The Importance of Dog Dental Care
Healthy teeth = a healthier dog. At Main Street Veterinary Hospital we combine gentle, modern dentistry with careful anesthetic protocols and year-round preventive care so your dog can feel — and live — their best life.
Why dental care matters
Dental disease is one of the most common (and most overlooked) health problems in dogs. Left untreated it causes oral pain and lets bacteria enter the bloodstream, which can affect the heart, kidneys, liver and overall wellness. Regular dental exams and cleanings help prevent pain, infection, and more invasive treatment down the road.
Signs your dog may need dental attention
Look (and sniff) for:
• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Dropping food while eating, chewing on one side, or reluctance to play with toys
• Discolored, loose or fractured teeth
If you notice any of these, please schedule an exam — early detection makes treatment simpler and gentler.
Home care that helps
The best defense is daily brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste. If brushing isn’t workable, veterinary-approved dental chews, VOHC-accepted dental diets/treats, water additives, and oral wipes can reduce plaque and tartar. We’ll help you choose options that suit your dog’s personality and lifestyle.
Our professional dental service — what to expect
A professional dental procedure at MSVH is a full mouth health assessment — not just a cosmetic scaling. Typical steps include:
- A complete physical exam and oral exam by a veterinarian.
- Full-mouth dental x-rays (to evaluate the tooth roots and bone under the gums).
- Dental probing and charting to identify pockets, fractures, or disease.
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gumline, followed by polishing.
- Extractions, restorations, or other necessary procedures when indicated.
We include dental radiographs with our dental procedures because many problems aren’t visible without them.
Our anesthesia & safety standards (what sets us apart)
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. To make dental procedures as safe as possible we:
- Require a pre-anesthetic physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork when indicated to confirm your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia.
- Place an IV catheter and provide intravenous fluids for every patient undergoing anesthesia to support blood pressure and organ perfusion.
- Continuously monitor vital parameters during anesthesia — blood pressure, ECG (heart rhythm), body temperature, and oxygenation (pulse oximetry) — so we can respond immediately to changes.
- Use endotracheal tubes to protect the airway during procedures that create aerosols (such as ultrasonic scaling).
Our veterinarians and technicians continually update their skills — attending conferences and hands-on labs that focus specifically on the latest, safest dental techniques and anesthesia monitoring. These steps allow us to deliver modern dental care while minimizing risk.
Common dental problems we treat
• Gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Fractured or worn teeth and tooth root abscesses
• Tooth resorption, cysts and oral masses
• Severe tartar and calculus requiring scaling and extractions
How often to schedule dental checks
We recommend at least one annual dental exam for most dogs. Small-breed dogs, “flat-faced” breeds, and senior dogs are at higher risk for dental disease and may benefit from exams every 6 months or more frequently. Regular exams let us catch issues early — often avoiding extractions or more invasive care later.
Questions? Ready to book?
We’re happy to evaluate your dog’s mouth and recommend a personalized dental plan. Call us at (405) 329-6555 or request an appointment online. If your dog needs a cleaning or treatment, we’ll explain the recommended steps, the anesthetic plan, and the monitoring we’ll use so you can make an informed decision.