Dental procedures in companion animals
Caring for your pet's teeth is essential to their overall health and well-being. Just like humans, cats and dogs can suffer from dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Dental treatment for pets can be costly and sometimes require general anaesthesia, so it's best to take preventative measures to avoid serious dental issues. Humans know they need to brush their teeth regularly. Pets do not have this information, so we need to offer options to help maintain their dental health moving forward.
Here are some tips for keeping your pet's teeth healthy:
Remember, dental health is an important part of your pet's overall well-being. By taking preventative measures and seeking treatment, when necessary, you can help ensure that your pet has healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Veterinary dental treatment under anaesthesia
Veterinary dental treatment under general anaesthesia is one of the most common procedures performed at Ripponlea Vet Hospital. It involves a thorough cleaning and examination of your pet's teeth and gums. Anaesthesia is considered imperative for a thorough examination and treatment at Ripponlea Vet Hospital to align with our core values of stress free handling and to ensure that we can perform the procedure safely. It allows us to perform x-rays of the mouth, which looks at the area below the gum that is invisible to us during visual inspection but is where most of the disease we treat is actually located. While it may seem scary, this procedure is essential for maintaining your pet's dental health and overall well-being.
Here's what you can expect during a dental treatment under general anaesthesia:
In addition, it's important to maintain your pet's dental health through regular brushing, dental chews, and check-ups with your veterinarian between dental treatments. This can help reduce the need for dental treatment under general anaesthesia in the future. Sadly, it does not negate the need for repeat dental procedures, but can certainly extend the time between dental exams being required.
Remember, dental health is an essential part of your pet's overall health and well-being. By taking preventative measures and seeking treatment when necessary, you can help ensure that your pet is pain free, with healthy teeth and gums, for years to come.
Dental Home Care
Dental disease and tartar accumulation are very common in pets and can lead to serious mouth problems ranging from simple gum infections and gingivitis up to serious diseases with tooth, bone and gum loss.
Plaque refers to the soft, easily removable build up that can form on teeth. Tartar refers to when this plaque build up calcifies and becomes hard. To remove tartar, a scale and polish under general anaesthetic is advised, as it cannot be removed with dental care at home.
Here are some simple steps for you to follow at home to best care for your pet's teeth and prevent irreversible dental disease.
Feed Food That Will Help The Teeth Stay Clean.
There are a variety of dental diets on the market. They all work in a similar way, by making your pet crunch on kibble specifically designed to clean away plaque as they chew, and by having ingredients that reduce how much plaque can stick to their teeth.
Our recommendations:
Hill's t/d for cats and dogs is a balanced diet that has been designed to ensure the teeth and gums are cleaned every time the dog or cat crunches into the kibble pieces. It also has an enzyme that can help to break down plaque on the teeth.
This food is very tasty so be careful not to overfeed as this could lead to weight gain.
Royal Canin Dental for cats and dogs is also a balanced diet that can help remove plaque on the teeth as your pet chews through the kibble. It also has added ingredients to help reduce plaque formation.
Delicate Care Dental for dogs and cats is another balanced diet, and a good option for those pets with sensitive stomachs. This diet works by including an ingredient that can help reduce the plaque build up on the teeth. It also works by physically reducing the plaque build up as your pet chews through the kibble pieces. This diet is hypoallergenic and fish based - great for if your pet has a chicken or beef allergy.
Caution For Feeding Raw Bones
There are very polarized views on feeding bones to pets. Dental specialists end up treating a lot of teeth that are fractured due to bone chewing.
There are safer options available, such as specially formulated dental chews fed once a day, eg. Greenies, Oravet chews or Dentastix . Remember that treats are a source of calories and may lead to weight problems if too many are given.
We do not recommend feeding deer antlers or goat horns. Both of these are very hard and can fracture teeth quite easily.
Clean your pet's teeth regularly.Brushing your pets’ teeth daily is the most effective way of fighting dental plaque and tartar. It is best to start brushing your pets’ teeth at an early age to get them accustomed to the routine.
Some tips for brushing your pets’ teeth
Note: if you become threatened by your pets’ behaviour while brushing, or if your pet becomes aggressive, do not persist.
How often should you brush your pets’ teeth? Ideally, you should do it every day. However, every second day or even once a week brushing is better than nothing!
