Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats

Dental disease affects up to 80% of our pets over the age of 3 and just like people, there can be serious consequences of poor dental health. The longer you leave your pet’s periodontal disease the worse it is going to get and the condition of your pet’s teeth will not improve without intervention at this later stage.

Earlier stages of dental disease can be managed by feeding a dental diet available at the practice (we will recommend the best one for your pet). Later stages of dental disease will require a scale and polish. After the scale and polish, feeding a dental diet, oravet or other effective dental chews, and brushing your pets’ teeth will help delay the reccurence of plaque, tartar and thus inflammation of the gums.

If you are concerned about the current condition of your pet’s teeth/mouth please bring them in for a check up (also annually when we vaccinate your pet we always check the condition of their teeth and gums).

Below describes the different grades of  dental disease and thus how we determine whether a dental (scale and polish and/or extractions) is required:

Grade 1

Inflammation is apparent on the gum from the bacterial build up (seen as red border above tooth and this means pain). This is the beginning stage of dental disease – while the teeth still appear somewhat healthy, the health of the mouth is starting to decline – a dental scale and polish is now required (from this grade onwards dental disease can contribute to both kidney and heart conditions).

Grade 2

Inflammation is apparent on the gum from the bacterial build up (seen as red border above tooth and this means pain). This is the beginning stage of dental disease – while the teeth still appear somewhat healthy, the health of the mouth is starting to decline – a dental scale and polish is now required (from this grade onwards dental disease can contribute to both kidney and heart conditions).

Grade 3

Unhealthy oral cavity with unfavourable bacteria, gum and inner lip ulcerations, receding gums, root exposure, and plaque buildup. Some tooth loss is probable. This grade is painful and immediate action is required – scale and polish at a minimum but likely extractions too. Again if left, this grade of disease can contribute to both kidney and heart conditions.

Grade 4

Mouth is full of pus, bacteria and disease. The teeth are falling out and the gums are severely inflamed and infected. The roots of their teeth are infected and exposed. As above this condition is painful and requires immediate action – extractions and scale and polish of remaining teeth. As above if left, this disease can contribute to kidney and heart conditions.