Dental cleaning

I went to the vet for a physical. He said that Poppy could benefit from a dental cleaning to avoid an abscessed tooth. I do know that Poppy's teeth are a weak point, and the doctor did not push hard at all, so it didn't seem like he was upselling. The drawback, however, is that they sedate the pet for the procedure.

I am curious to know other's thoughts on this. Is having the tooth cleaning worthwhile, considering the sedation?

Yes, teeth cleanings are absolutely necessary. :nod:

Well worth having done, and without sedation or anasthesia it can't be done effectively.  Hopefully she will just need a cleaning, not any teeth out.

Minka said:

Yes, teeth cleanings are absolutely necessary. :nod:

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Yep! Well worth it.

Another vote for "Yes."  It is totally worth the sedation and so important.  Periodontal disease can be so painful and bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and damage other organs.  The thing that really upsets me about it (I have three with bad teeth or gums) is that you can't always tell when a cat is in pain in their mouth.  I have one with a horrible mouth problem and she doesn't let it slow her eating down at all and is still happy and playful.  I have another who has probable cavities and needs a dental soon (the vet wanted to wait at least 6 months since the last one) and other than bad breath you wouldn't know he has a problem either.  I feel most comfortable having a vet look in their mouths (those of my cats that are given go to dental problems) every 6 months (then following recommendations for cleanings) because their mouths deteriorate so quickly. 

Thanks for the replies! The doctor said Poppy didn't have to have a cleaning right away, so I have a little time to get used to the idea of my baby getting sedated.
 

Don't take too long. You don't want the damage to accelerate and end up with teeth needing to be pulled. :nod: