The hidden dangers of poor dental hygiene in pets

There’s nothing better than a big slobbery kiss from your dog or your cat rubbing their little face against yours.

But when being that close to them makes you think, ‘Phew, that is some bad breath,’ it may be a sign that they have dental issues.

If that sounds familiar, answer this:

When was the last time you checked your pet’s teeth?

Many pet owners don’t think about dental hygiene, but just like us, our pets need regular dental care to stay healthy. Forgetting about dental hygiene can lead to more than just bad breath!

Dental disease is one of the most common (and preventable) health issues we see in pets at Direct Vet Services in Point Cook.

In this blog, you’ll discover how your pet’s dental health is closely linked to their overall well-being, what happens during a professional dental checkup, and how to keep your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape at home.

How dental health affects your pet’s overall well-being

You may be surprised to hear that dental disease doesn’t just stay in your pet’s mouth. It’s a disease that can have a serious impact on the entire body.

Here’s what poor dental hygiene can lead to:

Pain and discomfort: Unlike babies who cry or adults who cringe, pets can’t tell us when their teeth hurt. Mouth infections, gum disease, and damaged (cracked or broken) teeth can cause significant ongoing pain in your pet. If your pet paws at their mouth, it may be a sign of discomfort.
Tooth loss: As dental disease advances, you may find that your pet’s teeth become loose and may fall out. This should be obvious as you may notice them around your house or see that your pet isn’t eating how they once did (e.g. trying to avoid crunchy biscuits).
Organ damage: Dental disease can become a whole-body issue when the bacteria from their infected gums enter the bloodstream. These toxins travel to vital organs and cause damage to your pet’s heart, liver or kidneys.
Behaviour changes: You know your pet better than anyone! But if your pet seems a little grumpy (for no apparent reason), is less active or avoids their food, it may be a sign of dental pain.

The good news is that most dental issues can be prevented with regular vet checkups and good hygiene habits at home.

What happens during a pet dental checkup and cleaning?

Most people are scared of the dentist! So, it’s natural that you may be feeling a little nervous about your beloved pet.

Here’s what you (and your pet) can expect from a professional veterinary dental exam:

Step 1: Dental exam

Your vet will look inside your pet’s mouth, checking for signs of plaque, tartar, gum disease, broken teeth or other oral health issues. They’ll let you know what they find and can show you the signs to look out for. Most pets are happy with this happening, and your vet will be very gentle and reassuring.

If nothing is wrong, your vet will tell you how to care for your pet’s teeth and when to schedule your next visit.

If they find issues or your pet needs their teeth professionally cleaned, the following may happen.

Step 2: A stress-free snooze (under general anaesthetic)

Your pet will be given a general anaesthetic so your vet can adequately assess and clean your pet’s teeth (especially below the gum line). This ensures the procedure is a painless and stress-free experience for your pet.

Dental X-rays: See what’s below the surface
We also use dental X-rays during your pet’s dental procedure to assess for hidden issues like bone loss or tooth detachment under the gum line. X-rays help us avoid leaving behind painful teeth and also allow us to save teeth that may look bad on the surface but are healthy underneath and only need a thorough clean.

Step 3: Professional teeth clean

Using specialised dental tools, your vet team will remove plaque and tartar, polish your pet’s teeth and treat any existing issues they may find. If your pet has severe dental disease, they may perform a tooth extraction.

Step 4: Recovery and aftercare

Your vet will give you instructions and advice on maintaining your pet’s dental health. Most pets bounce back quickly after their dental clean and will return to their happy little selves in no time.

Easy ways to care for your pet’s teeth at home

Regularly caring for your pet’s teeth at home can save you hours of heartache (and dollars) in the future. A few simple dental care habits can go a long way.

Here are our top tips:

Brush their teeth regularly using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start this slowly and build up as they get used to the feeling (hint: starting as a puppy is the best!).
Try vet-approved dental treats and toys to help reduce plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
Choose foods designed to support oral health (your vet can recommend them) to give your pet a dental-friendly diet.
Do routine checks at home for bad breath, red gums, excessive drooling or changes in eating habits.
Book annual dental checkups with your vet to help catch dental issues early and keep your pet’s mouth in great shape.

Let’s keep those tails wagging (with healthy smiles!)

Dental hygiene is just as important for your pets as it is for you and your family. With proper care, you can prevent painful dental problems and help your pet live a happier life (without bad breath!).

If you’re unsure about your pet’s dental health or you’ve noticed signs of trouble, our friendly team at Direct Vet Services in Point Cook is here to help.