Dental Disease

For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. What many of us don’t consider is that we should be doing the same for our pets! 

Of course, wherever possible, you should be having a regular look at your pet’s teeth so that you can notice subtle changes. However there are several other signs that can alert you to the possibility of dental disease or other mouth problems being present. 

These include: 

• Smelly breath – fermenting food particles, saliva and bacteria lead to a nasty smell and also lead to plaque and tartar accumulation. 

• Inflammation (redness & bleeding) of the gums – this is called gingivitis. 

• Tartar, also called Calculus, or plaque build up on the teeth – a brown crust-like layer on teeth, especially the back teeth and upper canines 

• Behaviour changes: Dental disease hurts. This will often show as a change in your pet's behaviour. They may become grumpy. They can also become quiet or reclusive and may rub their face on the ground or paw at their face regularly. 

• Drooling – pain can also lead to drooling. And sometimes your pet cannot close their mouth or lick properly due to mouth pain. 

• Changes in eating habits - Your pet may show less interest in food or approach the food bowl but be reluctant to eat. They may chew with obvious caution or discomfort or drop food from their mouth. They may start to prefer soft foods to harder or dry foods. 

• Swelling and weeping sores on the face – tooth rooth abscess will usually rupture out of the face.

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, contact the clinic to schedule a consultation or dental check.