Oral Care

Good dental health is vital for anyone’s happiness

We all know how painful, constant, irritating toothache can be, so please consider your pet’s mouth too. Only a few pets have their teeth brushed regularly, yet just as with our teeth, food can become stuck and the tooth surface is a non-shedding surface, making it easy for plaque and bacteria to build-up.

You may have noticed discolouration or a change in the surface of your pets’ teeth as they get older. Yellow/brown discolouration, called ‘scale’ or calculus can sometimes be seen when they open their mouths. This hard, roughened surface causes irritation of the gum (gingivitis) which leads to reddening, discomfort and eventually periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is when the tooth’s attachments become inflamed and start to break down. This is an irreversible change, so prevention is vital.

All dogs and cats can have a ‘scale and polish’ under anaesthetic to remove the plaque already formed, helping to reduce the damage caused. Problem teeth such as those that are broken or damaged are removed at this time as they can be painful or lead to further troubles in the future.

Rabbit and guinea pig’s have teeth that are constantly growing. This means that they need to eat a diet high in fibre, so that they spend a lot of time chewing or grinding their food to wear all of their teeth evenly. If they do not eat a diet that is high in fibre the teeth can become misshapen with uneven wear which leads to sharp spikes forming which rub their tongue and inside of their cheeks.

Dental care for dogs and cats

Tooth brushing

Whilst dental disease is very common in older pets, it is important to remember that you are the most important part of your pet’s oral health, as the vast majority of the disease is preventable with good home care. Daily tooth brushing is the most effective way of removing plaque and preventing dental disease.

Patience and persistence may be required, but most pets will accept some degree of home care.

How to brush your pet’s teeth:

1. Make the pet comfortable and approach from the side rather than in front.

2. Start by rubbing the toothpaste (always use a toothpaste specially formulated for pets) on the teeth with your finger or finger brush. Only once this is accepted progress to a soft toothbrush.

3. Brush the teeth in a circular motion that includes the gums and crowns of the teeth.

4. Start with just a few teeth and gradually increase the number of teeth cleaned in a single session.

5. The mouth does not need to be opened, it is mainly the outside surfaces of the teeth, where the gums and tooth meet which need brushing.

6. Offer a reward at the end of the procedure e.g. a game or a treat (not chocolate or biscuits!) include tooth brushing as part of the daily routine.

Home care is far more likely to be acceptable to an older dog if it is introduced as an extension of a pre-existing routine e.g. evening meal, walk or grooming.

Although brushing is the most effective way of removing plaque, other methods can be used if brushing has proved unsuccessful:

Chewing

The use of products aimed at encouraging chewing activity may be beneficial as it stimulates salivation, flushing the mouth with natural plaque retardants and physically removes some plaque from the teeth. It is recommended that dogs are encouraged to chew daily, preferably shortly after eating their main meal. A variety of chewing products are available, rawhide chews have shown to be the most effective material, but be careful they don’t swallow a large piece as they can cause blockages. We do not recommend giving dogs materials that are too hard (e.g. antlers), as this is known to cause fractured teeth.

Dental Toys

There are special toys which are designed to act like a toothbrush when your pet chews on them. This makes a good addition to brushing or can be given if they don’t tolerate a tooth-brush. The designs can vary, but the ones we recommend have bristles that will surround the teeth as they chew.

Diet

There are specially formulated diets such as Hills T/D which contain special fibres which allow the tooth to penetrate rather than shatter the kibble. This helps wipe plaque, tartar and staining from the tooth’s surface right down to the gum line.

Supplements

Products such as Plaque Off are added to your pets food and once ingested, work naturally to dissolve existing calculus and prevents new build-up. Anident Antibacterial Soothing Gel and Anident Oral Rinsing Solution inhibit plaque build-up and leave their breath fresh.

Regular Examinations

Just like us, pets need regular dental examinations to check for and treat potential problems before they develop into painful conditions.

Practice information

Highgate

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  • Mon
    8:30am - 7:00pm
  • Tue
    8:30am - 7:00pm
  • Wed
    8:30am - 7:00pm
  • Thu
    8:30am - 7:00pm
  • Fri
    8:30am - 7:00pm
  • Sat
    9:00am - 12:00pm
  • Sun
    Closed

Emergency Details

Please call:

01539 721344
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Find us here:

173 Highgate Kendal Cumbria LA9 4EN
get directions with Google Maps
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Please call this number for emergencies:

01539 721344

Beezon Road

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  • Mon
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tue
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wed
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thu
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Fri
    9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sat
    Closed
  • Sun
    Closed

Emergency Details

Please call:

01539 721344
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Find us here:

Unit 1, Beezon Road Trading Estate Kendal LA9 6BW
get directions with Google Maps
Back

Please call this number for emergencies:

01539 721344