Pet Dental Programs in Langley, BC
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats, and it affects far more than your pet’s mouth. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria can lead to painful gum inflammation and tooth loss, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. At Brookswood Veterinary Hospital, our dental programs combine annual oral exams, professional cleanings, and at-home prevention to keep your pet’s smile healthy and comfortable.
Request an AppointmentWhy Pet Dental Care Matters
A large majority of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by middle age, yet dental disease is not a “normal” part of aging. Tartar builds up along the gum line and pushes the gums away from the teeth, creating pockets where infection develops. The result is bad breath, pain, and eventually loose or infected teeth. Small breed dogs are especially prone to periodontal disease because their saliva contains more calcium, which accelerates tartar formation.
Beyond the mouth, chronic oral infection can contribute to disease in major organs and may accelerate the aging process in senior pets. That is why we include a dental evaluation in every wellness exam and pay close attention to oral health in our senior programs.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
Animals have a natural instinct to hide pain, and many pets with painful teeth continue to eat normally. Watch for these signs:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Chewing on one side of the mouth or dropping food
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Reduced appetite or reluctance to chew hard food or toys
What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning
A thorough dental cleaning requires general anesthesia so we can safely clean below the gum line, where most dental disease occurs. Every procedure at our Langley animal hospital follows a careful, step-by-step process:
- Pre-anesthetic assessment – A physical exam is performed first, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork through our in-house laboratory may be recommended depending on your pet’s age and health.
- Anesthesia and monitoring – Intravenous fluids are provided throughout the procedure to support blood pressure, and your pet is continuously monitored by our trained team.
- Digital dental X-rays – Our dedicated dental X-ray unit lets us evaluate tooth roots and the surrounding bone, which cannot be seen during an awake exam.
- Scaling and polishing – Every tooth is scaled with high-speed dental equipment, cleaned below the gum line, and polished to smooth the enamel and slow future plaque buildup.
- Treatment of diseased teeth – If deep infection or painful damage is found, extractions may be necessary to relieve pain and restore oral health.
- Recovery – Your pet recovers in a warm, monitored area, and we provide pain management and laser therapy when appropriate to support healing.
Dental Care for Cats
Cats are particularly prone to painful tooth resorption lesions, often called feline cavities, which frequently develop below the gum line. These lesions expose the sensitive dentine and are very painful, so affected teeth are usually extracted. We pay particular attention to every feline patient during their evaluation under anesthesia.
Anesthesia for Senior Pets
Many owners worry about anesthesia for older pets. The good news is that pets are never too old to have pain and infection treated. Our anesthetic protocols are tailored to each patient and designed to be as safe as possible, with bloodwork, IV fluids, and careful monitoring. Clients often notice a major improvement in their pet’s energy and comfort after dental treatment, because a source of chronic pain and infection has been removed.
Preventing Dental Disease at Home
Prevention is the best way to protect your pet’s teeth between professional cleanings. Our team can help you build a home-care routine that may include:
- Regular tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste
- Veterinary-approved dental chews
- Dental diets from Royal Canin and Hill’s that create a scrubbing effect and help reduce tartar buildup
Our nutrition program can help you choose the right dental diet for your pet. Starting good habits early through our puppy and kitten programs makes brushing easier for life.
Your pet’s teeth should be examined at least once a year, and every six months for senior pets. To schedule a dental exam or cleaning, call (604) 534-4174 or explore our other veterinary services.
Pet Dental Care FAQs
How often should my pet have a dental exam?
Your pet’s teeth should be examined at least once a year during their annual wellness exam. Senior pets should have their teeth checked every six months.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Most dental disease occurs below the gum line. Anesthesia allows us to safely take dental X-rays, clean beneath the gums, and treat painful teeth without causing stress or pain to your pet.
Is anesthesia safe for older pets?
Pets are never too old to have pain and infection treated. We tailor anesthetic protocols to each patient and use pre-anesthetic bloodwork, IV fluids, and continuous monitoring to keep procedures as safe as possible.
What are the signs of dental disease in dogs and cats?
Common signs include bad breath, tartar on the teeth, red or bleeding gums, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth, and loose or broken teeth. Many pets still eat normally despite dental pain.
Why do you take dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays let us see tooth roots and the surrounding bone, where hidden infection, fractures, and resorption lesions are often found. They help us make accurate treatment decisions.
Can I prevent dental disease at home?
Yes. Regular brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, veterinary-approved dental chews, and dental diets from Royal Canin and Hill’s can greatly reduce tartar buildup between professional cleanings.
Will my pet need teeth extracted?
Extractions are only recommended when a tooth has deep infection, severe periodontal disease, fractures, or painful resorption lesions. Removing these teeth relieves pain and often improves your pet’s overall health.
