Dental disease is one of the most common and easily overlooked conditions we see in pets. It can range from mild, subclinical changes to severe gingivitis, tooth root abscesses, and significant pain. Knowing which treatments are appropriate, and when, is not always straightforward for owners.
The progression is similar to that in people. A soft, white film of plaque forms on the teeth, and over time bacteria colonise it. This leads to mineral deposits, and once the plaque calcifies it becomes tartar, which appears yellow to brown. Tartar harbours even more bacteria contributing to cavities, and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Left unchecked, this process can damage the structures supporting the tooth, eventually causing loose or infected teeth.
Prevention is by far the best treatment. Plaque can be removed with regular brushing, ideally daily, and pet-specific toothbrushes and pastes are widely available. Products containing seaweed extracts or chlorhexidine can also help reduce plaque and bacterial load when added to food or water, although they are not a substitute for brushing.
Once significant tartar has formed, it must be removed mechanically. Veterinary teams perform this with ultrasonic scaling and polishing under general anaesthetic, as pets simply won’t tolerate having their mouths held open while delicate instruments are used. Anaesthesia also allows for a thorough oral examination and probing around each tooth to detect pockets or hidden disease. Teeth with advanced pathology often need extraction to eliminate ongoing pain.
Regular home care and timely professional cleaning greatly reduce the need for extractions and keep pets more comfortable throughout their lives.