testing and evaluate your pet for any underlying health concerns to ensure anesthesia and dental treatment can be performed safely.

Can I use human toothpaste?

Absolutely not. Human toothpaste should never be used for dogs or cats. These products contain ingredients that are unsafe if swallowed and can cause internal issues. Many human formulas also contain high levels of salt, which may be harmful to certain pets.

Baking soda is not recommended either. Its high alkaline content can disrupt the natural acid balance in your pet’s stomach and digestive system if ingested.

For safe, effective home care, always use veterinary-approved toothpaste and dental products designed specifically for pets.

Why is pet toothpaste recommended?

Pet-specific toothpastes are formulated to be non-foaming, safe to swallow, and available in flavors pets actually enjoy—such as poultry, beef, malt, and mint. When the toothpaste tastes good, your dog or cat is much more likely to cooperate and even look forward to brushing. Many veterinary toothpastes also contain enzymes that help break down plaque, making the brushing process more effective and reducing the amount of time you need to spend cleaning your pet’s teeth.

How can I prevent tartar accumulation?

Plaque can begin forming as soon as six hours after your pet’s dental cleaning, making consistent at-home dental care essential for maintaining good oral health. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) reviews and approves only those dental products that meet strict scientific standards for safety and effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar. You can view the list of VOHC-accepted products at www.VOHC.org, and your veterinarian can help you choose the best options for your pet.

Why can't plaque and tartar be removed with a human dental scaler?

While you may be able to remove some visible plaque and tartar above the gumline in a cooperative pet, there are several important limitations and risks:

Only the tartar you can see is removed. Plaque and tartar below the gumline remain and will continue to contribute to periodontal disease.
It is not safe or possible to thoroughly clean the inner surfaces of the teeth in a conscious dog or cat.
Using dental instruments on the enamel can create microscopic scratches that damage the tooth surface and promote future disease—this is why dental professionals always polish teeth after scaling.
If your pet moves unexpectedly, sharp instruments can easily cause gum injury, leading to pain and bleeding.

What happens during a dental cleaning visit?

A dental cleaning visit includes a comprehensive oral examination, thorough scaling, and polishing to remove tartar and the plaque that leads to periodontal disease. This procedure is performed while your dog is under general anesthesia. Once anesthetized, the veterinarian—assisted by trained veterinary staff—carefully evaluates the entire mouth, noting any abnormalities in the medical record. A dental probe is used to check for gum bleeding and periodontal pockets, where food and bacteria can collect and contribute to disease if left untreated.

In cases of advanced periodontal disease, severely compromised teeth may not be salvageable and may need to be extracted either during the appointment or at a future visit. General anesthesia ensures that these treatments can be performed safely and effectively.

After the cleaning, your veterinarian will review the findings with you and discuss any recommended treatments. Because the full extent of dental disease is often difficult to assess before anesthesia, your veterinarian may contact you during the procedure if additional care becomes necessary.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam Today

If your pet is showing signs of dental discomfort or is due for a routine cleaning, contact Stoneside Veterinary Hospital in Waller, TX, today. Let our experienced team help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and strong for years to come.