Dentistry is a rapidly growing area of veterinary science, and there are even Dental Specialists dedicated to the study and treatment of animal teeth. 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 hard yellow-brown material on the teeth. Over time the plaque and tartar can result in inflammation and pain, and ultimately results in periodontal disease, which leads to irreversible changes to the teeth and supporting structures.
Periodontal disease can lead to local problems too, such as red and inflamed gums, pain, bad breath, loss of bone from the jaw, and the loss of teeth. There is also 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.
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.
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. Long-term control and prevention of dental disease requires regular dental homecare, and frequent checks at the vet. The best way to begin this is to accustom your pet from an early age. Dental home care may include:
Just like us! This is the best form of dental hygiene. 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.
Use of special dental chews, dental toys, or dental diets, all of which may help keep the teeth clean.
The use of special dental chews, dental toys, or dental diets all help to keep the teeth clean.
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 mouth 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 clean. 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.
A dental clean 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 mouth to allow a comprehensive examination or cleaning of their teeth. This is one reason our pets need to have a general anaesthetic for a professional dental clean or procedure. Your pet will first need to be assessed by one of our veterinarians so that the degree of dental disease can be determined to decide what type of treatment is required.
The assessment will also include a physical exam, and possibly blood tests and/or urine tests to ensure your pet is healthy prior to having an anaesthetic. Once anaesthetised, we can give the teeth a thorough examination and cleaning using specialised dental equipment. Depending on the degree of disease present, we may need to extract some teeth during your pet's procedure. When your pet goes home we will also discuss methods of reducing dental disease in the future.
The assessment will also include a physical exam, and possibly blood tests and urine tests to ensure they are healthy prior to having an anaesthetic. Once anaesthetised, we can give the teeth a thorough cleaning using our specialised dental equipment. When your pet goes home we will also discuss methods of reducing dental disease in the future.
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