Dental Treatments

Dental Treatments

Taking care of your pet’s teeth is as important as looking after your own.  Everyday plaque forms on your pet’s teeth and if the plaque is not removed from their teeth it will turn into tartar.  Plaque is an off-white, sticky accumulation on the surface of teeth made up of food particles, bacteria and bacterial products.  If left untreated the bacteria can be transported via the bloodstream to other parts of the body leading to serious health issues.  Plaque is also a cause of gingivitis and is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Other signs of dental problems can include bad breath, yellow and brown tartar build up and difficulty eating.  Gum disease can be caused by an accumulation of plaque and it is important that you have your pet’s teeth checked regularly by your Veterinarian to minimise the chances of serious periodontal disease occurring, which is very painful. Common signs of dental disease, in order of severity, include:

• Yellow-brown tartar around the gumline

• Inflamed, red gums

• Bad breath

• Change in eating or chewing habits (especially in cats)

• Pawing at the face or mouth

• Excessive drooling

• Pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth

If your pet is showing any of these signs of dental disease please book an appointment to see one of our veterinarians. Early assessment and action can save your pet ‘s teeth. To help prevent dental disease, you can:

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are available at the hospital.
• Feed pets raw meaty bones or special dental diets to help reduce the build up of tartar.

Use dental toys, teeth cleaning biscuits or dental treats which may help keep teeth clean.