Dentistry

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Is bad breath coming between you and your pet?

Contrary to popular belief, foul breath isn’t something that pet owners must simply “learn to live with.” In fact, it’s likely a sign that your pet needs to visit the dentist.

Without proper care, your pet’s mouth can become a haven for dangerous bacteria, which can spread through the bloodstream and lead to a number of other health problems. Left untreated, dental disease can even shorten your best friend’s life.

The good news is, with the right care and support, this can all be prevented.

The professional dentistry services at Britannia Animal Hospital include both routine, preventative care as well as advanced treatment for existing oral conditions.

Some of the signs of dental disease in companion animals include, but are not limited to:

Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Dropping food
Sudden disinterest in chew toys
Loss of appetite
Swollen or painful face
Pawing at the mouth
Yellow, broken, loose or missing teeth
Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding

If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a dental exam. We’ll identify the problem and address it quickly, improving the prognosis. We’ll also show you how you can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and disease-free year-round with at-home care.

You deserve to enjoy lots of cuddles and snuggles with your pet. The comprehensive dental services at Britannia Animal Hospital can help get you there.

Britannia Animal Hospital FAQs

Bad breath is often a sign your pet needs a dental check, not something you simply “live with.” Britannia Animal Hospital recommends a dental exam when breath becomes noticeably smelly or if other oral signs are present, because dental bacteria can build up below the gumline and may affect overall health if left untreated.

Common signs to watch for: bad breath, drooling, dropping food, appetite changes, pawing at the mouth, red/swollen/bleeding gums, and yellow/broken/loose/missing teeth.

Book a dental exam as soon as you notice symptoms like bad breath, red gums, drooling, dropping food, facial pain/swelling, or loose/broken teeth. Early evaluation often means simpler treatment and a better outcome.

A professional dental appointment starts with an oral exam, then your pet is placed under anesthesia so we can do a complete and safe dental assessment and cleaning. This includes full-mouth dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate what’s happening below the gumline, where many painful problems can hide. Based on the exam and X-rays, we can treat issues appropriately (for example, deep cleaning and polishing, and extractions if needed).

Why radiographs matter: teeth can look “okay” above the gumline while there’s infection, bone loss, or tooth root disease underneath.

Veterinary dentistry is done under anesthesia because it allows a thorough, accurate, and humane cleaning and assessment. Anesthesia lets us clean under the gumline, take full-mouth radiographs, probe around each tooth, and treat painful disease safely—things that can’t be done properly on an awake pet.

About non-anesthetic/pet-store cleanings: These may improve the look of the teeth above the gumline, but they typically can’t address disease under the gums or provide dental X-rays—so problems can be missed.

Home care helps a lot, especially when paired with professional check-ups. Good at-home options include:

Regular tooth brushing using pet-safe toothpaste
Appropriate chew toys / dental chews (vet-recommended)
Weekly “quick mouth checks” for redness, swelling, bleeding, cracks, or plaque buildup
A quality diet recommended by your vet

These steps support healthier teeth and gums between visits.

There isn’t one perfect schedule for every pet—needs depend on breed, age, diet, and how quickly plaque/tartar builds up. We recommend regular veterinary check-ups and consistent home care (especially brushing) to help extend the time between professional cleanings. The right timing is based on your pet’s exam findings and risk factors.

Britannia Animal Hospital

Our Location

3755 Britannia Road West
Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 7X6
Also serving Meadowvale, ON and surrounding areas.

Phone: 905-824-7387
Email: info@britanniaanimalhospital.com

Our Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00am–6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am–1:00pm
Sunday: Closed

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kindest and most caring staff ever. My dog adores it here. Dr White is patient, knowledgeable, and resourceful. She genuinely cares for your pet. Love the team so much, they make every visit so enjoyable
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My parents have been using Britannia Animal Hospital for roughly 10+ years because they were the only ones specializing in exotic birds back then. Dr John Valsamis is amazing with our birds and dog.
Dr. Heather White only handles my cats and she is/handles them with such care and does not mind being as many questions.
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very kind vets worked on helping my hamster Gus. I was a nervous wreck because i was a worried momma but they were so kind to my boy. So thankful for their efforts and help for him.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just moved to Milton from Oshawa, I have an almost two year old hamster(Remy) who had a trauma in August last year causing his top front teeth to fall out. I've had to take him for teeth trims before, but I'm not traveling four hours in total to my vet in Bowmanville, but Britannia Animal Hospital came in clutch with helping me out. I called and spoke with Gloria who's is an absolute GEM and immediately got an appointment, Remy and I saw Dr Wong and she was very quick, informative and efficient.
I'm very happy with my experience with you guys and I will definitely be back!! It's hard to find people who specialize in pocket pets.
And if anything happens to my bearded dragon, you're the first place I'm calling!!
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have finally found a doctor who understands the issues that my bunny has been having. A big thanks to the awesome doctor and staff at Britannia Animal Hospital. Greatly appreciated.

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Dentistry

Is bad breath coming between you and your pet?

Britannia Animal Hospital FAQs

Contact Us Today!

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Dentistry

Dental Special: free dental exam + 20% off dental procedures until November 30, 2026.

Is bad breath coming between you and your pet?

Britannia Animal Hospital FAQs

Contact Us Today!