Pet Dentistry in Lubbock, TX
Dental care is vital to your pet’s overall health. Dental disease does not just cause bad breath and sore teeth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. In fact, about 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age have some form of dental disease, making it the most common health problem we see in pets.
Despite these numbers, many pet owners are not aware of how important dental care is to their pet’s health and comfort. Pets are very good at hiding oral pain, and they will often keep eating even when their mouth hurts. At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, we help Lubbock pet owners stay ahead of dental disease with thorough exams, professional cleanings, and practical home care guidance.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
Contact us if you notice any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Brown or yellow tartar buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing, dropping food, or eating on one side
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Loose, broken, or discolored teeth
- Drooling or reduced appetite
Professional Dental Cleanings
The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is with professional dental cleanings. Much of the damage caused by dental disease happens below the gumline, where you cannot see or reach at home. Our cleanings are performed under anesthesia so we can safely and thoroughly scale and polish every tooth, clean beneath the gums, and evaluate each tooth for disease.
Before anesthesia, we recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. Throughout the cleaning, our trained team monitors your pet’s vital signs closely. When needed, digital radiographs help us see the roots and bone around each tooth so we can identify hidden problems and treat them before they become painful.
Home Dental Care
Between professional cleanings, home care makes a big difference. There are many ways to improve your pet’s dental hygiene, including daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, veterinary-approved dental chews, dental diets, and regular inspection of the mouth. Our team is happy to show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend products that fit your pet’s needs. We also check your pet’s teeth at every wellness exam.
If your pet has discolored teeth, bad breath, or is having difficulty eating, these could all be signs of dental disease. Call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000 to schedule your pet’s dental exam and cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dentistry
How often does my pet need a professional dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a professional cleaning once a year, though some small breeds and pets prone to tartar buildup may need cleanings more often.
Why do pets need anesthesia for dental cleanings?
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take dental x-rays, and examine every tooth safely and thoroughly without causing stress or pain to your pet.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet’s dental cleaning?
We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork and closely monitor your pet’s vital signs throughout the procedure to make anesthesia as safe as possible.
What are the signs of dental disease in dogs and cats?
Common signs include bad breath, tartar buildup, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, and loose or broken teeth.
Can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?
Yes. Bacteria from dental disease can travel through the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard. Dental chews, dental diets, and regular mouth checks also help.
Do you offer payment plans for pet dental care?
Yes. We offer financing through Cherry with no hard credit check to apply, making it easier to schedule your pet’s dental care.
