MERIDIAN VETERINARY PRACTICE LTD
11 Edith Avenue, Peacehaven
East Sussex BN10 8JB
Tel: 01273 585386
Fax: 01273 580874
vets@meridianvets.co.uk
www.meridianvets.co.uk
PET
DENTISTRY
Dental disease is incredibly common in cats and dogs, and
the problem increases dramatically as our pets age. This is
hardly surprising when you consider that most adult people
have a number of fillings, and it is very rare for a person
over 60 not to have lost some if not all of their teeth.
Imagine how much worse this would be if we were not able
to brush our teeth every day!
Sadly, dental problems in pets are often overlooked as
owners rarely get the opportunity to look in their pets
mouths.
Also our pets are very good at “putting up” with any pain or
infection. We could compare the mouth pain our pets
experience to us having constant dull toothache! Most of us
would get that dealt with as soon as possible. We should
try and do the same for our pets.
Sometimes owners may notice signs of a problem, e.g. a bad
smell from the mouth, dribbling, or a swelling on the face
caused by an abscess.
However, most often dental problems are noticed at the
time of a routine veterinary check up [another reason why
an annual health check is so valuable].
When a vet recommends dentistry it is usually to remove
damaged or infected teeth which are causing discomfort.
Generally there is little value in just removing dental tartar
[the brown crusty debris that builds upon the tooth
surface] as it will rapidly reform unless the teeth are
brushed daily.
Dental operations are time consuming and skilled
procedures. If an operation is appropriate for your pet,
the vet will discuss the details thoroughly with you
beforehand.
Cats and dogs cope extremely well following tooth removal
as the foods they are fed are gulped down with a minimum
of chewing. Even dry foods tend to be swallowed whole.
In fact pet owners invariably say how much better overall
their pets are after dentistry, reflecting the fact that
they are no longer dragged down by discomfort and
infection.
Clients often ask how best to keep their pets teeth in good
condition. Ideally every dog and cat should have its teeth
brushed daily using a special veterinary toothbrush and
paste. Although a great idea, very few clients have a
sufficiently compliant pet to make this practical!
Other measures that may help include special diets, chews,
mouthwashes and gels although none of these provide a
complete solution to the problem.
If you are concerned that your pet may have a dental
problem, please contact the surgery for an appointment
with one of our vets.
Alternatively if you don’t think there is a problem but
you would like your pet’s mouth checked just to be
sure, you can ring and book a nurses
appointment. Our nurses will gladly perform a
free dental assessment, and be able to discuss
the teeth cleaning measures mentioned above.