Pet dental disease treatment at Woodland West Animal Hospital in Tulsa, OKPet Dental Disease Treatment in Tulsa, OK

Bad breath isn’t just “doggy breath” — it’s often the first sign of periodontal disease, the most common health condition in adult dogs and cats. By age three, the majority of pets already have some degree of dental disease. At Woodland West Animal Hospital, our veterinarians diagnose and treat dental disease to relieve pain, prevent tooth loss, and protect your pet’s overall health.

Schedule an Appointment

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease begins when plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up on the teeth. Within days, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) that can’t be brushed away. Bacteria spread below the gum line, causing inflammation (gingivitis), and over time destroy the ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place. The result is loose teeth, painful infections, and tooth loss.

The damage doesn’t stop at the mouth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys, which is why dental health is so closely tied to your pet’s longevity.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

Pets are experts at hiding pain, so many continue eating even with significant dental disease. Look for:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Dropping food, chewing on one side, or reluctance to eat hard food
  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth
  • Loose, broken, or missing teeth
  • Facial swelling below the eye (a possible tooth root abscess)

How We Diagnose Dental Disease

Dental evaluation starts during your pet’s wellness exam, where your veterinarian examines the teeth and gums and grades the level of tartar and gingivitis. However, about 60% of each tooth sits below the gum line, so a complete assessment requires anesthesia. During a professional dental cleaning, we probe each tooth for pockets and use dental X-rays to check the roots and jawbone for hidden infection, fractures, and bone loss.

Treatment for Pet Dental Disease

Treatment depends on the stage of disease and may include:

  • Scaling above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar
  • Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and slow future buildup
  • Extraction of severely diseased, fractured, or painful teeth
  • Antibiotics and pain medication when needed
  • Laser therapy to reduce inflammation and support healing after extractions

Before every dental procedure, we perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork and monitor your pet closely under anesthesia. Our AAHA-accredited protocols keep your pet safe and comfortable from start to finish. Cats can also develop painful tooth resorption, which we evaluate with the same thorough approach.

Preventing Dental Disease at Home

Professional cleanings work best when combined with home care. Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard, and dental chews, water additives, and dental diets can help as well. Our nutritional counseling team can recommend a dental diet, and you’ll find veterinary-approved dental products in our pharmacy. Senior pets and small breeds are at higher risk and may need more frequent cleanings.

See our other pet health conditions or browse all veterinary services.

Pet Dental Disease FAQs

How common is dental disease in pets?

Very common. Most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age three, making it the most frequently diagnosed health problem in adult pets.

Is anesthesia necessary for a pet dental cleaning?

Yes. Anesthesia allows us to safely clean below the gum line, take dental X-rays, and treat painful teeth without causing stress or injury to your pet.

Can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?

Yes. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys.

How often does my pet need a professional dental cleaning?

Most pets benefit from a cleaning every one to two years, but small breeds and pets with advanced disease may need them more often. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule.

Will my pet be able to eat after tooth extractions?

Yes. Most pets eat comfortably after extractions once their mouth heals, and many eat better because the source of pain has been removed.

Are anesthesia-free dental cleanings a good option?

We don’t recommend them. They only remove visible tartar and can’t treat disease below the gum line, where most of the damage occurs.

What is the best way to prevent dental disease?

Daily tooth brushing combined with regular professional cleanings is the most effective prevention. Dental chews and diets can help as additional support.

Protect Your Pet’s Smile

If your pet has bad breath, tartar, or trouble eating, schedule a dental evaluation with Woodland West Animal Hospital. Call (918) 299-1208 today.

Schedule an Appointment