Mention this offer to claim your pet's free first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Learn why parasite prevention for dogs and cats is essential year round. Understand how fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms affect pets and how veterinary preventive care protects their health.

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison exposure is one of the most common and preventable causes of emergency veterinary visits. This guide outlines the most common sources of pet poisoning, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your pet.


Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental and oral disease in dogs and cats. While it is often dismissed as normal, persistent odor from the mouth is almost always an indication of an underlying issue.

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

Understanding how oral bacteria contribute to widespread health complications helps explain why consistent dental care is essential for long term wellness.

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Mon May 12 2025 19:49:47 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

St. Matthews Animal Clinic

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<p dir="auto">Dental disease is the leading health problem diagnosed in adult dogs and cats. By age three, most pets already have some level of dental disease, yet the condition often goes unnoticed until symptoms are advanced. Pets rarely show obvious signs of mouth pain, so many families are unaware that their dog or cat may be living with discomfort or infection.</p><h2 dir="auto">Why Dental Disease Develops So Easily</h2><p dir="auto">Several factors make dental disease incredibly common in pets. Dogs and cats naturally hide pain, which allows oral problems to progress quietly. Plaque also forms rapidly after eating. Without consistent brushing or professional cleanings, plaque turns into tartar, and bacteria begins damaging the gumline and the supporting structures of the teeth.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Breed and anatomy play a role as well. Small breed dogs often have crowded teeth that trap food and bacteria. Cats can develop inflammatory oral conditions that worsen quickly without treatment. Even with daily brushing, plaque and bacteria accumulate below the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach. This is why veterinary cleanings remain essential for long term oral health.</p><h2 dir="auto">What Happens When Dental Disease Is Ignored</h2><p dir="auto">The early stage of dental disease, known as gingivitis, involves red or swollen gums. At this point, the condition is reversible with proper dental care. As the disease progresses, bacteria move deeper under the gums and begin affecting the root, bone, and connective tissue. This is periodontal disease, a painful condition that can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and chronic infection.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Oral bacteria do not remain confined to the mouth. They can enter the bloodstream and may place strain on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Over time, untreated dental disease affects a pet’s comfort, appetite, and overall well-being.</p><h2 dir="auto">Warning Signs Every Pet Owner Should Watch For</h2><p dir="auto">Dental disease often appears subtly. A pet’s breath may begin to smell unpleasant, or gum tissue may look red instead of pink. You may notice yellow or brown tartar buildup where the tooth meets the gumline. Some pets drop food while eating or chew only on one side of the mouth. Others become less interested in chewing toys or seem generally irritable. Any of these changes warrant a dental evaluation.</p><h2 dir="auto">Why Professional Dental Cleanings Matter</h2><p dir="auto">A veterinary dental cleaning addresses what home care cannot. Under anesthesia, your veterinary team can clean above and below the gumline, where most disease begins. Dental X rays allow clinicians to identify hidden issues such as root infections or bone loss that are invisible during an awake exam. Diseased teeth can be treated or extracted as needed, and healthy teeth can be protected from further damage.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">These cleanings improve quality of life, reduce oral pain, prevent future infection, and support long term systemic health.</p><h2 dir="auto">Supporting Dental Health at Home</h2><p dir="auto">Home care plays an important role once a clean mouth has been established. Daily brushing with pet safe toothpaste helps slow plaque accumulation. Veterinary approved dental diets and chews can provide added support. Routine wellness exams allow your veterinarian to track changes and recommend the right timing for professional cleanings.</p><h2 dir="auto">A Healthier Smile Starts With a Veterinary Evaluation</h2><p dir="auto">Dental disease is the most common illness affecting dogs and cats, but it is also one of the most manageable. When detected early and treated appropriately, pets experience greater comfort, better breath, and improved overall health.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Contact us to schedule a dental consultation and learn how our team can help your pet maintain a healthier smile.</p><p dir="auto"></p>

Smile Season: Understanding the Most Common Illness in Pets

Smile Season: Why Pet Dental Disease Is the Most Common Illness in Dogs and Cats

gtm_67f290d153dc857452f08278

Please fill out the information below to get started.

stmatthewsclinic

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Compassionate and quality care for your pet.

Same-day appointments and walk-ins available.

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

This accreditation is important as it exemplifies the standard of veterinary excellence.

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Sheet title

Smile Season: Why Pet Dental Disease Is the Most Common Illness in Dogs and Cats

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

FAQs

Sheet title

Smile Season: Why Pet Dental Disease Is the Most Common Illness in Dogs and Cats

Recent Blogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Related Blogs

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

FAQs

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What if I have questions about my pet's medications?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?