Oral washes
Oral washes/gels can help reduce plaque and tartar formation and help clean mouths and freshen breath with or without brushing. Most pets seem to accept them readily. Those containing chlorhexidine are a good choice and can be applied directly to the teeth or wiped on with gauze or stocking/pantyhose covered finger.
Our recommendation:
Maxi/Guard Oral Cleansing Gel - This is a gel that can be applied to the teeth with your finger, gauze or with a toothbrush. It works by reducing the build-up of plaque, reducing gum inflammation and reducing mouth odours.
Drinking water additives
These help to reduce the plaque adhesion on the teeth and keep bacterial populations to a minimum as well.
Our recommendation:
Oxyfresh - this is a product that is added to your pets normal drinking water. It has ingredients that reduce the amount of plaque that sticks to your pets teeth. It can reduce bad breath and it promotes good gum health.
This product is good for multi animal households as all animals can safely drink the same water.
Dental Chews
Chews can help reduce tartar formation by physically removing plaque. To be of any benefit, these chews need to be given at least every second day, but daily dental chews are of most benefit.
Our recommendations:
Oravet chews -These work by making your pet chew to physically remove plaque build-up. Oravet also works by having a plaque fighting ingredient within the chew, to reduce the amount of plaque sticking to your pets' teeth.
Greenies - These work by making your pet chew to help physically remove plaque build-up.
Dental Examinations
Even with the best of dental care at home, some pets still require professional examination and cleaning frequently. Just like humans, some pets have better general dental health than others. Untreated dental disease results in infection and discomfort in the mouth. This can lead to serious problems such as bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging the heart valves or other organs.
It is amazing what our pets will put up with when it comes to pain, so even though they are still crunching through their kibble, or playing with their toys, they could still be living with a painful mouth.
While all dental care products can be helpful, nothing is better than daily (or even twice daily) tooth brushing. Unfortunately there is no set and forget option, but luckily there are a number of different options to suit every pet and their families.
FAQ’s
How can my pet have bad breath if their teeth look clean?
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Calculus forms a layer that the bacteria like to stick in, but we can have pockets under the gum that we cant see, where the bacteria like to live. A full dental examination will help us form a plan to treat the bad breath.
What if my pet won’t tolerate tooth brushing?
Thats okay! Some pets just don’t like people being around their face. If this is the case, we can consider alternatives such as a dental diet, dental chews or water additives.
What if I can only find the time to brush my pets teeth once a fortnight?
While something is better than nothing, studies have shown that for there to be any benefit, teeth need to be brushed every second day at a minimum. If this can’t be managed, we can look at alternatives like a dental diet, dental chews or water additives.
What if I'm giving my dog a dental chew every week?
Again, while something is better than nothing, for us to see the benefit of giving dental chews, they need to be given every second day at a minimum.
Why do I have to do dental care at home when my pet has just had a clean under anaesthetic?
Plaque begins to build up within just 1 day after a scale and polish. It is much easier to maintain a clean and healthy mouth after a scale and polish if we continue dental care at home immediately after a routine clean. If we have extracted any teeth while they have been under anaesthetic, we will tailor our advice to suit your pets needs.
Here are some tips for keeping your pet's teeth healthy:
- Regular Brushing: Brushing your pet's teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent dental problems. Start by using a pet toothbrush and toothpaste, which are specifically designed for their needs. Begin by brushing a few teeth at a time and gradually work up to a full brushing.
- Dental Chews: Giving your pet dental chews can help reduce plaque buildup and freshen their breath. Make sure to choose chews that are appropriate for your pet's size and dental health.
- Dental Treats: Dental treats can also help improve your pet's dental health. Look for treats that are specifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Regular Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are important to catch any dental problems early. Your veterinarian can perform a dental exam during your pet's annual check-up.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: If your pet has significant plaque buildup or other dental problems, your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia. This will involve a thorough cleaning of the teeth, including scaling and polishing.
Remember, dental health is an important part of your pet's overall well-being. By taking preventative measures and seeking treatment, when necessary, you can help ensure that your pet has healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Veterinary dental treatment under anaesthesia
Veterinary dental treatment under general anaesthesia is one of the most common procedures performed at Ripponlea Vet Hospital. It involves a thorough cleaning and examination of your pet's teeth and gums. Anaesthesia is considered imperative for a thorough examination and treatment at Ripponlea Vet Hospital to align with our core values of stress free handling and to ensure that we can perform the procedure safely. It allows us to perform x-rays of the mouth, which looks at the area below the gum that is invisible to us during visual inspection but is where most of the disease we treat is actually located. While it may seem scary, this procedure is essential for maintaining your pet's dental health and overall well-being.
