Just like humans, pets’ teeth need looking after too! Teeth and gum health has a significant impact on their overall quality of life. Just imagine how your mouth would feel, and smell, if you never brushed your teeth. Its unthinkable right? Our pets cannot talk to us and say "my tooth hurts!" so it is up to us as their owners to be proactive and prevent them getting a horrible tooth ache!

What is Dental Disease?

Signs of Dental Disease

How you can help prevent Dental Disease!

What is Dental Disease?

Dental disease is a progressive process beginning with a build up of bacteria in your pet’s mouth. Bacteria combines with saliva and tiny food scraps, causing  plaque to form on the tooth. Over time this plaque hardens and becomes tartar (brown or yellow material starting near the gum line of the tooth). Without appropriate preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar build-up results in periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease damages the tissues and the support structures that hold the teeth in the jaw. It is a source of significant oral pain, tooth loss and due to markedly inflamed gums (gingivitis) allows bacteria to enter the blood stream leading to the possibility of heart or kidney problems.

Signs of Dental Disease

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

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!

How can you help prevent dental disease?

As with our teeth, long-term prevention and management of dental disease requires regular home care. The best way to introduce your pet to regular home care 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 available. DO NOT use human toothpaste on your pet - they are not designed to be swallowed and may be toxic. (We understand that not every pet will allow their owner's to brush their teeth)

• Feed pets appropriately sized raw meaty bones (may cause fractures) or special dental diets (eg. Royal Canin Dental) . This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar.

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

Routine proactive attention to your pet's teeth on your part will delay the need for an anaesthetic and professional dental clean. It will also make for a happier, healthier animal!

If you have any questions about dental care or need some advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.