5 Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Cleaning

Pets are incredibly stoic. They often hide pain and discomfort, making it difficult for owners to know when something is wrong. Dental issues are particularly easy to miss until they become severe. At Chima Pet Grooming, we offer deep dental cleaning to help Miami pet owners stay ahead of oral health problems. Here are five signs your pet needs a dental check.

1. Exceptionally Bad Breath

"Doggy breath" shouldn't smell like a swamp. While a pet's breath won't smell like mint, a strong, foul odor is usually the first indicator of periodontal disease. The smell is caused by bacteria multiplying in the plaque and tartar on the teeth.

2. Yellow or Brown Tartar Buildup

Gently lift your pet's lips and look at their teeth, especially the back molars. Healthy teeth should be white. If you see hard, yellow, or brown crusty buildup near the gumline, that is tartar. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush and requires a professional dog and cat grooming services cleaning.

3. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums are a light, firm pink (unless your dog has naturally pigmented gums). If the gums look bright red, puffy, or bleed easily when your pet chews on a toy, they are likely suffering from gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.

4. Difficulty Chewing or Dropping Food

If your pet suddenly becomes a messy eater, drops food from their mouth, or starts chewing exclusively on one side, they may be experiencing dental pain. You might also notice them losing interest in hard kibble or their favorite chew toys.

5. Pawing at the Face

A dog or cat experiencing oral discomfort may frequently rub their face against the carpet or paw at their mouth. If you notice this behavior, it's time to investigate. Read our customer reviews to see how our gentle cleaning has helped local pets feel better!