Dental Care
Let’s Talk About Your Pet’s Teeth
Here’s something most pet owners don’t realise — dental disease is one of the most common health problems we see in dogs and cats. In fact, by the time most pets are three years old, they already have some form of dental disease. And the tricky part? They’re very good at hiding the pain.That’s not your fault. Pets instinctively mask discomfort — it’s just how they’re wired. But it does mean that by the time you notice something, things have often been brewing for a while.The good news is, dental problems are largely preventable. And when caught early, they’re very treatable. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Why Dental Health Actually Matters — A Lot
We know “pet dental care” might not sound like the most urgent thing on your list. But here’s the reality — your pet’s mouth is connected to the rest of their body, and poor dental health doesn’t just stay in the mouth.Bacteria from infected gums and teeth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver — causing serious problems that go far beyond bad breath. What starts as a bit of tartar buildup can quietly turn into something that affects your pet’s quality of life in a big way.A healthy mouth means a healthier, happier pet. It really is that simple.
Signs Your Pet Might Have a Dental Problem
Because pets don’t complain the way we do, here are the things to watch out for:
- Bad breath that’s noticeably worse than usual
- Yellowing or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling more than normal
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or avoiding hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Reluctance to be touched around the face or jaw
- Loose or visibly damaged teeth
- A change in eating habits or appetite
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth giving us a call. Even if you’re not sure — that’s what we’re here for.
What We Do:
Dental Examination
Every dental visit starts with a thorough look inside your pet’s mouth. We check each tooth, the gums, the tongue, the palate, and the surrounding tissue — looking for signs of disease, decay, damage, or anything that doesn’t look right.If we spot something that needs a closer look, we’ll talk you through what we’ve found and what we recommend — clearly, honestly, and without overwhelming you with technical language.
Professional Dental Cleaning
This is what makes the biggest difference. Even with the best home care routine, tartar and plaque build up in places that brushing simply can’t reach — especially below the gumline, where dental disease really starts.Our professional cleaning removes that buildup completely, polishes the tooth surfaces, and gives your pet’s mouth a proper reset. It’s done safely under anaesthesia so your pet feels nothing and we can do a thorough job without causing them any stress.We know the word “anaesthesia” can feel a little scary. We take it seriously too — which is why we assess every patient carefully before proceeding and monitor them closely throughout. Your pet’s safety is always the priority.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes a tooth is too damaged or infected to save — and in those cases, the kindest thing we can do is remove it. We know that sounds dramatic, but pets actually cope remarkably well after extractions. Most are eating comfortably again within a day or two, and many owners tell us their pet seems like a completely different animal afterwards — more energetic, more playful, clearly no longer in pain.
Treatment of Gum Disease
If we find gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease, we’ll treat it directly — cleaning out infected tissue, reducing inflammation, and giving the gums the best chance to heal properly.
Oral Wound & Injury Care
Chewing on something hard, a knock during play, or an accident — oral injuries happen. We’ll assess the damage, manage any pain, and treat the injury to help your pet heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
How Often Should You Bring Your Pet In?
As a general guide:
- Once a year for a routine dental check as part of their annual wellness visit
- Every 6 months for pets who are prone to dental disease, older animals, or certain breeds with known dental challenges (looking at you, flat-faced breeds)
- Any time you notice something that concerns you — don’t wait for the annual check if something feels off
The earlier we catch something, the simpler and less costly it is to treat. Routine care really does make a difference.
What You Can Do at Home
We’ll be honest — brushing your pet’s teeth isn’t always easy. Some pets take to it brilliantly. Others would rather do absolutely anything else. But even a little goes a long way, and we’re happy to show you how to make it as painless as possible for both of you.Some things that help at home:
- Tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste — it’s toxic to pets)
- Dental chews and treats designed to reduce plaque buildup
- Dental rinses or water additives — simple to use and surprisingly effective
- Appropriate chew toys that support dental health without risking tooth fractures
We’ll always give you practical, realistic advice based on your pet’s personality and your lifestyle — not a one-size-fits-all lecture.
A Few Questions We Often Hear
- Is anaesthesia really necessary for a dental cleaning? For a thorough, safe cleaning — yes. It allows us to clean below the gumline (where it matters most), take X-rays if needed, and make sure your pet feels absolutely nothing throughout the procedure. We assess every patient beforehand and take every precaution. It’s very routine for us.
- My pet is eating fine — do they really need a dental check? Yes, quite possibly. Pets are masters at eating through pain. Many animals with significant dental disease still eat normally because they’ve simply adapted. A clean bill of dental health is always worth confirming.
- How much does it cost? Cost varies depending on what’s needed — a routine clean is very different from extractions or disease treatment. We’ll always give you a clear picture of what’s involved and the costs before we proceed with anything. No surprises.
- My pet is older — is it still safe? Age alone isn’t a barrier to dental care. We assess each patient individually, taking into account their overall health and any existing conditions. Often, older pets benefit the most from dental treatment — they’ve simply had more time for things to build up.
Let’s talk