Dental Care
Parkton

Pets Need Dental Care, Too

Just like people, pets need regular dental care to maintain a healthy mouth and overall well-being. Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns we see in dogs and cats, with many pets developing some form of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Without proper care, dental problems can lead to pain, infection, and other health complications.

At North Star Veterinary Hospital, we take a comprehensive approach to veterinary dentistry that focuses on prevention, early detection, and treatment. During your pet’s wellness visits, our team will evaluate their oral health and help you create a dental care plan based on their individual needs.

Professional Dental Cleanings for Dogs & Cats

A professional veterinary dental cleaning is similar to a human dental cleaning, with one important difference: pets are safely anesthetized so our team can perform a thorough evaluation and cleaning. Dental X-rays are also an important part of veterinary dentistry because many dental problems occur below the surface where they can’t be seen during a visual exam.

When Dental Extractions Are Needed

In some cases, advanced dental disease can cause teeth to become painful, infected, or damaged beyond repair. When this happens, dental extractions may be recommended to protect your pet’s comfort and overall health.

Minor extractions may sometimes be performed during your pet’s scheduled dental cleaning if it is safe to do so. If more extensive dental surgery is needed, we may recommend scheduling a separate procedure to ensure your pet receives the safest and most appropriate care possible.

How to Maintain Your Pet’s Dental Health at Home

Preventive dental care between professional cleanings plays an important role in keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. We recommend:

• Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste (never use human toothpaste)
• Offering veterinarian-recommended dental chews, such as OraVet® or Greenies®
• Using pet-friendly dental rinses or water additives when brushing isn’t an option
• Choosing chew toys carefully based on your pet’s chewing habits and size

Chew toys should be durable enough to avoid breaking into pieces that could be swallowed, and pets should always be supervised while chewing. We do not recommend rawhides due to the potential risk of choking or intestinal blockage.