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!
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.
Common signs of dental disease, include:
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Yellow-brown tartar around the gumline
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Inflamed, red gums
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Bad breath
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Change in eating or chewing habits (especially in cats)
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Pawing at the face or mouth
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Excessive drooling
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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!
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:
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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.