Pet Dental Health Awareness

DOGGY BREATH - There is no such thing!

  

DID YOU KNOW that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years have dental disease that requires treatment? Pets too, require dental care - imagine if we stopped brushing our teeth for a month, how would our teeth feel? Brushing your pets teeth can be a huge help in preventing tartar build up.

Have you ever had a toothache? Do you remember how sore it was to eat normally and how quickly you made a trip to the dentist to have it looked at? Pets don't know that they require dental care and therefore it is our job as owners, to do it for them. Tartar build up can be uncomfortable and painful for our pets, however they do not always show this to us until the pain is so severe that they stop eating. By the time they stop eating, the mouth is full of loose and infected teeth which can cause a number of other health issues. Our aim is to prevent the dental disease getting to this stage by developing an individual dental hygiene regime for your pet. This may include a dental scale and polish, regular brushing and/or special dental treats to help prevent further tartar build up.

Learn how to brush your pets' teeth by clicking on the link to our Dental Guide PDF. This guide also discusses what happens during a dental scale and polish and when this may be required.

Find out more about some home dental care products available, how they are used and why - Just click on the following Link - Dental Care Products

DON'T FORGET TO FORWARD THIS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS SO THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM BOTH THE INFORMATION ON DENTAL HYGIENE AND THE AUGUST SPECIALS!

What grade is your pets' teeth?

Grade I

There will be a small amount of plaque present on the molars and mild gingivitis which may no be grossly visible. Home dental care is required and the veterinarian may recommend a dental scale and polish of the teeth within the next few months

 

Grade II

The gumline will be red and inflamed. The mouth will have a noticeable odour and there will be some discomfort. A dental clean and scale is required as soon as possible (some extractions may be required) and a home dental health plan will be made for your pet to help prevent further tartar build up and maintain good dental hygiene.

 

  

Grade III

The gums will be cherry red and you may notice occasional bleeding. There will be a build up of calculus present and a painful infection of the gums. A dental clean and scale is required immediately and some extractions are likely to be required. 

Grade IV

There will be chronic inflammation and infection of the mouth causing bad breath and loose teeth. Severe dental calculi will be present on the teeth causing pain and discomfort. The bacteria present in the mouth can spread through the body via the blood stream and can potentially cause damage to the kidneys, liver and heart. A dental scale and polish is required immediately. The doctor may recommend for your pet to start antibiotics prior to the dental scale and then continue for another 7-10 days after the dental treatment.