Recognising Dental Problems

It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to have oral disease by the age of 3. It is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets. Common signs of oral disease include tartar buildup, red and swollen gums, bad breath, changes in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and generalised depression.

Most people do not realise that their pet may be in a great deal of discomfort due to chronic dental disease. Animals do have the same anatomy and physiology as humans, and so we know that the equivalent problems in people can cause a tremendous amount of pain.

It is easy to make the mistake about the severity of your pet’s teeth because the pet may still be eating. Animals will eat even when they are in pain because it is a survival instinct (in the wild a weak or sick animal becomes prey). By the time they actually resist food they are often suffering significant pain – please don’t wait until that stage to help your pet.

Comprehensive Dental Prophylaxis (cleaning)

A professional comprehensive dental prophylaxis is more involved than just removing the visible calculus (tartar) on the teeth. A prophylaxis involves close evaluation of the teeth and supporting structures, removal of all calculus and plaque, both above and below the gum line, cleaning and flushing of the pockets below the gum line, polishing the cleaned teeth, and fluoride application to the teeth.

Homecare following a professional dental prophylaxis is important to maintain a clean, healthy mouth for your pet.

Pain medication is administered. Please go to Post Surgery Care for more information on the necessary procedures and guidelines for your pet once he/she leaves our veterinary centre.

Through regular dental cleanings and homecare, we can avoid these problems in our pets before it is too late. In the past, veterinary surgeons too often have waited until the teeth have become significantly diseased before recommending a "cleaning", but by this time, irreversible damage has been done.

We can recommend and demonstrate preventative measures you can begin at home. This will help you avoid costly dental procedures with your pet in the future. Dental disease is avoidable through diligent dental hygiene practices and treatment of periodontal disease.

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