Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning in Carmel, IN
Dental health is a cornerstone of your pet’s overall well-being. One of the most common issues in pets, dental disease often begins with plaque—a sticky film filled with bacteria—building up along the gum line. Without regular care, plaque hardens into tartar, damaging gum tissue and teeth and causing painful infections. Over time, untreated dental disease can impact critical organs like the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, making dental care essential to your pet’s long-term health.
Get your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape by scheduling a dental care appointment. Call us at (317) 846-5707 or book your appointment below!
Professional Pet Dental Care
For pets, dental issues often go unnoticed until they’re severe, so regular professional exams are key. At each annual or semi-annual checkup, we perform a full oral assessment. When advanced cleaning is needed, a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) helps us clean and examine each tooth closely, under anesthesia. This includes:
Preoperative Lab Work: A thorough physical exam, bloodwork, and any other necessary testing helps assess your pet’s safety while under anesthesia.
IV Catheterization: An IV catheter grants us instant venous access in case of an emergency, but also helps stabilize your pet’s blood pressure.
Dental X-Rays: Digital dental X-rays reveal hidden issues such as root infections, bone loss, or impacted teeth, enabling us to treat these effectively.
Cleaning and Polishing: We remove every last trace of plaque and tartar, above and below the gumline, followed by polishing to prevent new plaque formation.
Charting: We document the health of each tooth so we can monitor problem progression during future oral exams and teeth cleanings.
Extractions (if needed): By removing damaged or painful teeth, we can restore comfort to your pet’s smile and make them feel years younger.
Periodontal Therapy: We treat deep-rooted oral infections in gum pockets to prevent further damage.
We’ll also review post-care instructions for feeding, medications, and resuming home dental care to ensure a smooth recovery.
At-Home Pet Dental Care
Keeping up with your pet’s dental health at home can make a world of difference in preventing periodontal disease. Here’s how to start a consistent, pet-friendly dental routine:
Daily brushing is the most effective way to reduce plaque buildup, but try for at least a few times a week to make a difference. Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients unsafe for pets). Start slowly and reward your pet with treats or praise for cooperating.
Specially designed dental treats help reduce plaque and freshen breath. Choose treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for trusted results. Dental chews are great for pets who enjoy chewing and can help remove plaque through mechanical action.
Food and water additives offer an easy way to support your pet’s oral health daily. Simply add to their meals or water bowl for ongoing freshness and plaque control. Dental rinses can also be applied directly to your pet’s mouth, helping to reduce bacteria and improve breath.
Dental diets are specially formulated with a kibble texture and design that helps scrape off plaque and tartar as your pet eats. Look for diets endorsed by the VOHC to ensure effectiveness.
Even with diligent home care, regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings are essential. Professional cleanings allow us to catch issues early and keep your pet’s mouth pain-free.
Your dedication to at-home dental care and routine checkups can add years of health and comfort to your pet’s life. Contact us today to schedule an exam and give your pet the gift of good oral health!