Pet Dental Cleanings
in Vero Beach, FL
An important step in lifelong health for dogs and cats in Vero Beach, Florida.
Dental disease is one of the most common—and most overlooked—health problems in pets.
Over time, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to painful infection, tooth loss, and effects that go far beyond the mouth. At Mermaid SANDS, we offer fully anesthetized dental cleanings for dogs and cats as part of our mission to expand access to essential veterinary care in Vero Beach and Indian River County.
Why dental health matters over a pet’s lifetime
Dental disease doesn’t stay confined to the mouth.
As bacteria build up along the gums, it can:
- Cause chronic pain and inflammation
- Lead to infection and tooth loss
- Contribute to problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver
- Impact appetite, behavior, and overall quality of life
Maintaining good dental health helps support your pet’s comfort and wellbeing—not just now, but over the course of their life.
What a dental cleaning involves
A dental cleaning at Mermaid SANDS is performed under general anesthesia and includes:
- Thorough cleaning above and below the gumline
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Polishing of the teeth to slow future buildup
Anesthesia allows the dental team to clean areas that cannot be safely or effectively addressed while a pet is awake.
How anesthetized dental cleanings differ from non-sedated cleanings
You may see advertisements for “non-sedated” or “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings. While these can improve the appearance of teeth, they do not address disease below the gumline, where the most painful and damaging infection occurs.
Fully anesthetized dental cleanings:
- Allow complete cleaning beneath the gums
- Prevent stress and discomfort during the procedure
- Enable careful assessment of the mouth in a controlled setting
Non-sedated cleanings are cosmetic only and are not a replacement for proper dental care.
What is—and is not—included in our dental services
Our dental cleanings are designed to be focused and predictable.
Included:
- A fully anesthetized dental cleaning
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Polishing of the teeth
Not included:
- Tooth extractions, except for retained deciduous (baby) teeth
- Advanced or additional dental procedures
If significant dental disease is suspected, your primary veterinarian can help guide further evaluation and treatment options.
How dental cleanings work at Mermaid SANDS
Mermaid SANDS focuses on high-impact primary procedures, such as spay, neuter, and dental cleanings.
Dental services are offered within this focused care model to allow us to operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably—helping more pets access essential preventive care.
Is this service a good fit for my pet?
Dental cleanings may be appropriate for pets who:
- Are healthy enough for anesthesia
- Meet basic eligibility and safety guidelines
Eligibility is reviewed during scheduling to ensure this service is appropriate for your pet.
Learn more about our eligibility and safety guidelines
Recovery and aftercare
After a dental cleaning:
- Most pets return home the same day
- Mild grogginess is common as anesthesia wears off
- Normal eating usually resumes quickly unless otherwise advised
Your primary veterinarian can provide ongoing dental care recommendations to help maintain oral health between cleanings.
Taking the next step
If you’re looking to support your pet’s long-term health through proper dental care, a dental cleaning may be the right next step.