Pet Dental Care in Dana Point: Why It Matters | Salt & Sea Veterinary Hospital
When thinking about your pet’s health, it’s easy to focus on things like diet, exercise, and vaccinations. But one critical area that often gets overlooked is dental health. For many Dana Point pet owners, brushing a dog or cat’s teeth isn’t part of the daily routine—but it should be. Dental disease is not only common in pets, it’s also one of the most underdiagnosed conditions we see.
At Salt & Sea Veterinary Hospital in Dana Point, we believe that your pet’s oral health is just as important as their annual vaccines and wellness exams. Taking a proactive approach to dental care can prevent pain, illness, and long-term health complications.
What Is Pet Dental Disease?
Dental disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding your pet’s teeth. It begins when plaque—a soft film of bacteria—builds up on the surface of the teeth. If not removed through regular brushing or professional cleaning, this plaque hardens into tartar and starts to irritate the gums. Over time, it can cause gum recession, tooth loss, abscesses, and even allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Most pets begin to show signs of dental disease by the age of three. In fact, studies show that more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats exhibit symptoms of dental disease at some point in their lives.
This makes regular dental care one of the most impactful things you can do to protect your pet’s long-term health.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Problems
Pets don’t always show pain in obvious ways, so it’s important to watch for more subtle signs of oral discomfort or infection. Here are some of the most common symptoms of dental disease in pets:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup along the gumline
- Dropping food while eating or reluctance to chew
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Excessive drooling or changes in eating habits
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule a dental evaluation with your Dana Point veterinarian. Left untreated, dental issues can progress quickly and affect your pet’s ability to eat, play, and enjoy daily life.
Why Dental Health Affects Overall Wellness
Dental health is not just about clean teeth or avoiding bad breath—it’s about your pet’s entire well-being. The mouth is a gateway to the body, and unchecked infections can have ripple effects far beyond the gums.
Heart and Kidney Disease
When bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, they can travel to major organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. This can lead to systemic infections or contribute to the development of chronic conditions.
Chronic Pain and Reduced Quality of Life
While animals are incredibly stoic, dental disease is painful. Pets may avoid playing, eating, or interacting with their families because of oral discomfort—even if they’re not showing outward signs of pain.
Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss
A sore mouth can cause pets to stop eating or avoid certain types of food. In the long term, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight loss.
Investing in regular dental care not only improves your pet’s comfort, it can significantly extend their life and prevent avoidable health crises.
How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
Preventing dental disease requires both professional care and consistent at-home habits. Here are four essential steps to keep your pet’s mouth healthy:
1. Schedule Annual Dental Exams and Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are the only way to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline—an area that brushing alone can’t reach. At Salt & Sea Veterinary Hospital, we perform these cleanings under anesthesia to ensure a thorough, stress-free experience. Your pet’s teeth are scaled, polished, and examined for any underlying issues.For most pets, one cleaning per year is sufficient, but some breeds or high-risk pets may need more frequent care.
2. Brush Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
Daily brushing is the gold standard for maintaining oral health between professional cleanings. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste—never human toothpaste, which can be toxic to animals. If daily brushing isn’t feasible, aim for several times a week.Start slowly and reward your pet after each session to build positive associations.
3. Incorporate Dental-Friendly Products
Dental chews, water additives, and prescription diets can help reduce plaque buildup and support oral hygiene. Look for products that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products are tested for safety and effectiveness.Our team can recommend options that work for your pet’s size, breed, and dietary needs.
4. Monitor for Early Warning Signs
Routine wellness exams provide an opportunity to detect early dental disease before it becomes advanced. During your pet’s checkup, we’ll examine their teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of infection, damage, or discomfort. Catching problems early allows us to treat them with less invasive methods.
Is Anesthesia Safe for Pet Dental Cleanings?
Yes. When performed by a trained veterinary team, anesthesia is safe and necessary for thorough dental care. At Salt & Sea, we use advanced monitoring equipment and tailor each anesthesia plan to your pet’s age, size, and medical history.
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and perform extractions if needed—all while ensuring your pet is calm and pain-free.
The benefits of professional dental care far outweigh the risks, especially when performed by an experienced Dana Point veterinary team.
Take the First Step Toward Better Oral Health
Dental disease is one of the most preventable conditions affecting pets today—and yet it often goes untreated. A healthy mouth can improve your pet’s comfort, behavior, and longevity.
Whether you’re looking to schedule your pet’s first dental cleaning or just want advice on home care routines, our team at Salt & Sea Veterinary Hospital is here to help.
Is your pet due for a dental check-up?
Let’s protect their smile—and their overall health.Schedule a dental evaluation with Salt & Sea Veterinary Hospital in Dana Point today. Call us at (949)444-2244 or book an appointment online
Your pet’s health starts with a healthy mouth. Let’s take the first step together.
