Dental Exams for Dogs in Hixson, TN

A comprehensive pet dental exam is a detailed oral evaluation performed while your dog is awake. During this exam, our veterinarian carefully examines:

• Teeth for tartar buildup, fractures, or wear
• Gums for redness, inflammation, or recession
• Tongue, cheeks, and oral tissues for growths, ulcers,  or other  abnormalities
• Signs of gingivitis, infection, or discomfort

While an awake oral exam allows us to identify many visible concerns, it does have limitations. Fully probing each tooth and obtaining dental radiographs requires anesthesia. If we detect signs of disease, we may recommend a full dental procedure with X-rays as the most thorough way to evaluate and protect your dog’s oral health.

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs. A routine veterinary dental exam helps us identify problems early, before they lead to pain or tooth loss.

Oral disease can affect how your dog eats, plays, and feels each day. Early detection through regular exams supports comfort, prevents progression, and reduces the likelihood of advanced procedures later. Preventive care is always more effective than waiting until symptoms become severe.

Most dogs benefit from a dental exam at least once a year. Recommendations vary by age and health status:

• Puppies should have early dental evaluations to assess proper bite development
• Adult dogs typically need annual oral exams as part of their wellness care
• Senior dogs may require more frequent monitoring due to increased dental risk and disease

Each exam helps guide personalized care plans and determine whether additional diagnostics or treatments are needed.

Some dental problems are easy to miss at home. Scheduling a dog dental checkup is especially important if you notice:

• Persistent bad breath

• Visible tartar or plaque on teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat
• Sensitivity or pain when the mouth is touched

These symptoms often indicate underlying dental disease that should be evaluated promptly.

An oral exam for dogs allows our team to detect a range of issues, including:

• Gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Tooth fractures or wear
• Oral growths or masses
• Oral ulcerations
• Gum recession
• Early signs of infection or pain

Identifying these problems early helps preserve tooth integrity and reduce discomfort.

Yes. Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often a sign of dental disease. A dog dental exam helps uncover the root cause rather than masking symptoms. By addressing plaque, gum inflammation, or infection early, we can improve both oral health and breath quality.

Skipping routine dental exams can allow dental disease to progress unnoticed. Over time, this may lead to:

• Tooth loss
• Chronic pain and inflammation
• Difficulty eating
  Systemic health concerns, including links between dental disease and heart disease
• Increased need for advanced dental procedures

Regular exams play a key role in protecting both oral and overall health.

If concerns are identified during your dog’s dental exam, our veterinarian will review the findings with you. We provide personalized recommendations based on your dog’s condition, age, and comfort.

In some cases, we may suggest a full dental procedure with anesthesia and radiographs to allow for complete evaluation and treatment. Our goal is always conservative, timely intervention that supports long-term wellness.

Between visits, maintaining good oral hygiene can make a meaningful difference. We may recommend:

• Regular home dental care routines
• Appropriate dental diets or chews
• Monitoring for changes in breath, appetite, or chewing behavior
• Scheduling routine rechecks as advised

Consistent care between comprehensive pet dental exams helps extend the benefits of professional evaluations.

The cost of a dog dental exam  can vary depending on your dog’s needs and whether additional diagnostics or treatments are recommended. While pricing differs case by case, early detection often helps reduce long-term expenses associated with advanced dental disease.

We encourage pet parents to contact our clinic for individualized estimates and transparent guidance.

Choosing the right dog dentist matters. At The Healthy Hound, our approach to veterinary dentistry is intentional, relationship-driven, and centered on each dog’s individual needs.

• Canine-exclusive veterinary practice, focused entirely on dogs
• Longer, unrushed appointments that allow time for thorough evaluation and conversation
• Relationship-centered care built on trust, education, and transparency
• Experienced leadership under Dr. Joshua Singer.
• Calm, stress-reducing environment designed to support comfort during exams

Pet parents looking for a trusted dog dentist value our personalized approach and commitment to preventive care.