Pet Dental Care Near Bartlesville, OK
Dental disease is the most common health condition diagnosed in pets — and the majority of dogs and cats show signs of it by the time they turn three. At Arrowhead Veterinary Clinic, we provide comprehensive pet dental care in Dewey, OK to help protect your pet’s teeth, gums, and overall health. Untreated dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth — it can lead to serious complications involving the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Prevention starts at home. Daily brushing is the most effective form of at-home dental care, and there are many additional products — dental chews, water additives, dental diets — that can help slow the progression of dental disease between professional cleanings. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) maintains a list of accepted dental products to help you choose wisely.
Professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia are the only way to fully remove existing disease, assess for painful conditions below the gum line, and screen for oral cancer. Anesthesia allows our team to safely and thoroughly clean every surface of your pet’s teeth — including the areas below the gum line where disease most commonly develops. We recommend annual professional dental cleanings for most pets.
Dental health is closely tied to your pet’s overall wellbeing. We incorporate dental assessments into every preventative health care visit and offer dental cleanings as part of our Annual Wellness Plans. We also offer dedicated dental surgery services for pets with more advanced disease. Call us at (918) 534-1958 to schedule a dental exam or consultation for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is dental disease in pets?
Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health condition in pets. Most dogs and cats begin showing signs of dental disease by age three, making early and ongoing dental care critical to their long-term health.
What are the signs of dental disease in dogs and cats?
Common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on teeth, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and loose or missing teeth. Many pets hide discomfort well, so regular exams are important even when no symptoms are visible.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia is necessary to safely and thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth — including the critical area below the gum line where disease develops. It also allows our team to take dental X-rays and screen for oral cancer without causing pain or distress to your pet. Anesthesia-free dental cleanings are cosmetic only and do not address the actual disease.
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from annual professional dental cleanings. Senior pets or those with more advanced disease may need more frequent cleanings. Your veterinarian will recommend the right schedule based on your pet’s individual needs during their wellness exam.
What can I do at home to support my pet’s dental health?
Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard for at-home dental care. You can also use VOHC-accepted dental chews, water additives, or dental diets as complementary tools. Visit the VOHC website for a list of accepted products.
Can dental disease affect my pet’s heart and kidneys?
Yes. Bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is one of the key reasons regular dental care — both at home and professionally — is so important to your pet’s overall health.
Is pet dental care included in your wellness plans?
Yes. Dental cleanings are included in our Active Wellness Plans for adult dogs, adult cats, senior dogs, and senior cats. Visit our Wellness Plans page to learn more about what’s included at each tier.
