Most pet owners know that brushing a dog’s or cat’s teeth can help reduce plaque and bad breath—but dental health goes far beyond daily home care. February, recognized as Pet Dental Health Month, is an opportunity to look more closely at the conditions that affect the teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues, and when advanced care may be needed.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Surrey, dentistry is provided as a specialty service, and our board-certified dental specialist focuses on diagnosing and treating complex oral and maxillofacial conditions that often extend beyond the scope of routine dental care in general practice. Using advanced imaging, specialized equipment, and anesthesia protocols designed for medically complex cases, BBVSH’s dentistry team addresses not only diseased teeth, but the health of the entire mouth and surrounding structures.
What Makes Veterinary Dentistry a Specialty?
Veterinary dentistry includes far more than routine cleanings. It encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. This also includes maxillofacial conditions, which refer to disorders involving the jawbones, face, and oral cavity — areas essential for eating, breathing, and comfort.
Specialty dental care may involve:
- Comprehensive oral examinations, including dental charting and probing to measure gum health
- Intraoral dental radiographs (X-rays) that allow veterinarians to evaluate tooth roots and jawbone beneath the gumline
- Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, fractured teeth, tooth root infections, and abnormal tooth development
Because pets cannot communicate dental pain the way people do, these conditions often progress unnoticed without advanced assessment tools and training.
Why a Surface Cleaning Your Pet’s Teeth Isn’t Enough
Tartar buildup you can see on the tooth surface is only part of the story. Periodontal disease — inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth — typically begins below the gumline, where it cannot be detected without specialized equipment.
This disease can lead to:
- Pain and difficulty eating
- Tooth loss
- Chronic inflammation
- Spread of bacteria to other parts of the body
Dental X-rays are essential for identifying hidden problems such as bone loss or abscesses that would otherwise go undiagnosed.
Signs of Dental Disease That Pet Owners Can Watch For at Home
Dental disease is often subtle. Pets may continue eating even when uncomfortable, so changes can be easy to miss. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Bad breath that persists or worsens
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or reluctance to eat hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Decreased interest in chew toys
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or withdrawal
These signs don’t always mean a serious problem — but they do warrant a professional evaluation.
From Preventive Care to Advanced Dental Treatment for Pets
At BBVSH Surrey, dental cases are managed by a board-certified veterinary dental specialist with advanced training in dentistry and oral surgery. This allows for care that goes beyond maintenance and addresses more complex conditions, including:
- Developmental dental abnormalities, such as retained baby teeth or misaligned bites
- Advanced periodontal therapy, targeting disease at its source
- Tooth extractions and oral surgery when teeth are damaged or painful
- Individualized anesthetic and pain-management plans, designed with patient safety and comfort in mind
Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual pet, considering age, overall health, and specific dental findings.
Why Specialty Dentistry Matters to Our Pets
Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth — it can influence a pet’s overall health and quality of life. Chronic oral pain may show up as subtle behavior changes long before obvious dental symptoms appear.
Specialty dental care allows for:
- Earlier and more accurate diagnosis
- Targeted, evidence-based treatment
- Reduced long-term discomfort and complications
This approach helps ensure dental issues are treated thoroughly, not just cosmetically.
Working Together With Your Family Veterinarian to Assess Your Pet’s Oral Health
Our board-certified dentistry specialist works closely with referring veterinarians to support continuity of care. Whether your pet needs advanced dental diagnostics, oral surgery, or follow-up support, specialty dentistry complements the care already provided by your primary veterinarian.
If you have concerns about your pet’s oral health, talk to your family veterinarian about whether a referral to our board-certified dental specialist may be appropriate.
A healthy mouth supports comfort, function, and overall wellbeing — and specialized veterinary dentistry plays a key role in achieving that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Dentistry
What is veterinary dentistry?
Veterinary dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting a pet’s teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. It includes routine care as well as advanced procedures such as dental X-rays, periodontal therapy, and oral surgery.
How is veterinary dentistry different from a regular dental cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning focuses on removing visible tartar from the teeth. Veterinary dentistry goes further by evaluating the health of the teeth below the gumline, using dental X-rays and detailed oral examinations to identify hidden disease, infection, or pain.
What does “maxillofacial” mean in veterinary dentistry?
Maxillofacial refers to the jawbones, face, and oral cavity. In veterinary dentistry, maxillofacial conditions involve problems affecting how a pet eats, chews, and uses their mouth comfortably.
Why are dental X-rays important for pets?
Dental X-rays allow veterinarians to see tooth roots and jawbone that cannot be examined visually. Many dental problems, including infections and bone loss, occur below the gumline and can only be detected with X-rays.
What is periodontal disease in pets?
Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums and jawbone. It often starts below the gumline and can progress without obvious signs if not treated.
How can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?
Dental disease can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, and ongoing inflammation. Bacteria from the mouth can also impact other areas of the body, making oral health an important part of a pet’s overall wellbeing.
What signs of dental problems should pet owners watch for?
Common signs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, visible tartar, difficulty chewing, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, reduced interest in chew toys, or behavior changes such as irritability or withdrawal.
Can pets hide dental pain?
Yes. Many pets continue eating even when their mouths are painful. Dental disease often progresses silently, which is why professional dental evaluations are important even if symptoms seem mild.
When should a pet be referred to a dental specialist?
Pets may benefit from a dental specialist if they have advanced periodontal disease, fractured or infected teeth, abnormal tooth development, jaw-related issues, or require complex dental or oral surgical procedures.
What types of treatments are included in specialty veterinary dentistry?
Specialty dental care can include comprehensive oral exams, dental X-rays, periodontal therapy, tooth extractions, treatment of developmental abnormalities, oral surgery, and tailored anesthesia and pain management.
Does specialty dental care require anesthesia?
Yes. Anesthesia allows for a complete and pain-free dental examination and treatment, including X-rays and procedures below the gumline, while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.
How does specialty dentistry work with my regular veterinarian?
Specialty dental care complements primary veterinary care. Dental specialists work closely with family veterinarians to ensure coordinated treatment, follow-up care, and continuity for the pet.
