Just like us, our pets need dental care. The health of their teeth and gums has a big impact on their overall wellbeing and quality of life. Over the past 25 years, veterinary dentistry has grown quickly as we’ve learned more about how important it is to every animal we treat.

Dental problems are far more common than many owners realise. Around 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have a tooth or gum problem by the time they are three years old. Imagine how your mouth would feel if you never brushed your teeth, and how hard it would be to cope with a bad toothache if you couldn’t tell anyone. The good news is that in most cases, dental disease is preventable.

How dental disease develops

When your pet eats, food particles, saliva and bacteria build up on the teeth and form plaque. Over time, minerals harden the plaque into tartar, a yellow-brown deposit that usually starts near the gum line. Plaque and tartar also build up below the gum line, where you can’t see them.

Without treatment, the bacteria in tartar cause periodontal disease, which damages the gums and the bone and tissue that support the teeth. This can lead to:

• Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
• Damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth
• Bad breath, pain and tooth loss
• Infection spreading to other parts of the body, such as the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs

A professional dental clean is similar to the scale and polish you get at the dentist. Unlike us, though, pets won’t sit still with their mouths open, so a thorough clean needs a general anaesthetic. This keeps your pet comfortable and free from unnecessary stress.

Before the procedure: One of our vets will examine your pet to assess how severe the dental disease is and whether extractions or medications might be needed. To make sure your pet is healthy enough for an anaesthetic, this may include a physical exam, blood tests and urine tests.

During the procedure: Once your pet is under anaesthetic, the vet carries out a full examination of their mouth. They record the condition of each tooth, the amount of tartar, any gum inflammation (gingivitis), and any pockets around the teeth or gums. Tartar is removed with an ultrasonic scaler, the same tool your dentist uses, and the teeth are then polished with a fine-grade paste.

Extractions: Teeth that are too damaged or decayed to save may need to be removed. Any holes left in the gum are closed with dissolvable stitches, and your pet may be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injections.

After the clean

We’ll talk you through how to care for your pet’s teeth at home to keep tartar from building up again. Depending on how severe the dental disease was, this may include regular brushing, or a special dental diet. We recommend a follow-up check 6 months after the clean to make sure your pet’s mouth has healed well and the home-care routine is working.