If you’ve ever caught a whiff of your pet’s breath or noticed their teeth looking a little too yellow, you’re not alone. Just like people, pets can develop plaque, tartar, gum disease, and painful infections, but unlike us, they rarely show just how uncomfortable they are. At Manchester Veterinary Services, we know healthy teeth are the key to a healthier, happier life. To keep your pet’s mouth in great shape, we provide comprehensive pet dental care, including thorough teeth cleanings, digital dental X-rays, and extractions when necessary.
Families often tell us their pets seem years younger after a cleaning: more playful, energetic, and content. Good oral health doesn’t just freshen breath; it protects the heart, kidneys, and other organs, giving your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life.
By the time pets reach three years of age, up to 90% of cats and dogs already show signs of periodontal disease. Because dogs, cats, and small mammals instinctively hide pain, dental problems often go unnoticed until they become severe, sometimes leading to tooth loss or broader health complications.
Common signs of dental disease include persistent bad breath, discolored, broken, or missing teeth, red or bleeding gums, blood on chew toys, difficulty eating, or a sudden preference for soft foods. Some pets may also hesitate to play with toys they once loved due to oral discomfort.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s time for a dental exam. Preventive care, including regular professional cleanings, can catch problems early, slow disease progression, and help keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and pain-free.
We perform safe, anesthetized dental cleanings nearly every day. Using ultrasonic scaling, we clean both above and below the gumline, where harmful bacteria hide. To catch hidden issues, we rely on our intra-oral radiograph system, which produces crystal-clear digital images of your pet’s teeth and roots. These X-rays help us detect problems early and confirm that treatments were successful.
When teeth are too damaged or diseased to save, extraction may be the kindest option. Our team uses advanced pain-control techniques, including local nerve blocks, anesthesia, and post-op medications, to make the procedure smooth and recovery comfortable. Most pets return to eating happily (often more comfortably than before) within days.
Small mammals’ teeth never stop growing, which can lead to painful problems if they aren’t fed the correct diet or don’t receive regular dental care. Our exotic pet veterinarian will examine your pet’s teeth to identify any dental issues, such as overgrowth or malocclusion. If necessary, we will perform gentle and precise teeth trimming to prevent discomfort and ensure proper chewing.
For most pets, once a year is ideal. Pets with smaller mouths, flat faces, or known dental problems may need more frequent cleanings.
Small mammal oral health care is one of the services we offer for exotic pets. In addition to comprehensive oral exams, we also trim teeth as needed to prevent painful overgrowth.
Anesthesia allows us to clean thoroughly under the gumline, take accurate X-rays, and keep your pet pain-free and stress-free throughout the procedure.
Yes. Oral bacteria can spread to the heart, kidneys, and other organs, causing serious illness. Preventive dental care helps protect your pet’s overall health.
Most families are amazed at how much brighter, more playful, and energetic their pets become once oral pain is relieved.
