Caring for your pet’s teeth at home is a vital part of preventive care—but even the most diligent pet owners can’t replace the benefits of a professional veterinary dental cleaning. At Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians and Animal Hospital, we educate families across Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Mesa about how home care and in-hospital cleanings work together to keep dogs and cats healthy.

The Importance of At-Home Dental Care

At-home care helps slow plaque buildup and maintain your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings. Simple daily or weekly steps can make a big difference:

  • Brushing teeth with pet-safe toothpaste.
  • Dental chews or treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
  • Water additives that reduce bacterial growth.
  • Regular mouth checks to watch for bad breath, swelling, or bleeding gums.

These practices are important, but they only clean the visible surfaces of the teeth. They cannot reach beneath the gumline, where the majority of dental disease begins.

Why Professional Dental Cleanings Are Essential

Professional cleanings performed by a veterinarian address issues that at-home care cannot:

  • Ultrasonic scaling removes tartar above and below the gumline.
  • Polishing smooths enamel to slow future plaque buildup.
  • Full-mouth dental X-rays identify hidden disease under the gums.
  • Comprehensive oral exams are performed under anesthesia to ensure every tooth is examined.
  • Treatment and extractions are provided when advanced disease is found.

Without professional cleanings, dangerous oral infections and painful dental disease can progress unnoticed—even in pets who receive daily at-home care.

Working Together for Your Pet’s Best Health

The best approach combines both at-home care and professional veterinary dentistry. By brushing your pet’s teeth regularly and scheduling annual cleanings, you can prevent painful conditions, reduce long-term costs, and protect your pet’s overall health.

At our Scottsdale animal hospital, every cleaning includes digital dental X-rays, advanced equipment, and a compassionate veterinary team. It’s the most thorough way to safeguard your pet’s smile and wellbeing.

Award-Winning Care in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Mesa

Families across the Valley trust us because we pair advanced dental technology with individualized, compassionate care. As a two-time Best of the Valley winner (2024 & 2025), we’re proud to set the standard for veterinary dentistry in Arizona.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Consultation

Are you ready to take the next step in protecting your pet’s health? Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians and Animal Hospital provides comprehensive dental cleanings for dogs and cats at our Scottsdale hospital, with full-mouth X-rays included.

Call (480) 233-7276 today to schedule your pet’s dental consultation and experience the difference professional veterinary dentistry can make.