When your pet has a general check-up with a veterinarian, their teeth will be checked as well. Dental disease is a common condition, with approximately 80% of dogs over the age of three being affected. The veterinarian will grade your pet’s teeth on a scale of 1-4; this indicates the level of tartar/calculus buildup and the likelihood of teeth needing extractions.
Within a few hours of your pet eating a meal, plaque will start to build up on the surface of their teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that can harden and turn into tartar (also referred to as calculus) within 24 hours. Tartar presents as dark areas on the tooth and can also appear above the gumline. Tartar enables bacteria to multiply which can then cause gingivitis (gum inflammation) which can then lead to periodontal disease. The bacteria from tartar can also affect the kidneys and liver and compromise their functions.
Signs of dental disease:
- Bad breath
- Red/inflamed/bleeding gums
- Discoloured or broken teeth
- Swelling in or around the mouth
- Trouble/resistance to eating, or eating only on one side
- Dribbling
Dental Procedure
After your pet has been given a dental grade, we can provide you with an estimate for a dental procedure. Dentals are a day procedure, so your pet will need to be dropped off in the morning (fasted) and go home in the late afternoon. This procedure is done under anaesthetic and will include a pre-anaesthetic blood test to check your pet’s liver and kidney function. Dental grades 2-4 also include dental x-rays. The vet will closely inspect your pet’s teeth, remove any that are compromised, and then scale and polish the remaining teeth.