Here's what you can expect during a dental treatment under general anaesthesia:
- Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Test: Before the procedure, your veterinarian may recommend blood work be performed to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anaesthesia. This will help identify any potential risks or complications. A preanesthetic examination will be recommended if we have not seen your pet in a while to ensure no surprises on the day.
- Anaesthetic Induction: Your pet will be given medication to induce anaesthesia, which will cause them to become unconscious and unable to feel any pain.
- Dental Examination: Once your pet is under anaesthesia, your veterinarian will perform a thorough dental examination. This will involve checking for any signs of dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease.
- Dental Cleaning: Your veterinarian will then clean your pet's teeth using specialised tools. This will involve scaling and polishing to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
- Dental X-Rays: If your veterinarian suspects any dental problems, they may take dental X-rays to get a better look at your pet's teeth and jaw.
- Tooth Extractions: If your pet has any severely decayed or damaged teeth, they may need to be extracted. This will help prevent further damage to surrounding teeth and gums.
- Recovery: After the procedure, your pet will be monitored closely as they recover from anaesthesia. They may be given medication to manage pain and reduce swelling.
In addition, it's important to maintain your pet's dental health through regular brushing, dental chews, and check-ups with your veterinarian between dental treatments. This can help reduce the need for dental treatment under general anaesthesia in the future. Sadly, it does not negate the need for repeat dental procedures, but can certainly extend the time between dental exams being required.
Remember, dental health is an essential part of your pet's overall health and well-being. By taking preventative measures and seeking treatment when necessary, you can help ensure that your pet is pain free, with healthy teeth and gums, for years to come.
Dental Home Care
Dental disease and tartar accumulation are very common in pets and can lead to serious mouth problems ranging from simple gum infections and gingivitis up to serious diseases with tooth, bone and gum loss.
Plaque refers to the soft, easily removable build up that can form on teeth. Tartar refers to when this plaque build up calcifies and becomes hard. To remove tartar, a scale and polish under general anaesthetic is advised, as it cannot be removed with dental care at home.
Here are some simple steps for you to follow at home to best care for your pet's teeth and prevent irreversible dental disease.
Feed Food That Will Help The Teeth Stay Clean.
There are a variety of dental diets on the market. They all work in a similar way, by making your pet crunch on kibble specifically designed to clean away plaque as they chew, and by having ingredients that reduce how much plaque can stick to their teeth.
Our recommendations:
Hill's t/d for cats and dogs is a balanced diet that has been designed to ensure the teeth and gums are cleaned every time the dog or cat crunches into the kibble pieces. It also has an enzyme that can help to break down plaque on the teeth.
This food is very tasty so be careful not to overfeed as this could lead to weight gain.
Royal Canin Dental for cats and dogs is also a balanced diet that can help remove plaque on the teeth as your pet chews through the kibble. It also has added ingredients to help reduce plaque formation.
Delicate Care Dental for dogs and cats is another balanced diet, and a good option for those pets with sensitive stomachs. This diet works by including an ingredient that can help reduce the plaque build up on the teeth. It also works by physically reducing the plaque build up as your pet chews through the kibble pieces. This diet is hypoallergenic and fish based - great for if your pet has a chicken or beef allergy.
Caution For Feeding Raw Bones
There are very polarized views on feeding bones to pets. Dental specialists end up treating a lot of teeth that are fractured due to bone chewing.
There are safer options available, such as specially formulated dental chews fed once a day, eg. Greenies, Oravet chews or Dentastix . Remember that treats are a source of calories and may lead to weight problems if too many are given.
We do not recommend feeding deer antlers or goat horns. Both of these are very hard and can fracture teeth quite easily.
Clean your pet's teeth regularly.Brushing your pets’ teeth daily is the most effective way of fighting dental plaque and tartar. It is best to start brushing your pets’ teeth at an early age to get them accustomed to the routine.
Some tips for brushing your pets’ teeth
- It is easier to stand beside or behind your pet rather than in front when brushing.
