Professional dental cleaning is one of the most important preventive procedures you can do for your pet. Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three, and the consequences go well beyond bad breath. Untreated plaque and tartar lead to gum disease, painful tooth loss, and bacterial infections that can spread to the heart, kidneys, and liver. At Paw Sisters in Al Garhoud, Dubai, we perform full dental cleaning procedures under general anaesthesia for safe, thorough results.
Why Professional Pet Dental Cleaning Differs from At-Home Care
Daily brushing removes surface plaque but cannot reach below the gumline. Only professional ultrasonic scaling removes hardened tartar and treats early-stage periodontal disease. Most pets need a professional dental clean at least once a year. Smaller breeds and flat-faced breeds (Persians, Bulldogs) often need cleaning every six months due to tooth spacing.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Dental Cleaning at Paw Sisters
Step 1 — Pre-Anaesthesia Health Check
Our vet performs a full physical examination before any cleaning. For older pets or those with known conditions, pre-anaesthetic blood work checks organ function to confirm anaesthesia is safe. This step is never skipped at Paw Sisters.
Step 2 — General Anaesthesia
Your pet is placed under general anaesthesia. This keeps them completely still for a thorough clean and prevents any pain or stress. A trained technician monitors heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and temperature throughout the entire procedure.
Step 3 — Full Oral Examination and Dental X-Rays
With your pet under anaesthesia, our vet examines every tooth and the surrounding gum tissue in detail. Dental X-rays reveal problems beneath the gumline: root abscesses, bone loss, and resorptive lesions invisible to the naked eye. Many serious dental problems are only discovered at this stage.
Step 4 — Ultrasonic Scaling
An ultrasonic scaler removes all plaque and tartar from the crown of each tooth and below the gumline. The scaler vibrates at high frequency to break up hardened deposits without damaging enamel. Manual hand scalers are used to clean areas the ultrasonic tool cannot reach.
Step 5 — Subgingival Cleaning
Special curettes clean beneath the gumline where bacteria accumulate and cause the most damage. This step prevents and treats early periodontal disease. If deep pockets are found, the vet will recommend a follow-up treatment plan.
Step 6 — Polishing
Every tooth is polished with a fine-grit dental paste after scaling. Polishing smooths microscopic scratches left by scaling tools, making it significantly harder for plaque to re-attach and extending the time before the next build-up.
Step 7 — Irrigation and Final Inspection
The mouth is rinsed with an antibacterial solution to reduce bacteria and soothe gum tissue. The vet performs a final inspection of every tooth. Any teeth with irreparable damage or severe root disease are flagged for extraction if needed.
Step 8 — Recovery and Discharge
Your pet is monitored closely as they recover from anaesthesia. Most pets are alert within one to two hours and go home the same day. Our team provides a full post-care report and specific home care instructions.
At-Home Dental Care Between Professional Cleanings
Annual professional cleaning works best combined with consistent at-home care:
- Brush 3 to 4 times per week using pet-safe toothpaste — never use human toothpaste as xylitol is toxic to pets
- Dental chews with the VOHC seal reduce plaque between brushings
- Water additives reduce oral bacteria with no effort required from your pet
- Diet — ask our vet about dental prescription diets designed to reduce tartar build-up
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Cleaning Sooner
Do not wait for the annual visit if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Dropping food or chewing on one side only
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Loose or missing teeth
- Reduced appetite or unexplained weight loss
If you see these signs, contact Paw Sisters to book a dental assessment. Early treatment is always less costly and less painful than treating advanced disease.
Related Dental Health Resources
Learn more about pet oral health from our complete dental series: Comprehensive Guide to Pet Dental Care | Stages of Gum Disease in Pets | Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup | How to Prevent Dental Problems | How to Brush Your Dog Teeth Naturally
Book a dental cleaning at our Al Garhoud clinic, open 7 days a week. Call 04 259 8688 for urgent dental concerns.
Related Service at Paw Sisters
Our clinic offers professional pet dental care in Dubai.
