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Just like people, pets are prone to gum disease and dental problems. Shockingly, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some form of dental disease by the age of three. Plaque forms when bacteria, food particles and saliva accumulate on the teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), a yellow-brown deposit that builds up above and below the gum line.
Over time, bacteria in tartar cause permanent damage, destroying gum tissue and bone, leading to bad breath, red gums and loose teeth. Left untreated, this infection can spread to vital organs like the kidneys, liver and heart, making pets seriously ill. Dental disease not only causes unnecessary pain and tooth loss, but can also shorten your pet’s life.
If your pet has the symptoms outlined above, then you should book an appointment and have your pet’s teeth examined by one of our veterinarians. If your pet has regular health checks, then our vets will check dental health during one of these appointments. If necessary our vet might suggest a professional dental clean. Your pet needs to be anaesthetised to carry out a thorough dental examination, and to clean all teeth without distressing them. Once anaesthetised, a complete dental examination is carried out. This process involves full mouth dental x-rays, charting all present teeth and evaluating their condition, including the degree of tartar, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and any pockets in the gums around the teeth. Our veterinarians will then remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using specialised instruments including an ultrasonic scaler, just like a dentist uses for our teeth.
Long-term dental health starts with regular at-home care, ideally introduced from a young age. Daily toothbrushing is the best way to maintain oral hygiene and pet-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste are available. NB: Never use human toothpaste as it can be toxic. Other ways to support dental health include dental-friendly chews and toys, such as enzymatic chews or teeth-cleaning biscuits, which help reduce plaque buildup. Special dental diets can also minimise tartar accumulation and improve oral health. Prevention is always better than cure. Regular dental care can reduce the need for professional cleaning under anaesthetic and support your pet’s overall wellbeing. Keeping up with dental hygiene ensures a healthier, happier pet.
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