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📞 (770) 520-8700 ✉ info@mapleridgevets.com 📍 7991 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
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Pet Dental Care in Woodstock, GA | Dog & Cat Teeth Cleaning | Maple Ridge Animal Hospital
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Pet Dental Care for Dogs & Cats

Healthy smiles are about more than fresh breath. Professional dental cleanings protect your pet's teeth, gums, and whole-body health, right here in Woodstock.

Schedule a Dental Exam Call (770) 520-8700

80%

of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age 3. It is the most common health problem we see.

X-Rays

More than half of every tooth sits below the gumline. Dental X-rays find problems a visual exam can't.

Pain-Free

Safe anesthesia and careful monitoring keep every cleaning comfortable and stress-free for your pet.

Why It Matters

Why Your Pet's Teeth Matter

Just like people, pets need regular dental care to keep their mouths healthy and pain-free. Plaque and tartar buildup don't just cause bad breath. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to:

Painful, Inflamed Gums

Gingivitis makes eating and chewing uncomfortable long before you notice it.

Loose or Broken Teeth

Advanced disease weakens the structures that hold teeth in place.

Trouble Eating

Dropping food, chewing on one side, or avoiding kibble are common red flags.

Whole-Body Effects

Oral bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Happy golden retriever with a healthy smile after a dog teeth cleaning at Maple Ridge Animal Hospital
Healthy smiles start here
What to Expect

What's Included in a Professional Dental Cleaning?

A full veterinary dental cleaning is much more than a quick brushing. Under general anesthesia, we typically:

1

Complete Oral Exam

Every tooth and the gumline are checked, including areas you can't see at home.

2

Dental X-Rays

Taken when indicated to uncover hidden problems below the gumline.

3

Scaling & Polishing

Plaque and tartar are removed above and below the gumline, then teeth are polished smooth.

4

Extractions Only When Needed

Severely damaged teeth are treated or removed with local pain control.

5

A Home-Care Plan

You leave with simple steps to keep your pet's mouth healthier, longer.

A Word About Anesthesia

Anesthesia allows us to clean thoroughly, safely, and pain-free while keeping your pet still and stress-free. Every patient gets a pre-anesthetic exam, and our team monitors vitals from start to recovery.

Advanced Care, Right Here at Home

With 20+ years of veterinary experience, our team handles dental cleanings and oral surgery in-house, so most pets never need a referral.

All smiles, all season
Playful golden retriever showing its teeth, a reminder to check for signs of dental disease in dogs
Grins from every angle
Know the Signs

Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care

Pets are experts at hiding mouth pain. Contact us if you notice any of the following:

✓
Bad breath that doesn't go away
✓
Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
✓
Red or bleeding gums
✓
Drooling more than usual
✓
Dropping food or chewing on one side
✓
Pawing at the mouth or face
✓
Reluctance to chew toys or kibble
✓
Loose, broken, or discolored teeth

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Common Questions

Pet Dental Care FAQs

Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia lets us clean safely below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and treat painful teeth without stress or discomfort for your pet. Every patient receives a pre-anesthetic exam, and vitals are monitored throughout the procedure and recovery.
How often should my dog or cat have a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning once a year. Smaller breeds and pets with existing dental disease may need them more often. We'll recommend the right schedule based on your pet's exam.
What are the signs of dental disease in pets?
Watch for bad breath that doesn't go away, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to chew. If you notice any of these, it's time for an exam.
Will my pet need teeth extracted?
Only when a tooth is too damaged or diseased to save. Dental X-rays help us make that call, and extractions are done with local pain control so pets recover comfortably, usually eating normally within a day or two.
How can I care for my pet's teeth at home?
Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard. Dental chews, water additives, and dental diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) also help slow plaque buildup between cleanings. We'll send you home with a plan that fits your pet.

Fresh Breath Starts Here

Whether it's time for a routine cleaning or you've noticed something off about your pet's mouth, our team is ready to help.

Schedule a Visit
or call (770) 520-8700