Dentistry

Does stinky breath have you shying away from your pet?

Despite what you may have heard, bad breath isn’t something that pet owners simply must learn to live with. In fact, to the contrary – it’s probably a sign that your pet needs an oral health exam.

Without the right care and attention, your pet’s mouth can become a haven for bacteria. Over time, this bacterium can spread through the bloodstream and lead to a number of other health problems. Left untreated, dental disease can even shorten your best friend’s life.

We can help prevent this! All it takes is the right support!

The professional dentistry services at Fairview Drive Pet Hospital include both routine, preventative care as well as advanced treatment for existing oral conditions.

Some of the signs of dental disease in dogs and cats include, but are not limited to:

Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Dropping food
Sudden disinterest in chew toys
Loss of appetite
Swollen or painful face
Pawing at the mouth
Yellow, broken, loose or missing teeth
Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a dental checkup. We’ll identify the problem and address it quickly, improving the prognosis for your loved one. We’ll also show you techniques you can use at home to help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and disease-free year-round.

You deserve to enjoy lots of close snuggles and cuddles with your pet. The comprehensive dental services at Fairview Drive Pet Hospital can help get you there!

Fairview Drive Pet Hospital FAQs

Bad breath is often a sign your pet needs a dental check, not something you simply “live with.” Fairview Drive Pet Hospital recommends a dental exam when breath becomes noticeably smelly or if other oral signs are present, because dental bacteria can build up below the gumline and may affect overall health if left untreated.

Common signs to watch for: bad breath, drooling, dropping food, appetite changes, pawing at the mouth, red/swollen/bleeding gums, and yellow/broken/loose/missing teeth.

Book a dental exam as soon as you notice symptoms like bad breath, red gums, drooling, dropping food, facial pain/swelling, or loose/broken teeth. Early evaluation often means simpler treatment and a better outcome.

A professional dental appointment starts with an oral exam, then your pet is placed under anesthesia so we can do a complete and safe dental assessment and cleaning. This includes full-mouth dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate what’s happening below the gumline, where many painful problems can hide. Based on the exam and X-rays, we can treat issues appropriately (for example, deep cleaning and polishing, and extractions if needed).

Why radiographs matter: teeth can look “okay” above the gumline while there’s infection, bone loss, or tooth root disease underneath.

Veterinary dentistry is done under anesthesia because it allows a thorough, accurate, and humane cleaning and assessment. Anesthesia lets us clean under the gumline, take full-mouth radiographs, probe around each tooth, and treat painful disease safely—things that can’t be done properly on an awake pet.

About non-anesthetic/pet-store cleanings: These may improve the look of the teeth above the gumline, but they typically can’t address disease under the gums or provide dental X-rays—so problems can be missed.

Home care helps a lot, especially when paired with professional check-ups. Good at-home options include:

Regular tooth brushing using pet-safe toothpaste
Appropriate chew toys / dental chews (vet-recommended)
Weekly “quick mouth checks” for redness, swelling, bleeding, cracks, or plaque buildup
A quality diet recommended by your vet

These steps support healthier teeth and gums between visits.

There isn’t one perfect schedule for every pet—needs depend on breed, age, diet, and how quickly plaque/tartar builds up. We recommend regular veterinary check-ups and consistent home care (especially brushing) to help extend the time between professional cleanings. The right timing is based on your pet’s exam findings and risk factors.

Fairview Drive Pet Hospital

VISIT US

403 Fairview Dr Unit 7
Brantford, ON N3R 6T2, Canada

Also serving Brant, ON and surrounding areas.

CONTACT US

Phone: 519-753-7257

WORKING HOURS

Monday & Tuesday: 8am-6pm
Wednesday: 8am-7pm
Thursday & Friday: 8am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm
Sunday: Closed

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Dentistry

Does stinky breath have you shying away from your pet?

Fairview Drive Pet Hospital FAQs