Pet dental check-ups

What is dental disease?

Dental disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the structures around your pet’s teeth. It starts with a build up of bacteria that can cause plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your pet’s teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it builds up and hardens, creating calculus (or more commonly known as tartar).

This causes gum irritation and leads to an inflammatory condition called gingivitis, which is considered to be the early stages of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis which can lead to pain, tooth loss and can also cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.

What is a dental check-up?

Dental check-ups give your veterinarian a chance to assess your pet’s oral health. Dental disease is common in pets, however can be prevented, treated and even reversed if discovered early. We recommend you take your pet for a dental check-up yearly. A dental check-up generally involves the following:

• Check for obvious signs such as bad breath, drooling, pawing at mouth

• Check your pet’s teeth

• Assessment of your pet’s mouth, lymph nodes and jaw

• Check gums for bleeding, swelling or masses

• Check for periodontal pockets around teeth and gum line

• Discuss preventative dental health care plan for future

If signs of dental disease are present, your vet may recommend at home dental care and a professional dental clean. In severe cases, surgery is often required to treat and sometimes extract the effected teeth.

What is a professional dental clean?

For adult dogs and cats with existing dental disease, a professional dental clean (scale and polish) from your veterinarian may be necessary to get their mouth back into top condition. This procedure is similar to what you would have experienced at your own dentist. Our professional dental clean generally involves the following:

• Removal of plaque and tarter

• Removal of dental deposits

• Scale and polish to remove residual plaque and smooth the tooth surface

• Rinse and final inspection

• Discuss preventative dental health care plan for future

Professional dental cleans are completed under general anaesthetic to make the procedure as safe as possible for your pet and to allow for a through clean. In some instances your vet may need to take dental x-rays to assess parts of the teeth that are under the gum line, so cannot be seen.