How Often Do Pets Need Dental Exams from a Veterinarian Near You?
- posted: Jun. 30, 2025
When it comes to our pets’ health, we usually think about vaccines, flea meds, and food. Unfortunately, pet dental care often gets pushed to the back burner. That is, until bad breath or a sore mouth shows up. At 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando, your veterinarian in Orlando, FL, we see more dental issues than people expect. So the question comes up a lot: how often should pets get dental exams?
The General Rule: Once a Year
Most pets should have a dental exam once a year. Just like people, animals can develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease. An annual check gives your vet a chance to catch problems early.
What Happens during a Dental Exam?
A dental exam is more than a quick peek. Here’s what the vet usually checks:
Gum color and health
Tartar and plaque levels
Loose, chipped, or damaged teeth
Signs of pain, swelling, or infection
If your vet sees something concerning, they may recommend a full dental cleaning under anesthesia. This allows them to get under the gumline and clean where brushes can’t reach.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Check Sooner
Some dental issues don’t wait for the calendar. Watch for:
Bad breath (worse than normal)
Dropping food or chewing on one side
Swollen or bleeding gums
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
Pawing at the mouth
At-Home Care Helps
Between exams, there are things you can do to help your pet’s teeth stay clean:
Brush their teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste
Offer dental chews or toys
Choose food that supports oral health
It’s not perfect, but it helps slow down the buildup and keeps their breath a little more bearable.
Get Pet Dental Care and Veterinary Care from a Veterinarian Near You
Your pet’s mouth says a lot about their health. Dental exams once a year—or more if needed—can prevent problems that lead to pain, infection, or even issues with the heart and kidneys. At 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando, your veterinarian in Orlando, FL, we’re here around the clock to help keep those tails wagging and whiskers twitching. Call us at (407) 298-3807 for pet dental care and veterinary care from a veterinarian near you.
- posted: Jun. 30, 2025
When it comes to our pets’ health, we usually think about vaccines, flea meds, and food. Unfortunately, pet dental care often gets pushed to the back burner. That is, until bad breath or a sore mouth shows up. At 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando, your veterinarian in Orlando, FL, we see more dental issues than people expect. So the question comes up a lot: how often should pets get dental exams?
The General Rule: Once a Year
Most pets should have a dental exam once a year. Just like people, animals can develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease. An annual check gives your vet a chance to catch problems early.
What Happens during a Dental Exam?
A dental exam is more than a quick peek. Here’s what the vet usually checks:
Gum color and health
Tartar and plaque levels
Loose, chipped, or damaged teeth
Signs of pain, swelling, or infection
If your vet sees something concerning, they may recommend a full dental cleaning under anesthesia. This allows them to get under the gumline and clean where brushes can’t reach.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Check Sooner
Some dental issues don’t wait for the calendar. Watch for:
Bad breath (worse than normal)
Dropping food or chewing on one side
Swollen or bleeding gums
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
Pawing at the mouth
At-Home Care Helps
Between exams, there are things you can do to help your pet’s teeth stay clean:
Brush their teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste
Offer dental chews or toys
Choose food that supports oral health
It’s not perfect, but it helps slow down the buildup and keeps their breath a little more bearable.
Get Pet Dental Care and Veterinary Care from a Veterinarian Near You
Your pet’s mouth says a lot about their health. Dental exams once a year—or more if needed—can prevent problems that lead to pain, infection, or even issues with the heart and kidneys. At 24/7 Animal Hospital of Orlando, your veterinarian in Orlando, FL, we’re here around the clock to help keep those tails wagging and whiskers twitching. Call us at (407) 298-3807 for pet dental care and veterinary care from a veterinarian near you.
