Due to tartar build-up, pets can experience periodontal disease. This can result in inflammation of the gums, loosening of teeth, bad breath and damage to the supportive tissues and bones. If left untreated, dental disease can even cause damage to the kidneys, heart and liver and make the animal very ill. If your pet shows symptoms of dental disease, take them to the vet for an examination.  After an assessment you vet may recommend a dental clean. This involves anaesthetising the pet so that a complete examination can be done.

The examination includes:

  • Charting all teeth present
  • Evaluating the condition of all teeth
  • Checking tartar levels
  • Checking for gingivitis and gum disease

The vet will then use an ultrasonic scaler to remove all the tartar that shows above the gumline. The teeth will also be polished using a special paste.  If there are no further issues, that will be the end of the dental procedure. If teeth cannot be saved due to decay or damage, they may be extracted as well. Gum surgery may be required to close holes from extractions. Your pet will receive anti-inflammatory and antibiotic injections. Your pet will spend a little time in recovery and can usually go home on the same day.

Your vet will help you implement a concise dental plan to ensure your pet does not have the same issues in future. Some recommendations may include daily brushing with pet safe toothpaste, feeding raw bones, making use of dental toys or even a special diet to prevent future tartar build-up.  Your pet should then have another check-up with the vet 6 months after the clean to check on recovery and make sure the problem is not reoccurring.