Dental Care

Animals need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food properly—and painlessly. Unfortunately, pets can’t brush their own teeth, so this job falls to their owners. Good oral health has an impact the overall health of cats and dogs.

Why is brushing your pet’s teeth important?

Toothbrushing is the foundation of good dental hygiene. It removes food residue and most plaque before it turns into tartar. A buildup of tartar and bacteria can cause a gum infection that requires scaling by a veterinarian. If left untreated, a gum infection can become much more serious and spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream.

What is scaling?

Scaling is a procedure that’s performed while the animal is under general anesthesia. The veterinarian uses tools to scrape the teeth and under the gums to remove tartar buildup. This procedure will restore your pet’s fresh breath and shiny teeth.

How often should scaling be done?

There is no specific frequency at which an animal’s teeth should be scaled. It varies for each animal, and according to things like breed, diet and frequency of brushing. Some pets need annual scaling, while others may only need it a few times in their lifetime. During your routine appointments, your veterinarian will check the condition of your pet’s teeth and advise you on dental care.

Which dental care is offered at Hôpital vétérinaire LaSalle?

In addition to scaling, we offer dental extractions, gum repairs, tooth polishing, and dental X-rays.