Veterinary Dental Care in Glendora, CA
Dental health is one of the most overlooked — yet most important — aspects of your pet’s overall well-being. At Healthy Paws Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive veterinary dental services to keep your dog or cat’s teeth, gums, and mouth in excellent condition. From routine cleanings to digital dental x-rays and extractions, our team provides thorough, affordable dental care right here in Glendora CA . Call us at (626) 310-0677 to schedule your pet’s dental appointment today.
Why Pet Dental Health Matters
Did you know that two-thirds of dogs over three years of age have some degree of periodontal disease? Cats are not immune either — dental disease is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in feline patients. Poor oral health doesn’t just cause bad breath; it can lead to pain, tooth loss, difficulty eating, and even systemic infections that affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Regular dental care is one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s long-term health.
At Healthy Paws Animal Hospital, we are equipped with a dedicated dental suite and digital dental x-ray machine that allows us to evaluate not just the visible surfaces of the teeth, but also the roots and surrounding bone structure hidden beneath the gumline. Many serious dental problems are invisible to the naked eye, which is why dental radiographs are a critical part of every comprehensive dental exam we perform.
Our Veterinary Dental Services
We provide a full range of dental care services for dogs and cats, including:
- Digital Dental X-Rays: Advanced imaging that reveals bone loss, root damage, abscesses, and other issues below the gumline that cannot be detected visually.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Thorough scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline, performed under safe anesthesia for a complete, stress-free clean.
- Tooth Extractions: When a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or causing pain, extraction may be the best option to restore your pet’s comfort and prevent further disease progression.
- Jaw Fracture Repair: Surgical treatment for traumatic or disease-related jaw fractures to restore function and relieve pain.
Maintaining your pet’s oral health between visits also matters. We’re happy to advise you on at-home dental care routines, including toothbrushing techniques and dental-friendly treats or diets that can help slow the buildup of plaque and tartar. Combined with regular professional cleanings, these habits can make a significant difference in your pet’s oral — and overall — health.
If you have noticed bad breath, reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, or visible tartar on your pet’s teeth, it’s time to schedule a dental evaluation. Our team also addresses concerns that may be related to your pet’s general health during the same visit — learn more about our wellness services and internal medicine care. Contact Healthy Paws Animal Hospital in Glendora CA at (626) 310-0677 to book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Dental Care
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year, though some pets — particularly small breeds and those prone to dental disease — may need cleanings every six months. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s oral health during their wellness exam and recommend an appropriate dental care schedule based on their individual needs.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Pets cannot stay still and open their mouths on command the way humans can during a dental cleaning. Anesthesia allows our veterinary team to safely and thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces — including below the gumline — take full-mouth dental x-rays, and address any painful areas without causing distress to your pet. Anesthesia-free dental cleanings do not provide the same level of care and can actually mask underlying disease.
What are the signs that my pet may have dental disease?
Common warning signs include bad breath (halitosis), yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth, red or swollen gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, dropping food while eating, or a reluctance to chew hard foods. If you notice any of these signs, call (626) 310-0677 to schedule a dental evaluation at Healthy Paws Animal Hospital.
Is my pet too old for a dental cleaning?
Age alone is not a disqualifying factor. Senior pets often have the greatest need for dental care. Before any anesthetic procedure, we perform pre-surgical bloodwork and a thorough health assessment to ensure your pet is a safe candidate. Our team takes extra precautions for older patients to minimize anesthetic risk while still providing the care they need.
What is included in a veterinary dental cleaning?
Our dental cleanings include full-mouth digital dental x-rays, scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, polishing of all tooth surfaces, a thorough oral examination, and a detailed report of our findings. If extractions or other treatments are needed, we will discuss those with you before proceeding.
Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home?
Yes, and we strongly encourage it! Daily toothbrushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the single most effective at-home measure for preventing dental disease. We can demonstrate proper brushing technique at your visit and recommend products that are safe and effective for your pet. Even brushing a few times per week is better than not at all.
What happens if my pet’s dental disease goes untreated?
Untreated dental disease progresses from plaque and tartar buildup to gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth root abscesses, and eventual tooth loss. Bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream and contribute to damage in the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Early intervention is always less costly — financially and in terms of your pet’s health — than waiting until problems become severe.