Pet Dentistry
Pet dentistry
Bad breath can be an early sign of dental disease, which is estimated to affect at least 70% of adult dogs and cats. Dental disease is very much a progressive process with a number of different stages.
The first stage involves the build up of plaque on the surface of the teeth; this is a soft, creamy layer that contains a mixture of saliva, cell debris and bacteria. These bacteria then causes ginigivitis (redness of the gums) and bad breath.
Over time, minerals within the saliva also harden to form calculus, which appears as a brown covering over the teeth.
Unfortunately, this is not just a cosmetic problem as calculus traps bacteria within the mouth, which then eat away at the gums and cause teeth to become loose.
In addition, these bacteria can spread to other organs in the body, including the heart, kidney and the liver.
About our pet dentistry services
Dogs and cats like humans the normal treatment usually involves a dental scale and polish, however unlike humans for pets they are carried out under general anaesthesia. During this procedure, plaque and calculus are removed and, if the disease is severe, some teeth may need to be extracted.
Unfortunately, even after a professional clean, plaque starts to build up within hours and therefore a preventative daily home-care routine is vital.
However, it is important not to use human dental products as these often contain detergents, foaming agents and fluoride, all of which are designed to be rinsed and spat out, which our pets are unable to do.
There are some great diets and some tooth pastes specifically designed for veterinary use and contains an enzyme system that attacks bacteria within the mouth, helping to fight bad breath and control the formation of dental plaque.
Our team are here here to help
What are the symptoms of dental health?
- bad breath
- problems eating
- gum and tooth pain
- tooth loss
- lethargy
What can your vet do to improve dental health?
- scale and polish to remove plaque and stains
- tooth extraction may sometimes be necessary
- treatments to prevent plaque reforming
- all treatments carried out under general anaesthetic
What can you do to improve dental health for cats and dogs?
- brush everyday with a pet toothpaste
- use a water dental additive
- give dental diets daily, and dental chews every other day
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