Caring for Your Pet's Teeth
Tooth and gum disease is a common problem. The problem begins when plaque and tartar build up on the tooth. The plaque harbours bacteria which causes gum disease. If this process continues it can eventually cause tooth loss and abscesses. In severe cases bacteria also enter the bloodstream which can result in kidney, heart and liver disease.
Signs of poor oral health:
- Bad breath
- Plaque
- Sensitive or painful mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Selectively eating softer food
In the case of dental disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. When dental disease is present a general anaesthetic may be required to scale and polish your pet's teeth and more serious cases extractions may be required. Some ways to help to prevent dental disease are:
Diet
Animals who are fed on dry biscuits rather than moist food will in general have fewer dental problems. There are specific diets designed to maintain good dental health such as Hill's t/d. Please contact the surgery for more information.
Tooth brushing
Train your pet from an early age and it will happily allow you to brush its teeth. Special pet toothpaste is designed with enzymes to break down plaque and kill oral bacteria. There are also other pastes which don't need to be directly applied to all the teeth but via the saliva will produce a protective coating over the teeth helping to prevent further build up of plaque.
If you wish to discuss any of the above or would like further advice our fully qualified nurses run FREE dental clinics. Please call the surgery to make an appointment.