Dental Health

Dental disease (also known as oral disease, gum disease or periodontal disease) is extremely common in dogs and cats.

Pet Dentistry at Tamborine Mountain, Yarrabilba, Canungra and Pimpama City Vets

Tartar & Gum inflammation & recession

Dental disease (also called periodontal disease) is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Over 80% of dogs & cats over 4 years of age have dental disease. Initially your pet may not display any obvious signs but as the plaque builds up on the surface of their teeth and then mineralises to form hard, chalky tartar, the gums become inflamed. Gingivitis (gum inflammation) if left untreated can cause chronic pain. Bacteria in the mouth cause further infection which can lead to gum recession, tooth loss and damage to the jaw bone. Dogs and cats are adept at disguising pain, and many show no outward sign of discomfort despite severe dental problems. Often the first thing pet owners notice is their pet has difficulty eating or has bad breath.

Can plaque and tartar be prevented?

Just like in humans, food particles and bacteria form plaque on the surface of the tooth. And as with humans regular brushing is the best prevention. If introduced to puppies & kittens early this is generally well accepted, older pets may take more time but with patience many will allow their teeth to be brushed – make sure you use a soft brush and special pet toothpaste, human toothpaste is minty and more importantly it is not designed to be swallowed. For those that will not tolerate brushing there are specially designed veterinary diets, such as Hills t/d, that have been formulated to help clean their teeth as they chew. Other options include Oravet chews, & Plaque Off.

How is Dental Disease treated?

To effectively examine and clean your pets teeth they require a general anaesthetic. A thorough scale and polish is performed, using the same machines as your dentist uses for you, to remove the plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces. Xrays may be required to assess the parts of the mouth that we cannot visualise. Any severely infected teeth may need to be extracted. Pets usually recover quickly although they may benefit from soft food for a few days after their procedure.

Please call us today to schedule a dental check-up for your pet.

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Tamborine Mountain Vet

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Dental Health

Can plaque and tartar be prevented?

How is Dental Disease treated?

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