Here When You Need Us Most
Just like humans, pets’ teeth need looking after too! The health of their teeth and gum’s has a significant impact on their overall quality of life. Imagine how your mouth would feel, and smell, if you never brushed your teeth. Imagine having a really bad toothache and not being able to tell anyone about it!
Dental disease begins with a build up of bacteria in your pet’s mouth. Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris, can cause plaque to accumulate on the tooth. Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar build-up leads to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause oral pain, tooth loss and even heart or kidney problems.
Common signs of dental disease, include:
Yellow-brown tartar around the gumline
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
- Head shy or a reluctance for their head to be touched/petted
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!
Here When You Need Us Most
What does a professional dental clean involve?
It is the same as a scale and polish done by a dentist for us. However, unlike us, our pets won’t sit still or open their mouth to allow a comprehensive cleaning of their teeth. For this reason our pets need to have a general anaesthetic for a thorough examination and dental clean.
Your pet will first be examined by one of our veterinarians at a consultation to ensure any conditions that could affect the general anaesthetic are detected and managed first. Often by way of a physical exam, thorough history and blood and urine testing. Once under anaesthetic, the degree of dental disease will be assessed via examination of every tooth and full mouth radiographs (x-rays) to assess the root structure of every tooth. If any issues are detected, we will call you to discuss this and a treatment plan. We then complete a thorough scale and polish using our specialised dental equipment. When your pet goes home we will also discuss methods of reducing dental disease in the future.
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 accustom your pet from an early 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 on your pet as they are not designed to be swallowed and may be toxic.
Feed pets specialised dental diets. This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar.
Use dental toys, enzymatic chews and/or water additives, all of which may help keep the teeth clean.
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.
If you have any questions about dental care or professional cleaning please do not hesitate to contact us.
