Have you ever wondered why your pet’s mouth smells bad? Or why their teeth are not sparkling clean like yours?
Unpleasant breath is not normal in our furry friends and is often a warning sign of dental disease. Dental disease begins when bacteria form plaque on the teeth. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums. If ignored and left untreated, dental disease can affect not only your pet’s teeth but their overall health, as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, or kidneys.
Other symptoms of dental disease include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Changes in behaviour or appetite
- Facial swelling
Needless to say, dental disease can be very painful and significantly reduce your pet’s quality of life. This is especially true for cats, who are very good at hiding pain. For this reason, it is important to visit your veterinarian at least once a year for a general health check, which should include a dental assessment.
Now that we understand what dental disease is, you may be wondering how it is treated. Firstly, professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is essential. We take every measure to make anaesthesia as safe as possible by performing pre-operative blood tests, using appropriate anaesthetic medications tailored to your pet, and continuously monitoring them with state-of-the-art equipment. During the procedure, each tooth is carefully assessed, plaque is removed, dental X-rays are taken to evaluate the roots and surrounding structures, and any necessary extractions are performed safely.
At home, teeth should ideally be brushed daily using pet-safe toothpaste. There are also products that can be added to food or water to help slow plaque build-up, as well as special dental diets that can be used alongside other preventative measures.
Bad breath is not normal in cats or dogs. It is often the first sign of dental disease and should never be ignored. Regular dental check-ups and good home care play a vital role in keeping your pet healthy and comfortable. If you notice changes in your pet’s breath or eating habits, speak to your veterinarian to schedule a dental examination.