Maintaining good dental hygiene isn’t just important for humans – it’s essential for pets too.
At Chatswood Vet Clinic, we often find that while most owners understand how dental health impacts their own wellbeing, they aren’t always aware that the same applies to their cats and dogs. In fact, studies show that around 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of just three years old.
Ignoring your pet’s dental health can lead to pain, illness, and even shorten their lifespan. But the good news? Maintaining good oral hygiene can add 2–4 years to your pet’s life.
We offer FREE Dental Check Ups for both new and existing clients.
Simply call or book online, and one of our experienced vets will assess your pet’s teeth, checking for signs of dental disease. We’ll let you know if your pet needs a scale and polish, tooth extractions, or any other dental treatments to get them back to full health.
Let’s dive deeper into why dental care is vital and how you can keep your pet’s smile healthy.
Why Managing Dental Health is Key to Your Pet’s Overall Health
Dental disease isn’t just about bad breath or dirty teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, jaw fractures, cavities and losing teeth.
Left unchecked, poor dental health can lead to serious, life-threatening problems in your pet. Here’s why oral care is so important:
Infections Spreading to Vital Organs
Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout your pet’s body. Organs like the kidneys, liver, and lungs can become infected, leading to major health complications that are often difficult and expensive to treat.
What starts as a minor gum infection can quickly escalate into systemic issues that put your pet’s life at risk.
Heart Health Risks
There is a strong link between dental disease and heart problems in pets. When bacteria from infected gums reach the heart, they can cause inflammation of the heart valves – a condition called infective endocarditis. This can lead to heart failure or serious cardiovascular diseases.
Regular dental checks and cleanings are crucial for your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
What Is Dental Disease?
Dental disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by a bacterial infection that builds up in a sticky substance called plaque.
Plaque sticks to the surface of the teeth both above and below the gum line. If not removed through brushing or professional cleaning, it hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, pain, and infection.
Fun fact:
- Adult dogs typically have 42 teeth, while adult cats have 30 teeth.
That’s a lot of teeth to take care of and each one is important for eating, playing, and overall health!
Over time, dental disease can cause:
- Destruction of supportive tissues and bone
- Painful, red, bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose or missing teeth
Without treatment, these changes become irreversible, severely impacting your pet’s quality of life.
How Do You Know if Your Pet Has Dental Disease?
Dental disease often develops slowly, and pets, especially cats, are masters at hiding discomfort.
Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Bad breath (often one of the first noticeable signs)
- Loose or missing teeth
- Bleeding, swollen, or red gums
- Discoloured teeth or visible plaque build-up
- Receding gums
- Reluctance to chew, play, or eat hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to book your FREE dental check at Chatswood Vet Clinic.
How Do You Treat Dental Disease?
If your pet already has dental disease, professional treatment is essential.
At Chatswood Vet Clinic, dental procedures are performed under general anaesthetic to ensure a thorough, safe, and stress-free treatment.
The process usually includes:
- Dental x-rays reveal issues below the gumline not visible in routine exams, helping assess tooth and root health, and detect abscesses, fractures, and tumours.
- Scaling and flushing the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and infection
- Polishing the teeth to help prevent future plaque build-up
- Extraction of loose, severely infected, or damaged teeth
Early intervention is the key. Untreated dental disease can cause chronic pain and serious illness.
How Do You Prevent Dental Disease in Pets?
Prevention is always better than cure – and it’s much easier than you think!
Here’s how you can protect your pet’s smile:
- Book a FREE Dental Check with us
A thorough dental exam by our experienced Vets is the first step.
We’ll assess your pet’s teeth and gums and recommend treatments if necessary, as well as guide you on the best prevention strategies.
- Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Daily brushing is the gold standard for dental care.
Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste!) and make it a part of your pet’s routine.
We can show you easy techniques to get your cat or dog comfortable with brushing.
- Feed Appropriate Food
A special veterinary-recommended dental diet can make a big difference.
Dental biscuits are designed to:
- Encourage chewing
- Scrape plaque from the teeth
- Stimulate saliva production, which naturally protects teeth
- Offer Dental Chews
Dental chews are a great way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
They:
- Physically rub plaque off the teeth
- Promote protective saliva
- Keep your pet engaged and happy
Just make sure the chews are vet-approved and safe for your pet’s size and breed.
- Regular Professional Dental Treatments
Adult cats and dogs often need a scale and polish under anaesthetic every 6–18 months depending on their oral health.
Regular treatments remove tartar that brushing and diet alone can’t tackle.
- Use Dental Products
Supplements and specialist products can help reduce plaque and bacterial growth.
Ask us for recommendations and you can then add these to your pet’s routine to enhance all your other dental care efforts.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Pet Smiling for Life
Dental health is a crucial part of your pet’s overall wellbeing, yet it’s often overlooked until serious issues arise.
At Chatswood Vet Clinic, we’re passionate about making pet dental care simple, effective, and stress-free for both pets and owners.
By being proactive with regular checks, daily brushing, dental-friendly diets, and professional treatments, you can:
- Protect your pet from pain and illness
- Add 2–4 happy, healthy years to their life
- Save money on costly treatments later down the track
Book a FREE Dental Check Up with the friendly team at Chatswood Vet Clinic today on our website or give us a call on (02) 9411 6547 and give your furry friend the gift of a healthier, longer life!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for vet advice, informative content, hints and tips on giving your pets’ their best life.