A person is brushing a dog's teeth with a finger brush and toothpaste.

Pet Dental Care

At Porter Square Veterinarian, we provide professional veterinary dentistry services for dogs, cats, and pocket pets in Somerville and the surrounding community. From routine cat and dog dental cleanings to oral surgery, our team is here to protect your pet’s mouth and their overall health.
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What Is Pet Dental Care?

Pet dental care encompasses a range of veterinary services aimed at maintaining and improving your pet’s oral health. This includes professional dental cleanings, oral exams, tooth extractions, and treatment for dental disease. Just like people, pets can develop tartar buildup, gum disease, and painful tooth decay that require professional attention to address effectively.

Routine dental care is recommended for most pets starting in early adulthood, with the frequency of professional cleanings depending on your pet’s individual needs. Some pets are more prone to dental disease than others due to genetics, breed, or diet, making regular oral assessments an important part of their overall care plan. Our team evaluates your pet’s dental health at every wellness exam and will let you know when a professional cleaning or further evaluation is warranted.

A golden retriever dog with its mouth open and tongue out

What to Expect During a Pet Dental Cleaning

Professional cat and dog dental cleanings at Porter Square Veterinarian are performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia allows our team to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the teeth, including below the gumline, where plaque and tartar accumulate and cause the most damage. It also allows us to safely take dental X-rays when needed to assess the health of the tooth roots and surrounding bone.

During the cleaning, we scale away tartar and plaque from each tooth, then polish the surfaces to slow future buildup. We also perform a thorough oral exam, checking for signs of gum disease, loose or damaged teeth, oral masses, and other abnormalities. If we identify teeth that require extraction or other treatment, we will discuss our findings with you and proceed only with your approval.

After the procedure, we’ll send your pet home with clear aftercare instructions and any recommendations for at-home dental care, such as tooth brushing or dental chews, to help maintain their oral health between visits.

Why Pet Dental Health Matters

Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions seen in adult dogs and cats, with many pets showing signs of periodontal disease by the time they reach three years of age. Left untreated, dental disease can progress from mild gum inflammation to significant bone loss, tooth root infections, and chronic pain.

Beyond the mouth itself, poor oral health has been linked to broader health concerns in pets, including issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Bacteria from infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and affect organs throughout the body, making dental care about far more than just fresh breath.

Oral Surgery at Porter Square Veterinarian

In addition to routine dental cleanings, our team performs oral surgery procedures, including tooth extractions and treatment for more advanced dental disease, with the same attention to safety as we offer for more advanced soft tissue procedures. Dental pain in pets is often underestimated because animals instinctively mask discomfort, meaning a pet with significant oral disease may continue eating and behaving relatively normally while experiencing chronic pain.

A closeup shot of a person's hands gently holding open a cat's mouth to reveal its sharp teeth.

Veterinary Dentistry Backed by Experience

Our team at Porter Square Veterinarian has extensive experience in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, and we treat every dental procedure with the same level of care and thoroughness we bring to all of our services. We use dental X-ray technology to assess what’s happening below the gumline, giving us a more complete picture of your pet’s oral health than a visual exam alone can provide.
We also understand that the prospect of anesthesia can be a concern for pet owners. Our team uses careful anesthesia protocols and continuous monitoring throughout every dental procedure to keep your pet as safe and comfortable as possible.

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?

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Common signs of dental disease include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth, red or swollen gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the mouth. However, many pets with dental disease show no obvious symptoms at all. Regular oral assessments during wellness exams are the most reliable way to stay ahead of dental concerns.

Why does my pet need to be under anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

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Anesthesia is necessary to perform a safe and thorough dental cleaning in pets. It allows our team to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and perform any necessary treatments without causing stress or discomfort to your pet. Veterinary dental specialists do not recommend anesthesia-free dental cleanings, as they only address the visible surface of the teeth and can be stressful for animals.

How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?

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The frequency of professional cleanings varies from pet to pet. Some pets may need a cleaning every year, while others may go longer between procedures. Our team will assess your pet's oral health at each visit and make a recommendation based on what we find.

Can I brush my pet's teeth at home?

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Yes, and we encourage it. Daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective form of at-home dental care. We can show you how to introduce brushing gradually, especially if your pet is not used to having their mouth handled.

Do pocket pets need dental care?

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Yes. Rabbits and guinea pigs in particular are prone to dental problems due to their continuously growing teeth. If your small mammal is having difficulty eating or showing signs of drooling or weight loss, a dental exam is an important first step. Our team provides pocket pet care that includes oral health assessment for small mammals.

Oral Health That Supports the Whole Pet

Dental care is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet health, yet it has a meaningful impact on your pet’s comfort and overall well-being. At Porter Square Veterinarian, our animal dental clinic provides thorough, compassionate oral care for dogs, cats, and small mammals—helping pets throughout the greater Somerville area live more comfortable, healthier lives.