Just like their owners, dogs, cats and rabbits all suffer from dental disease too. In fact, dental issues due to plaque, tartar and gum disease are estimated to cause pets more problems than any other pet diseases.
If we didn’t brush, floss and visit our dentist for regular hygiene sessions, plaque and tartar would rapidly build up causing bad breath and gum infections. Pets are no different and can often have advanced dental disease without us noticing it. So, the next time you think your pet has bad breath, don’t just ignore it!
If dental disease is allowed to progress it can cause gingivitis (red gums) and infections of gum and root sockets. This leads to pain and decreased appetite. Furthermore, the bacteria floating around in the mouth can travel via the blood stream to other organs and cause infections elsewhere, such as the bladder, liver, heart, kidneys and joints.
The first photo shows a dog’s upper molar teeth. Where the teeth should be glistening white, they are instead covered by plaque and tartar. The gums are receding and very sensitive. Scroll down to see video clips of how we scale and polish the teeth, to get an end result of glistening teeth and non-smelly breath!
Watch our video showing a dog getting his teeth cleaned
Scaling the teeth of the dog in the photos and video above using an ultrasonic scaler – exactly the same instruments that would be used to scale our own teeth. Note that the scaling is also performed below the gum line, removing all the plaque and tartar build-up in this area which is the cause of periodontal disease. Once the teeth have been scaled, we use a motorised polisher to polish the teeth of dogs and cats using a special toothpaste.
Our Veterinary Nurses offer free clinics for a range of problems, including dental clinics, so if you think you pet could do with a free checkup, please call to arrange a Veterinary Nurse appointment and we’ll be happy to help.
