South Street Veterinary Services and Animal Care

Pet Dentistry O'Connor Perth, WA

Dental disease can be as big a problem for our dogs and cats as it is for us! Sore teeth and gums can make them depressed, put them off their food and give them bad breath. Some cats stop grooming and can look a little tatty. Severe dental disease can even contribute to systemic illness including kidney and heart disease. At South Street Vet Clinic we take pet dentistry seriously.

Click here to request an appointment for pet dentistry in O'Connor, Perth.

In the Beginning

All pets have two sets of teeth. Firstly a temporary set that erupts at about 6-8 weeks and are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth by 16 - 24 weeks. Baby teeth are sharp, thin and usually not well seated in the gums. Fractures and trauma to these teeth are quiet common. The next most common problem we see are improperly descended adult teeth. Improperly descended teeth may interfere with the normal growth of the permanent teeth and result in misalignment of the teeth or soft tissue problems later in life. In these cases we usually recommend removal of any retained temporary teeth at desexing time.

Fractures

Fractured teeth are a common complaint. Teeth usually fracture due to trauma (ie play or accidents) or commonly due to feeding bones or chewing rocks (yes it does happen).Fractured teeth may become infected and cause abscess that may drain into the mouth or can even erupt from the pets cheek. Fractured teeth can occasionally be saved but removal is often the wisest option. These sorts of problems can be prevented by not feeding bones and regular dental checks. We do not recommend feeding bones to your pets, there are many better alternatives that do not do any damage to teeth, gums or stomach.

Periodontal disease

This condition is the most common cause of tooth disease we see. Just as in humans, the accumulation of plaque (food debris and bacteria) on the teeth leads to the gingiva (gums) becoming swollen and inflamed. Bad breath and bleeding red gums are the most consistent signs that the pet owner notices although occasionally, at this early stage of disease, the animal might drop food and rub its mouth as well. The veterinarian can reverse the damage with a proper dental cleaning or “prophy.” Unfortunately, most owners are accustomed to their pet’s bad breath and they think that foul smelling “doggy or kitty breath” is normal. They don’t realize that, during early stages of gum inflammation, the disease can be stopped and their pet’s oral health returned to normal. Pet breath or halitosis is not “normal.” There is a reason for it and that reason needs to be addressed and treated.

Unchecked periodontal disease will continue to wreak havoc. The gums start to recede and the supporting ligaments that hold the tooth to the jawbone and the bone itself becomes damaged. Deep pockets of infection cause pus, bleeding, and pain for our pets. They are more reluctant to chew on hard food and quite often an abscess develops in the gum and jawbone. The animal starts to lose weight, avoids having it’s face or head touched, and seems to become all of a sudden “much older” overnight.

In some cases, teeth need to be extracted to control a run away infection.

What next

Regular checkups and treatment is the key. In some cases a dental scale and polish is required to get the teeth back to as normal condition as possible, then continued home care will help to either prevent a return to the previous level of dental disease or slow it dramatically. Dental prophy's need to be done under a general anaesthetic, we will recommend the best treatment options for your pet. Products such as t/d biscuits, Breathalyser ( a new product that can be added to your pets drinking water), pets chews (such as pigs ears, greenies or dental bones - definitely not bones of any sort) or regular brushing with a pet designed brush and toothpaste will help to prevent a worsening in your pets condition. These products work best when your pets teeth are normal or used after a dental scale and polish.

Many clients comment on the improvement of their pets following a dental procedure. Comments include a dramatic improvement in temperament, some people even claim their pets are like a puppy or kitten again.

Remember that bad breath is NOT normal and should be addressed.

If you are concerned at all about your pets dental health give us a call. A simple checkup can be very reassuring and we will recommend any appropriate treatment.

» Click here to contact us for more information about pet dentistry in O'Connor, Perth.