Dentistry

Dentistry is a rapidly growing area of veterinary science. More and more we are understanding the significant effect dental health can have on the overall health of the animals we treat.

Just like humans, pets’ teeth need looking after too! The health of their teeth and gums 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 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 can in turn 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 when it is done twice daily, every day. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are 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 a cure. Regular and frequent attention to your pet's teeth at home in addition to dental cleanings under anaesthetic will improve your pet's overall health and have a significant impact on their quality of life.

What does a professional dental clean involve?

It is similar to a scale and polish done by a dentist for us; however, unlike us, our pets won’t sit still or open their mouths to allow a comprehensive examination or cleaning of their teeth. For this reason our pets need to have a general anaesthetic for a professional dental assessment, x-rays, clean and extractions (if needed). Your pet will need to be assessed by one of our veterinarians. The degree of dental disease will be assessed to determine what type of treatment is required.

The assessment will also include a physical exam and health check. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests may also be performed to ensure they are healthy prior to having an anaesthetic. Once anaesthetised, we can x-ray their mouth and give the teeth a thorough cleaning using our specialised dental equipment. If any teeth are loose, fractured, abscessed or otherwise causing problems, they will be removed. When your pet goes home, they will need a soft diet for at least a few days to allow them to eat comfortably.

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