Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems seen in pets on a daily basis. When up to 80% of pets are affected by the age of four, you can understand why it is one of the most important topics in veterinary care. Dental examinations are included in all routine consultations, but we also offer dental checks with our veterinary team year round; contact the clinic to make a booking.

Dental disease starts as bacteria combined with saliva and food debris building between the teeth and beneath the gum line. Within a few days plaque mineralises into tartar and enhances further plaque accumulation. This tartar build up leads to irreversible destruction of tissue and bone, causing bad breath, significant oral pain, tooth decay and/or tooth loss.

Pets will not commonly vocalise their discomfort, so there are other signs that you will need to watch for to know if they are beginning to suffer.

Did you know periodontal disease can lead to other serious health problems?

Periodontal disease causes inflammation of the gums which in turn provides an opportunity for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This bacteria travels freely throughout the body and subsequently, can lead to damage of major organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.

What are the causes of dental disease?

Dental disease is an unfortunate and inevitable part of pet ownership; however there are certain factors which can contribute to the development of plaque and tartar much earlier in life.

Contributing Factors can include:

  • Poor quality diet, particularly those containing a high volume of wet or canned food.
  • Breed predisposition; smaller dogs and cats are particularly prone.
  • Pets with shortened muzzles; such as Persian cats or Pugs and Bulldogs.
  • Trauma resulting in damage to the teeth.
  • Disease processes.

Signs of dental disease:

  • Bad breath – this is the most common and early indicators.
  • Discolouration of the teeth.
  • Loose teeth or missing teeth.
  • Reluctance to chew hard treats or eat their normal food.
  • Changes in chewing habits.
  • Excessive drooling – this is common in cats.
  • Inflammed (or blood-stained) gums.
  • Facial Swelling.
  • Pawing at the mouth.

Pets will not commonly vocalise their discomfort, so there are other signs that you will need to watch for to know if they are beginning to suffer.

How to tell the severity of my pet’s dental disease?

Dental disease is graded from 0-4. Each pet we see is given a grade and they can have several different grades at different points within the mouth. For example, it is common for the canine teeth to be grade 0-1 while the larger premolars in the back of the mouth can be much much worse.

Grade 0 teeth: Considered normal. When an animal is young, the teeth are white and clean looking. As a pet ages, teeth can become stained yellow with age. This does not effect the grade.

Grade 1 teeth: Small deposits of plaque on teeth; inflammation of the gingival layer. No bone loss at the early stage. Can be reversed with appropriate surgical intervention and changes in domestic environment.

Dog: Grade 1 Dental before cleanDog: Grade 1 Dental before clean

Grade 2 teeth: More significant plaque and now tartar build up which extends under the gum line. Greater levels of gingivitis, and bone loss is mild. Not reversible, but can be prevented from more extensive damage with appropriate surgical intervention and changes in domestic environment.

Dog: Grade 2 Dental before clean Dog: Grade 2 Dental before clean
Cat: Grade 2 dental before cleanCat: Grade 2 dental before clean
Ferret: Grade 2 Dental before cleanFerret: Grade 2 Dental before clean

Grade 3 teeth: Noticeable tartar and calculus; pockets developing around the tooth below the gum layer. Significant gingivitis and extensive bone loss. Not reversible, and in many cases, will require surgical intervention and tooth removal.

Dog: Grade 3 dental prior to clean Dog: Grade 3 dental prior to clean
Cat: Grade 3 Dental before cleanCat: Grade 3 Dental before clean

Grade 4 teeth: Easily visible presence of of tartar over the teeth, foul smell and often pus easily seen. Not reversible, will require surgical removal.

Dog: Grade 4 Dental before cleanDog: Grade 4 Dental before clean
Ferret: Grade 4 Dental before cleanFerret: Grade 4 Dental before clean

How to brush your pet’s teeth: the Gold Standard in dental care:

The gold standard of pet care involves brushing your pets teeth. This can be difficult to start with but daily brushing is the most effective way of avoiding plaque and tartar build up. Watch our video below to learn our tips and tricks for how to introduce your dog to having their teeth brushed:

Other Dental Care routines you can implement at home:

If brushing your pet’s teeth is not a possibility, there are other methods you can use that will help keep your pets smile white and clean. For the best results, ideally use a combination of as many of these products as possible.

These products all have the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Approval stating that “the product met VOHC’s Standards for effectiveness in retarding plaque and tartar when used as directed.”

Hills Prescription Diet T/D is the most recommended dental care product by vets as it has been specially formulated to clean pet’s teeth as they eat. The kibbles are designed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth as your pet bites into them. It also contains a superior antioxidant formula which has been shown to help reduce the progression of dental disease and is the only clinically proven dental diet with the stamp of  You will notice a difference in a few weeks. Prescription diet t/d is a complete food that contains all the nutrients your pet needs for a healthy, balanced diet. It should be fed long term, either on its own (for maximum benefit) or alongside your pets regular food to maintain dental health.

Oravet Daily Dental Chews: Oravet is a newer and more advanced daily chew for dogs that assists in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

For more information on Oravet dental treats, follow the link here.

Greenies Dental Treats: Greenies treats for both dogs and cats ideally given daily. They are clinically proven to help keep teeth cleaner and minimise the build up of plaque and tarter.

For more information on Greenies dental treats, follow the link here.

Plaque-Off:  Plaque-Off is an ideal product for fussy pets that will not eat or chew anything that will assist in the care of their teeth and gums. It is a powder that is added to meals, and assists in preventing the build up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Available in formulations for both dogs and cats, it is given in such small amounts that even the fussiest of pets won’t notice the addition of the product to their dinner!

For more information on Plaque-Off for pets, follow the link here.

Aquadent FR3SH: Aquadent FR3SH is a water additive that contains an anti-bacterial agent to prevent tartar build up. It can be useful for dogs that are not big chewers.

For more information on Aquadent Fr3sh, please follow the link here.

Hexarinse Oral Rinse: Hexarinse is a palatable rinse that can be used daily to prevent build up of tartar.

For more information on Hexarinse, please follow the link here.