Dental Care - Keeping Your Pet’s Smile Perfect!
Just like us, our pets need proper dental care to stay healthy and happy but it’s something that is often overlooked.
At Tribe, we’re here to help you understand why pet dental health matters and how you can help your dog or cat avoid dental issues.
Why Dental Health Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets. In fact, over 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by the age of three. While bad breath might seem like the only symptom, dental problems can lead to serious issues - including dental infections, painful mouths and difficulty eating, to potential heart, liver, or kidney damage if bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream.
Common Dental Problems in Pets
Here’s what we frequently see:
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup: When plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) isn’t removed, it progresses to hard tartar build up. This can cause gum irritation and lead to periodontal disease.
- Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease: Inflamed gums and infection can cause pain, tooth loss, and worse if left untreated.
- Broken or Loose Teeth: Often due to chewing on hard toys or bones, these can be very painful for pets.
- Tooth Root Abscesses: A hidden but painful condition that can go unnoticed without a proper dental exam.
- Retained Baby Teeth: Particularly in small breed dogs, baby teeth don’t always fall out on their own, which can crowd adult teeth and cause alignment issues.
- Misaligned Baby Teeth: Sometimes the canine (big fang) teeth can dig into the soft palate. We can often realign these teeth using a simple orthodontic ball technique.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Trouble
Pets can be great at hiding pain, but there are some telltale signs you can watch for:
- Bad breath (that’s not just "dog breath")
- Drooling more than usual
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Inflammed or bleeding gums or blood on toys
- Loose or discoloured teeth
If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to arrange a dental check-up for your pet.
How You Can Help at Home
Just like us, pets benefit from regular dental care. Here are some tips you can try at home:
- Brush Their Teeth: Yes, it’s possible! Use a pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Start slowly and make it a positive experience with treats and praise. Ask us for a demonstration when we next visit.
- Dental Pastes: These can be an excellent alternative if your pet doesn’t like their teeth being brushed. Speak to us about recommendations.
- Dental Treats & Chews: Many products are designed to help reduce plaque buildup. However, they do contain extra calories, so ensure you reduce their normal food a little. Also, if your pet doesn’t chew these but eats them in a few bites, they may not have any effect.
- Dental Diets: Some prescription diets are specially formulated to support dental health by cleaning teeth as pets chew and crunch.
- Food and Water Additives: Some of these can reduce plaque build-up, a bit like using mouthwash for us.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Annual exams give us a chance to spot early signs of dental disease. For some pets, we may recommend professional dental cleanings under anaesthesia.
We’re Here to Help
At Tribe, we treat your pets like family - because they are. If you have any concerns about your pet’s teeth or want advice on brushing, dental products, or cleanings, get in touch. We love seeing healthy smiles from our four-legged patients, and we’re always happy to chat about how you can help your pet live a longer, more comfortable life.
