Did you know that the majority of pets have some form of dental disease? It it happens by the time they’re three years old. Three years old. Those pets are far more likely to need tooth extractions. Or they might suffer in silence from the excruciating pain of an infected tooth until it finally falls out on its own. But that’s only because until their pet is in obvious pain. Sadly, people don’t realize how necessary pet dental care in Frisco, TX really is.
Bad Breath Is Often the First Sign of Dental Problems
Bad breath is often a sign of tooth or gum infections, so don’t write it off as normal for pets. The source of the odor is what’s happening below the gumline. Bacteria build up on your pet’s teeth and form plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar.
Tartar buildup causes bad breath, gum inflammation, tooth decay, and bone loss. Eventually, it leads to tooth loss. And the bacteria involved don’t just stay in the mouth. They can enter the bloodstream and infect the heart, kidneys, and liver as well.
But worst of all, dental diseases are extremely painful. Pets hide their pain pretty well, so most people have no idea their dog or cat is dealing with significant pain until they finally can’t hide it anymore. A pet that eats more slowly, chews on one side, or suddenly loses interest in chew toys may be suffering from tooth pain.
Why Pets Need to Get Their Teeth Cleaned
Brushing your pet’s teeth at home truly does make a difference. Regular brushing removes plaque and slows tartar buildup, and when it’s followed up with a dental cleaning every year at the vet, you’re giving your pet the best chance of keeping all their teeth.
But at-home brushing can’t do everything. Only a professional dental cleaning will remove the tartar that’s already hardened onto the teeth, especially below the gumline, where brushes can’t reach. Cleanings are done under anesthesia, so every surface of the tooth can be safely cleaned. We also take dental x-rays to identify any problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Common Dental Problems in Pets
The most common dental problems in pets start with gum disease, a chronic infection that leads to tooth decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease affects nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three, which is why annual cleanings and early intervention make such a difference in long-term health.
In cats, tooth resorption is another common problem, affecting up to 60% of cats over age five. The tooth structure breaks down from the inside, and because it looks fine on the surface, the problem can’t be detected without a professional exam.
Fractured or broken teeth are another frequent issue, particularly in dogs that chew hard objects. Retained baby teeth show up often in small breeds, where crowding makes plaque buildup harder to control.
Dental Exams and Cleanings for Pets in Frisco
If your pet has never had a professional dental cleaning, this is your sign to schedule an exam.
Getting a cleaning every year is the best way to prevent tooth loss. But if your pet ever does need a tooth pulled, our veterinarians will always explain exactly what’s needed and why, and get your permission before moving forward.
Tooth extractions are a routine part of dental care when teeth are broken, infected, or causing chronic pain. A tooth extraction might sound extreme, but when a tooth is too damaged to save, leaving it in place only does more harm than good. Your pets should recover quickly and they’ll feel much better once that painful tooth is gone.
Let’s get started with a conversation and a checkup. Schedule an exam at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals today.
Photo by Courtney Wentz on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/14/26.