- Make sure your pet is relaxed before you start, give them lots of pats!
- Choose a nice soft toothbrush and make sure it isn’t too big for your pet's mouth. There is a range of “animal” toothbrushes available, including “finger toothbrushes” which are ideal for cats and small dogs.
- Use toothpaste that is specially formulated for animals. DO NOT use human toothpaste.
- Make sure you squeeze the toothpaste in between the hairs of the brush, this stops your pet from licking it off
- When you first start brushing only clean a few teeth. It is often easiest to start with the molars at the side of the mouth. Each time you brush you can add a few more teeth until eventually, you will be able to clean the whole mouth.
- Initially concentrate on brushing the outside of the mouth, especially along the gum line. As both you and your pet get used to brushing you can start to reach inside the mouth to clean the inside of the teeth.
- Don’t forget to reward your pet at the end with lots of pats, a walk or a toy.
Note: if you become threatened by your pets’ behaviour while brushing, or if your pet becomes aggressive, do not persist.
How often should you brush your pets’ teeth? Ideally, you should do it every day. However, every second day or even once a week brushing is better than nothing!
Oral washes
Oral washes/gels can help reduce plaque and tartar formation and help clean mouths and freshen breath with or without brushing. Most pets seem to accept them readily. Those containing chlorhexidine are a good choice and can be applied directly to the teeth or wiped on with gauze or stocking/pantyhose covered finger.
Our recommendation:
Maxi/Guard Oral Cleansing Gel - This is a gel that can be applied to the teeth with your finger, gauze or with a toothbrush. It works by reducing the build-up of plaque, reducing gum inflammation and reducing mouth odours.
Drinking water additives
These help to reduce the plaque adhesion on the teeth and keep bacterial populations to a minimum as well.
Our recommendation:
Oxyfresh - this is a product that is added to your pets normal drinking water. It has ingredients that reduce the amount of plaque that sticks to your pets teeth. It can reduce bad breath and it promotes good gum health.
This product is good for multi animal households as all animals can safely drink the same water.
Dental Chews
Chews can help reduce tartar formation by physically removing plaque. To be of any benefit, these chews need to be given at least every second day, but daily dental chews are of most benefit.
Our recommendations:
Oravet chews -These work by making your pet chew to physically remove plaque build-up. Oravet also works by having a plaque fighting ingredient within the chew, to reduce the amount of plaque sticking to your pets' teeth.
Greenies - These work by making your pet chew to help physically remove plaque build-up.
Dental Examinations
Even with the best of dental care at home, some pets still require professional examination and cleaning frequently. Just like humans, some pets have better general dental health than others. Untreated dental disease results in infection and discomfort in the mouth. This can lead to serious problems such as bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging the heart valves or other organs.
It is amazing what our pets will put up with when it comes to pain, so even though they are still crunching through their kibble, or playing with their toys, they could still be living with a painful mouth.
While all dental care products can be helpful, nothing is better than daily (or even twice daily) tooth brushing. Unfortunately there is no set and forget option, but luckily there are a number of different options to suit every pet and their families.
FAQ’s
How can my pet have bad breath if their teeth look clean?
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Calculus forms a layer that the bacteria like to stick in, but we can have pockets under the gum that we cant see, where the bacteria like to live. A full dental examination will help us form a plan to treat the bad breath.
What if my pet won’t tolerate tooth brushing?
Thats okay! Some pets just don’t like people being around their face. If this is the case, we can consider alternatives such as a dental diet, dental chews or water additives.
What if I can only find the time to brush my pets teeth once a fortnight?
While something is better than nothing, studies have shown that for there to be any benefit, teeth need to be brushed every second day at a minimum. If this can’t be managed, we can look at alternatives like a dental diet, dental chews or water additives.
What if I'm giving my dog a dental chew every week?
Again, while something is better than nothing, for us to see the benefit of giving dental chews, they need to be given every second day at a minimum.
Why do I have to do dental care at home when my pet has just had a clean under anaesthetic?
Plaque begins to build up within just 1 day after a scale and polish. It is much easier to maintain a clean and healthy mouth after a scale and polish if we continue dental care at home immediately after a routine clean. If we have extracted any teeth while they have been under anaesthetic, we will tailor our advice to suit your pets needs.
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