Dentistry

Why dental care matters

Dental disease is very common in dogs and cats, with many pets developing some level of dental disease by the age of three. Plaque and tartar can build up on the teeth and gums over time, leading to discomfort, infection, and pain if left untreated. One of the earliest and most common signs of dental disease is bad breath.

Caring for your pet’s teeth at home

There are several things you can do at home to help support your pet’s dental health:

• Brushing your pet’s teeth with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (if they tolerate it)

• Using dental chews or treats, such as Greenies or Oravet

• Adding dental water or food additives, such as Oxyfresh or PlaqueOff 

Even with good home care, some pets will still need professional dental treatment as part of their ongoing health care. 

Professional dental procedures

When needed, dental procedures are performed under general anaesthetic to allow a thorough and comfortable clean. All dental procedures at Southwest Animal Hospital include: 

• A full general anaesthetic, monitored by a qualified veterinary nurse throughout the procedure and recovery 

• Intravenous fluids during the procedure to help maintain blood pressure and support a safer anaesthetic 

• Dental X-rays of all teeth 

• Individual tooth and gum assessment 

• A professional scale and polish, similar to what we receive at the dentist 

Tooth extractions 

Some dogs and cats may require teeth to be removed due to issues such as infection, bone loss, fractures, resorption, or growths near the tooth. If extractions are recommended, this will always be discussed with you either during your consultation or while your pet is undergoing their dental procedure. 

Pets cope extremely well after tooth removal and are still able to eat comfortably, many actually eat better than before, once dental pain has been resolved.