Dog Dental Care in Athens, AL

Dental health is an important part of your cat’s overall wellness, yet dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in cats. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and ongoing pain. If left untreated, bacteria from dental infections can also affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Routine feline dental care helps protect your cat’s comfort, health, and quality of life.

At Village Veterinary Clinic, our dog dental care services focus on both prevention and treatment. From routine dental exams and professional cleanings to full-mouth dental X-rays and extractions when necessary, we’re able to identify and address dental disease above and below the gumline. Because many dental problems aren’t visible during a routine exam, thorough cleanings under anesthesia allow us to provide safe, effective, and long-lasting results.

Whether you’re noticing bad breath, visible tartar, or changes in how your dog eats—or you simply want to stay ahead of dental disease—our team is here to help you protect your dog’s comfort, health, and quality of life for years to come.

If you'd like to request a dental care appointment for your dog, give us a call or request an appointment online!

Frequently Asked Questions - Dog Dental Care

How does the state of a dog’s teeth affect their overall health?

Dental health has a significant impact on a dog’s overall health. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dental pain can also lead to decreased appetite, weight loss, and behavioral changes. We have had clients who tell us “they’re like a new dog!” after a dental procedure, especially those with significant disease.

What dental diseases or complications do dogs commonly encounter?

Common dental issues include:

• Periodontal disease (most common) - this is also the most common cause of extractions, as bacteria works its way up the tooth root causing recession and loosening of the teeth.
• Gingivitis (inflamed gums)
• Tooth fractures - we see this more in large dogs and will make a determination of extraction based on dental radiographs.
• Tooth root abscesses
• Loose or missing teeth
• Oral infections
• Jaw bone loss due to chronic infection

What causes dental disease in dogs?

Dental disease is caused by the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar. Bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. Contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, genetics, diet, age, and lack of professional dental care.

What are the most common signs or symptoms of dental disease in dogs?

Signs may include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Visible tartar buildup
• Difficulty chewing or dropping food
• Pawing at the mouth
• Facial swelling
• Behavioral changes due to pain

What are some reasons my dog is losing teeth?

Dogs may lose teeth due to:

• Advanced periodontal disease
• Trauma or chewing on hard objects
• Untreated tooth root infections
• Genetics (especially in small breeds)
• Age-related bone loss

Is there a specialist my dog needs to see in order to get dental care?

Most routine dental care is performed by a general practitioner veterinarian. For complex cases—such as advanced periodontal disease, jaw fractures, root canals, or complicated extractions—your dog may be referred to a veterinary dentist (a board-certified specialist in veterinary dentistry). We have option available to us in both Birmingham and Nashville.

Do dog teeth fall out?

Yes, depending on the situation:

Puppy teeth:

Puppies have deciduous teeth and naturally lose their baby teeth between 3–6 months of age as adult teeth erupt. Most of the time they will swallow them, but occasionally owners find a sharp tooth underfoot.

Teeth with complications:

Adult teeth should not fall out. If they do, it usually indicates severe periodontal disease, trauma, or infection and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Are certain dog breeds more likely to develop dental problems?

Yes. Small and toy breeds (such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles) are more prone to dental disease due to crowded teeth. Dachshunds also seems to develop significant dental disease for their size. Flat-faced breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs) are also at increased risk. However, all dogs, regardless of breed, can develop dental issues without proper care.

What should I do if I see plaque or tartar on my dog’s teeth?

If you notice plaque (soft buildup) or tartar (hard, yellow-brown deposits), it’s best to schedule a veterinary dental exam. Early plaque can sometimes be managed at home, but tartar usually requires professional cleaning. Dental radiographs (x-rays) are considered standard dental care, as there can be pathology under the gum that is not immediately apparent even under anesthesia.

What does cleaning cost?

A professional dental cleaning typically ranges from $500–$1,000+, depending on your location, your dog’s size, anesthesia, dental X-rays, and whether extractions are needed.

What can I do to prevent dental issues for my dog?

Just like with people, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some things that can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy

• Daily or regular tooth brushing
• Dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
• Dental diets formulated to reduce plaque, such as Hill’s T/D diet
• Regular veterinary dental exams (at least once a year) - this is usually something that we look at during each exam.
• For certain dogs (especially those who don’t chew) yearly dental cleaning are absolutely necessary for oral health.

How can I care for my dog’s teeth at home?

At-home dental care includes:

• Brushing with dog-safe toothpaste
• Providing dental chews or toys designed to reduce plaque
• Using water additives or dental wipes if brushing isn’t possible
• Monitoring for signs of dental disease (bad breath, red gums, pain)

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Ideally, daily brushing is best. If that’s not realistic, aim for at least 3–4 times per week. Less frequent brushing is still helpful but not as effective. Use a dog specific toothpaste (fluoride free and often flavored with chicken or peanut butter). The toddler finger-toothbrushes can be quite effective. Once tartar has developed, however, no amount of brushing will eliminate the issue and a dental cleaning under anesthesia should be scheduled.

Can I use a human toothbrush and toothpaste for my dog?

• Toothbrush: A soft human toothbrush can be used, but dog toothbrushes are designed for their mouth shape.
• Toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste. It often contains fluoride or xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Always use dog-specific toothpaste.

How can I clean my dog’s teeth without brushing?

While brushing is the gold standard, alternatives include:

• VOHC-approved dental chews
• Dental wipes or pads
• Water additives
• Dental diets

These help reduce plaque but do not replace brushing or professional cleanings.

How do I know if my dog needs professional dental cleaning?

Common signs include:

• Bad breath
• Visible tartar (often a yellow or brownish color on the outside of the teeth)
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Facial swelling, often under the eye which can indicate a dental abscess
• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loose or missing teeth

Even without obvious signs, many dogs still need cleanings—problems often exist below the gumline.

Does my dog need to go under anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

Yes. Safe and thorough dental cleanings require anesthesia. It allows us to:

• Clean below the gumline
• Take dental X-rays
• Perform extractions pain-free
• Prevent stress or injury

“Anesthesia-free” cleanings are cosmetic only and do not treat true dental disease.

What should I expect my dog to experience during a dental cleaning or procedure?

• Pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork (required for seniors and optional for our younger pets, though highly recommended.)
• General anesthesia with monitoring
• Full-mouth scaling and polishing
• Full-mouth Dental X-rays
• Extractions if needed
• Same-day discharge in most cases

Your dog may be sleepy afterward and have mild soreness if teeth were removed, but recovery is usually quick with proper pain management. We often recommend soft food for a week or so if extraction were performed.

Questions?

Reach out to speak with a trusted veterinarian about your cat's dental care.

Or request an appointment online!