Kingsdale Blog Document

Is Bacteria Building Up in Your Pet's Mouth?

Flip the lip alongside your pet’s teeth and gums. Is there a lot of yellow or brown tartar on the teeth? Are the gums red, inflamed or swollen? What about his/her breath - is it fresh or does it smell like bacteria?

     

Dogs and cats need dental care too! Studies have shown that 70-80% of pets over three years of age have some form of dental disease. Mild dental disease can lead to severe dental disease and pain in the future, and thus treating early on and help keep your pet happy and healthy.

As well as causing bad breath, plaque and tartar can cause bacteria to spread across the body. Organs that are targeted can include the heart, liver, and kidneys. Diseased teeth can also be a source of pain for which it is difficult for your pet to communicate to you.

Preventative treatment for mild dental disease includes:

1) Regular brushing (with a pet or baby toothbrush and pet (not human) toothpaste)

           2) A dental diet (including Medi-Cal Royal Canin Dental Diet and Hill’s T/D)

3) Dental treats (look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval to ensure the product has been clinically tested and proven for oral health)

4) A water additive (HealthyMouth™) which helps prevent plaque and tartar build up

For those pets who are developing plaque and tartar build-up, Dr. Boultbee and Dr. Kramer recommend a dental scaling and polishing. This procedure is done under a general anesthetic which allows us to do a full dental scaling, polishing, probing, and charting, which alleviates your pet’s mouth from the build-up of bacteria. 

*From Monday, January 7th to Friday, March 1st take advantage of our Dental Health Promotion in which your pet receives a FREE dental health assessment by Dr. Boultbee or Dr. Kramer. If a dental scale and polish (just like what your dental hygienist does for you) is recommended, you get 10% off the cost of it!* 

Dental xrays are also recommended while your pet is under anesthesia in order to assess the health of each tooth on the inside as well as below the gumline. 

For pets who have significant dental disease, extractions of the mobile or diseased teeth (determined by probing and dental xrays) is required in order to alleviate pain and discomfort. In addition to being under a general anesthetic, all pets who will have teeth extracted receive a local anesthetic to numb the site. They also receive pain medication to go home with in order to make them more comfortable.

Did your pet just have a dental scaling and polishing recently? Engaging in regular at-home dental care (e.g. brushing, dental diet, treats, and/or water additive) can help keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy for longer!

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s oral health please feel free to give us a call (905 833 5401) or book an appointment. We can have a good look, answer your questions, and help you prevent or treat dental disease in your pet