Dental Care

When was the last time you peered into your pet's mouth? To be fair it's not something many of us do on a regular basis, but you may have noticed that your pet's breath is not quite as fresh as it used to be.

Imagine how your teeth would look like if you didn't brush them daily. The same applies to your pet's teeth - unless you are providing some form of regular dental care you are neglecting an important factor in the overall health of your pet.

Periodontal (gum) disease begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your pet's teeth. It is one of the most common problems we see at the Clinic. Plaque harbours the bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth resulting in disease and tooth loss.

Unlike humans, even when your pet's gums are infected (we all know how painful toothache can be!) they still continue to eat. It is extremely difficult to know when your pet is in pain, animals do not show signs of pain unless it is very severe indeed. In the wild, animals that show pain are often set upon and killed by predators - or even their own kind. That is quite an incentive to hide your feelings! So if you find they have stopped eating you must bring them to see us immediately as this could indicate a serious problem.

Bacteria can enter the blood stream through the large network of blood vessels in the gums. Studies have shown that certain heart, liver and kidney diseases may be associated with these bacteria.

Signs and symptoms of poor oral health

Persistent bad breath

Sensitivity around the mouth

Pawing at the mouth

Loss of appetite

Plaque (often not visible unless stained - ask our nurse to do it for you.)

Bleeding inflamed, or receded gums.

Tartar (creamy brown, hard deposits on the teeth.)

Loose or missing teeth.

Difficulty eating or chewing food.

Excess salivation.

Mild Gingivitis: The margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque is covering the teeth. Treatment can reverse this condition.
Moderate Gingivitis: The entire attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. The mouth is painful and odour begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this becoming irreversible.
Severe Gingivitis: Cherry red and bleeding attached gingiva (gums). Gingiva is becoming destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth may affect eating and behaviour. Bad breath is present. Beginning of periodontal disease which may become irreversible.
Periodontal Disease: Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth and underlying bone. Bacteria are spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart.

There are easy ways to prevent any of the above - by regular check ups and a good cleaning regime.

Dental Care is Simple

Logic Oral Hygiene Gel:

Brushing is best, but can be difficult, so we use this product that does NOT need brushing!! Logic Oral Hygiene Gel is easy to use as it is applied on a daily basis directly into the mouth, or mixed with a small amount of food. This stimulates salivation. The pet distributes the product around the mouth covering the teeth and gums by licking. The enzymes then attack existing plaque and helps to prevent the formation of new plaque. Ask for a demonstration from the nurse!!!!

CET Toothpaste and Brush:

Brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis - for the most effective control of plaque once a day is best! It is important to use a brush and paste specifically designed for pets. Human toothpastes are designed to froth up and be spat out! Pets don't like this and also tend to swallow toothpastes. The CET brush is ultra soft and designed to fit an animal's mouth. The pastes have flavours that appeal to your pet, and are formulated so it doesn't need to be rinsed.

CET Forte Cat Chews

These chews provide an abrasive cleaning action as your cat eats, and are specially treated with an anti-bacterial enzyme system to help maintain oral health. A single chew should be given on the days when you do not brush the teeth.

Hills Feline/Canine t/d

This is made up of special dry kibble that actually clean teeth and freshen breath whilst your pet eats. As the animal chews, each tooth is gently wiped clean without the use of chemicals or mineral abrasives. Hills t/d can be fed as a complete diet, but if preferred it can also be used a treat on a daily basis.

Dental Scaling

From time to time it may be necessary to remove the dental calculus (tartar) from your pet's teeth. This requires a general anaesthetic as the procedure takes about 30-45 minutes using our modern air driven dental machine. Teeth will be scaled with an ultrasonic scaler first to remove the tartar and allow us to assess the underlying teeth. In some cases, once the tartar has been removed and the tooth examined, extraction or some restoration technique may be required.

Following this the tooth roots will be examined and each root will be planed with a special dental sub-gingival curette. This removes tartar and plaque from underneath the gum margin, and produces a smooth surface to the root to facilitate re-attachment. The depth of the gingival pockets is measured to assess the extent of disease and the need for further treatment.

The teeth are then polished with an air driven polisher followed by flushing with an antimicrobial solution. The teeth are dried and fluoride gel may then be applied.

Do ask for further help - this is a most important, and neglected area.

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