When there is a build-up of bacteria, food particles and saliva on the teeth form plaque. Plaque sticks to the tooth surface above and below the gum line and, if not removed, will calcify into tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque appears as a yellow-brown material on the teeth. Over time the bacterial infection in tartar causes irreversible changes to occur. These include the destruction of supportive tissues and bone, resulting in red gums, bad breath and loosening of teeth.
This same bacterial infection is also a source of infection for the rest of the body (such as the kidney, liver, and heart) and can make your pet seriously ill. Ultimately, dental disease results in many pets unnecessarily suffering tooth loss, gum infection and pain. It also has the potential to shorten your pet’s lifespan.
For more information see our page regarding dentistry.
Firstly, you should have your pet's teeth examined by one of our veterinarians on a regular basis and if necessary, follow up with a professional dental clean. Your pet needs to be anaesthetised to carry out a thorough dental examination, and to clean all teeth without distressing them. Once anaesthetised, a complete dental examination is carried out. This process involves charting all present teeth and evaluating their condition, including the degree of tartar, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and any pockets in the gums around the teeth.
Firstly, you should have your pet's teeth examined by one of our veterinarians regularly and, if necessary, follow up with a professional dental clean. Your pet needs to be anaesthetised to carry out a thorough dental examination and clean their teeth without distressing them. Once anaesthetised, it is then safe to carry out a complete dental assessment. This process involves charting all present teeth and evaluating their condition, including the degree of tartar, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and any pockets in the gums around the teeth.
Our veterinarians will then remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using specialised instruments, including an ultrasonic scaler, just like a dentist uses for our teeth. The teeth are then polished using a dental polisher and specialised fine-grade paste. If the dental disease is not severe, the procedure will end here. However, if certain teeth are so severely affected they cannot be saved, extractions will be necessary.
Cases involving surgery on their gums to close over holes left behind by extracting teeth will require dis-solvable stitches. Upon completing the dental work and before the anaesthetic gas is turned off and your pet is allowed to wake up, an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injection may be given and can generally go home on the same day.
In some cases, gum surgery is required to close the holes left behind when a tooth is extracted, and dissolvable stitches are used for this procedure.
Following a professional dental clean, a plan then is developed to minimise the build-up of tartar. The nature of this will depend on the severity of your pet’s dental disease. It can involve regular tooth brushing, feeding special dental chews or even a special diet. Therefore, it is recommended that all pets be examined 6 months after dental cleaning to determine the effectiveness of your dental care routine.
Long-term control and prevention of dental disease require regular dental home care. The best way to begin this is to acclimatise your pet from a young age. Dental home care may include:
To assist in keeping your pet’s teeth clean after a dental procedure, we suggest the use of Oxyfresh, an additive for their drinking water – this product is odourless, colourless and flavourless and so is readily accepted by most pets. It can be used for cats, dogs, rabbits & rodents. The patented Oxygene molecule works by neutralising the bacteria the causes bad breath & plaque development.
Another option to reduce dental disease recurring following a dental procedure is Plaque Off. Plaque off works after absorption into the blood stream from the stomach, secreting a compound into saliva that helps reduce the stickiness of plaque to the tooth enamel. It can even help break the bond of existing plaque on the enamel of your pets’ teeth.
Look for chews that have the VOHC (veterinary oral health council) seal - these have been tested and shown to have a positive health on your petrs oral health
These complete and balanced diets have been formulated to encourage your dog to chew the kibble (large size) in order to achieve an abrasice effect, reducing plaque build-up on the surface of their teeth, similar to brushing. They also contain compunds to help reduce plaque development
Just like us! This is the best form of dental hygiene. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are now available. Please do not use human toothpaste formulas as they are not designed to be swallowed and may be toxic to your pet.
Use dental toys, enzymatic chews, or teeth cleaning biscuits, all of which may help keep the teeth clean.
Feed pets special dental diets. This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar.
Assisting to keep your pet’s teeth clean after a dental procedure, we suggest the use of Oxyfresh, an additive for their drinking water. Oxyfresh is odourless, colourless and flavourless and therefore readily accepted by most pets, especially cats, dogs, rabbits & rodents. The patented Oxygene molecule works by neutralising the bacteria that causes bad breath & plaque development.
Another option to reduce dental disease recurring following a dental procedure is Plaque Off. Plaque off works after absorption into the bloodstream from the stomach, secreting a compound into saliva that helps reduce the stickiness of plaque to the tooth enamel. It can even help break the bond of existing plaque on the enamel of your pets’ teeth.
Look for chews that have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal — these have been tested and shown to have positive health on your pet's oral health.
A properly formulated, complete and balanced diet encourages your dog to chew the kibble (large size) to achieve an abrasive effect, reducing plaque build-up on the surface of their teeth, similar to brushing. They also contain compounds to help reduce plaque development.
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