Dental

We humans have it drilled into us from a young age to brush our teeth twice a day, use dental floss and mouthwash. We know that our teeth are an important part of our health care routine. Your fur baby’s teeth are just as important for them to stay healthy.

Checking your pet’s oral health is not only about their breath. Dental health and overall health are connected. That is why you need to have their teeth and gums checked at least once a year. Crofton Down Veterinary clinic are standing by to help you with your pet’s dental hygiene.

Dogs and cats are prone to damaging their teeth or developing sores in their mouth. Broken teeth and sores can lead to infection and other complications, which is why it is very important to take your pet’s oral health seriously.

The plaque that we get on our teeth and remove daily builds up on the teeth of pets too. You can’t leave plaque untreated; it calcifies and turns into a solid known as tartar. Tartar can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to infection and even the loss of your pet’s teeth. Without teeth pets can’t eat effectively. Before this gum disease gets to the point of lost teeth, there is pain, bleeding and inflammation, which will lead to difficulty eating.

There is a lot you can do at home to take care of your pet’s teeth. The earlier you are able to establish an oral hygiene routine the better. You brush your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay, or gum disease, pet’s teeth are made of the same substance and would benefit from the same treatment. It may not be that easy to brush your animal’s teeth every day. Help your pet by brushing their teeth from a young age, establish a routine. This will help them grow comfortable with tooth brushing. If it is possible a daily brush is great, but 2 to 3 times a week is a great help. Please do not use human toothpaste. Ask your vet for dog or cat friendly toothpaste. Dogs and cats do not know to spit out toothpaste, so human toothpaste is toxic to them.

The vet will give your dog a thorough examination, and an x-ray of their mouth. It is necessary to see if there is any build up below the gum line. Teeth which are broken or damaged need to be removed. The final step is a professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Your pet’s safety and comfort come first. That is why they are put under anaesthetic during the procedure. It takes anywhere from half an hour, depending on the condition of the animal’s teeth.

The dental powder works by promoting good bacteria in your dog’s mouth while killing plaque building bacteria. As an added benefit the lack of plaque and bad bacteria leaves your pet’s breath smelling much better. Add the powder to all their meals. The unflavoured dental powders have been formulated to add to pet’s drinking water.

Pet’s that still battle with plaque and tartar can get prescription dog food. Specially formulated dog foods clean while chewing, and kill bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.

It is important to maintain healthy oral hygiene routine, with regular visits to the vet. Make sure you start as young as possible to be able to train your pet. If you have any questions regarding oral and dental health, chat to one of our expert Veterinarians. Pet’s may experience temporary discomfort after a dental visit, but it is temporary. If you have any concerns call the Vet.