Professional Pet Dental Cleanings in SF | South Park Animal Hospital
When it comes to your pet’s health, clean teeth might not be the first thing you think of—but they should be. Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting adult dogs and cats, and yet it often goes unnoticed until the problem becomes severe. At South Park Animal Hospital, we take dental care seriously, because we know how much it impacts your pet’s comfort, quality of life, and even their internal health.
Dental disease begins with plaque buildup. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which harbors bacteria that inflame the gums—a condition known as gingivitis. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontal disease, where infection damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen, fall out, or require extraction due to pain and decay.
But the problems don’t stop there. Bacteria from the mouth can enter your pet’s bloodstream, contributing to heart, liver, or kidney disease. That’s why dental care isn’t just about avoiding bad breath—it’s about protecting your pet from systemic illness.
One of the challenges with pet dental disease is that animals often hide their pain. They may continue eating and behaving normally even with significant oral discomfort. This is why regular dental exams are crucial. At South Park Animal Hospital, we check your pet’s mouth during every wellness exam and will recommend a dental cleaning if we see tartar, inflammation, or signs of decay.
A professional dental cleaning involves more than what can be done at home. We perform cleanings under anesthesia so we can thoroughly scale tartar above and below the gumline, take digital dental x-rays, and check each tooth for disease. If extractions are necessary, we perform them with precision and pain management to ensure your pet’s comfort.
We know anesthesia can feel scary for pet parents, but rest assured—we use the latest monitoring equipment and protocols to ensure your pet’s safety throughout the procedure. Most pets go home the same day and feel much better within a day or two, especially if they were dealing with previously undiagnosed pain.
Preventive care doesn’t stop after the cleaning. We’ll show you how to care for your pet’s teeth at home with brushing, dental chews, and water additives. While nothing replaces a professional cleaning, at-home maintenance slows the return of plaque and keeps your pet’s mouth healthier between visits.
Your pet deserves a healthy, pain-free smile. If it’s been over a year since their last dental checkup—or if you’ve noticed bad breath, drooling, red gums, or reluctance to chew—it’s time to book a dental consultation. At South Park Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you protect your pet’s health from tooth to tail.
