Dentistry

Pet Dentistry: A Guide to Your Pet’s Dental Health

Just like humans, our pets need proper dental care to keep their mouths healthy. However, unlike us, our furry friends won’t sit still and open wide for a dentist! That’s why professional dental care for pets involves a slightly different approach.

 

What is dental disease?

Dental disease typically begins with a build-up of plaque, consisting of bacteria, food particles and saliva components, on the teeth. Plaque sticks to the tooth surface above and below the gum line and if not removed will calcify into tartar (also known as calculus). This appears as a yellow-brown material on the teeth. Over time the plaque and tartar can result in periodontal disease, which results can result in irreversible changes to the teeth and supportive structures.

Periodontal disease can result in local problems, such as red and inflamed gums, bad breath, and the loss of teeth. There is also growing evidence that periodontal disease can be associated with disease in distant organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys. Ultimately, dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue – it can be a cause of significant illness and pain in dogs and cats.

Common signs of dental disease include:
 

  • Yellow-brown tartar around the gum line
  • Inflamed, red gums
  • Bad breath
  • Change in eating or chewing habits (especially in cats)
  • Pawing at the face or mouth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth

If your pet is showing any of these signs of dental disease please book an appointment to see one of our veterinarians. Early assessment and action can save your pet’s teeth!

Some animals with dental disease may show no obvious signs particularly in the early stages. It is also important to remember that just because your pet is eating, it doesn’t mean they do not have dental pain.

 

How can I prevent dental disease?

Long-term control and prevention of dental disease requires regular home care. The best way to begin this is to acclimatise your pet from a young age. Dental home care may include:

Brushing Teeth Daily

Just like us! This is the best form of dental hygiene. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are now available. Please do not use human toothpaste formulas as they are not designed to be swallowed and may be toxic to your pet.

Teeth Friendly Chews and Toys

Use dental toys, enzymatic chews, or teeth cleaning biscuits, all of which may help keep the teeth clean.

Special
Dental Diets

Feed pets special dental diets. This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar.

As with most things in life, when it comes to dental disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. Regular and frequent attention to your pet's teeth may avoid the need for a professional dental clean under anaesthetic, and will also improve your pet's overall health.

What Does a Professional Dental Clean Involve?

A professional pet dental clean is very similar to a scale and polish you'd receive from your own dentist. The big difference? Your pet won’t be able to hold still or open their mouth for an in-depth clean, so they need to be under general anaesthetic. This allows our veterinarians to fully examine their teeth, gums, and oral health without causing distress or discomfort to your pet.

Before any dental work is done, your pet will be assessed by one of our experienced vets. During this assessment, we’ll determine the degree of dental disease your pet may have and what treatment they need, whether it's just a simple cleaning or something more advanced.

Why Dental X-rays Are So Important

Just like at your own dentist’s office, we offer dental X-rays to get a clear view of what’s happening beneath your pet’s gum line. Pets often continue eating even when they have significant dental issues, and a tooth that looks perfectly healthy on the surface can be causing serious pain. X-rays help us identify hidden problems and allow us to treat them before they cause further complications.

What Happens if My Pet Needs Treatment?

If your pet requires more than just a cleaning, we offer a full range of dental treatments, from routine scale and polish to extraction of diseased teeth. It’s not uncommon for clients to be amazed at how much more energetic and happy their pet becomes after dental treatment—many pets experience a "new lease on life" once their painful teeth are removed or cleaned!

We take pride in ensuring your pet's dental health is the best it can be, helping them live a happier, healthier life with a bright smile. Whether it’s preventative care or more extensive treatment, we’re here to keep those tails wagging and mouths smiling! 

If you have any questions about dental care or professional cleaning please do not hesitate to contact us.