Kingsdale Blog Document

Dental Month - What is it all about?

Flip the lip alongside your pet’s teeth and gums. Is there a lot of tartar build up? Are the gums red or swollen? Do you notice pain or discomfort? What about his/her breath?

Dogs and cats need dental care too! 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.

Studies have shown that the 80% of dogs and cats 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.

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, We 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. 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!