Dental Disease Q&A

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DENTAL DISEASE?

Signs of dental disease may include:

● Discolouration

● Bad breath

● Reluctance to eat

● Bleeding or red gums

● Loose teeth

● Pawing at mouth

If any of the above issues are present, our vets will speak to you about the best course of action to resolve the problem. This could involve a course of treatment or further investigation may be needed.

We may also request a series of dental x-rays to be done. These will show us what is happening below the gum line and may be used for future comparisons.

WHY DOES MY PET NEED REGULAR DENTAL CHECKS?

Regular dental checks are vital for your pet's health. Poor dental hygiene can result in a host

of medical problems including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth loss, infection, and

difficulty eating. A professional dental check is not only crucial for your pet’s dental health – it can

also prevent problems that could impact their overall health and wellbeing.

A dental check is an ideal opportunity for your vet to screen your dog or cat for a

variety of oral issues, including:

● Dental disease

● Broken or chipped teeth

● Abscesses or infections

● Cysts

● Tumours

● Bite misalignment

● Dental pain

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A SCALE AND POLISH?

If your pet already has a build-up of tartar on their teeth, brushing alone won't be enough,

they will require a dental scale and polish first.

● After your pet has been anaesthetised a thorough examination of their mouth will begin.

● Our vets assisted by a veterinary nurse will then examine and note any abnormalities in their medical record.

● A dental probe will be used to evaluate gum bleeding and periodontal pockets where food can accumulate.

● Following an examination tooth, scaling will begin. This is done using both hand and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.

● The tartar below the gum line causes the most significant periodontal disease, so it is important that it be thoroughly removed.

● After scaling, the teeth are then polished to remove microscopic scratches and decrease the rate of subsequent plaque build-up.

MY PET HAS SMELLY BREATH. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you suspect that your pet may be having trouble with their teeth we urge you to book a

consultation with our vets as soon as possible and please feel free to call our friendly nurses on (03) 9568

2211 for more information.