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Companion Animals Pet Care

Dental Care

Dental Care

Dental disease is one of the most common diseases of adult dogs and cats. By the age of two years, approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease.

What is dental disease?

Plaque is a biofilm that cannot be seen that develops naturally on teeth. If left, plaque and minerals in the saliva combine and harden causing tartar and calculus. When there is significant tartar and calculus this can lead to the following effects:

  • bad breath
  • ulcerated, bleeding and receding gums
  • loss of attachment between the tooth roots and sockets (loose teeth)
  • destruction of surrounding bone
  • formation of abscesses

disease in other parts of the body including the surrounding bone, heart and liver.

Signs of dental disease
  • smelly breath (halitosis)
  • drooling
  • difficulty eating or refusing to eat
  • red, swollen or bleeding gums
  • stained teeth
  • loose teeth
  • pawing at the mouth.
Prevention of dental disease

Regular dental checks

Dental checks can be done at your pet’s yearly check-up, or you can book in for a free dental check with one of our veterinary nurses all year round.

Dental food

Highly recommended, a simple easy way to maintain dental hygiene. This is a completely balanced premium diet and only available from veterinary clinics. The shape and texture of the kibble creates a gentle brushing action and is proven to reduce tartar resulting in fewer veterinary dental treatments. We find most dogs and cats love this food and it is our preferred method of long-term dental care.

Daily brushing of teeth

A gold standard way of maintaining dental hygiene but not always tolerated.

Daily dental chews

Chews have proven effective but do contain a lot of fat so be careful with weight.

Dental treatment

Antibiotics

For gum infection (gingivitis) only

Scale and polish

Performed under general anaesthesia, an ultrasonic scaler removes plaque and tartar from the teeth including that which is hidden below the gum line. To finish off the teeth are polished to prevent reoccurrence for as long as possible.

Extractions

Performed under general anaesthesia, the diseased tooth is separated from any gum attachments and removed. If it is a multiple root tooth, the tooth is sectioned into separate parts that are then individually removed.

If you would like your pet checked for dental disease, please phone The Vet Clinic clinic to book an appointment for a free dental check with one of our veterinary nurses. Your pet will be checked for dental disease and advice given regarding the severity of the disease and any appropriate treatment.

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