Why pet dental cleaning should be a priority

Many pets suffer from dental disease without their owners even noticing, often until the damage is quite severe. As pet lovers, we want to protect our furry family members from unnecessary pain, and regular checkups play a crucial role in that. A pet dental cleaning isn’t just about freshening their breath and removing plaque. It’s a chance for a veterinary dentist to closely examine their mouth, identify hidden issues and ensure their oral health is as strong as it appears.

At Advanced Animal Dentistry, we provide a comprehensive range of specialist services to preserve your pet’s smile and oral wellbeing. This includes thorough cleanings that go beyond standard scaling and polishing. Here’s what you need to know and what to expect when your pet is examined.

About the process

A professional dental cleaning begins with a consultation, during which we explain the process to the owner. We’ll also conduct a quick examination to check the pet’s overall health and ensure they’re fit for the procedure. Our nursing staff will then take the pet for further checks and preparation. Once ready, pets are anaesthetised under a full general anesthetic, which is safer for them and allows us to perform all necessary work to maintain their dental health.

While the pet is anaesthetised, we thoroughly examine the entire oral cavity, including the teeth, tongue, lips and gums.

We also take dental X-rays to get a clear view beneath the surface. With this detailed information, we can diagnose any issues and create a treatment plan. In some cases, we can even perform necessary treatments, like biopsies and extractions, on the same day while the pet is still under anaesthesia.

“The most common issue we find is periodontal disease,” says Dr Aaron Forsayeth. “Periodontal disease is the body’s reaction to plaque, and the treatment is to remove it—so that’s what we do with a professional scale and polish. Interestingly, this is done with the same tools and equipment used for human procedures.”Once the procedure is complete, pets are transferred to our recovery team. When they’re back on their feet and feeling well, we’ll arrange for their owners to pick them up. We’ll discuss what happened and what was completed throughout the day before they head home.

How often should my cat or dog have a proper cleaning?

The frequency of pet dental cleanings depends on each pet’s unique needs. Some pets may require cleanings every six months to maintain gum and tooth health, while others might only need one every few years. Consulting with your primary vet will help determine the best approach for your cat or dog.

“I think every patient should be assessed every year by their primary vet, at least with a conscious exam to give an idea of what appears correct for that individual,” says Dr Bec Tucker. “But the caveat to that is you only see about 40% of the oral surfaces, and you only see above the gum. So you can’t do what the dentist does with humans and probe and check. There are no pockets or anything like that because that all has to be done under anaesthetic. So it’s really just a general impression.”

Many dental issues begin below the gumline, where they’re difficult to detect. If you notice consistent signs of gingivitis, it’s important to schedule a professional cleaning. Early intervention can help prevent more serious dental problems from developing.

About plaque and tartar

Plaque is a biofilm made up of various types of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth. This sticky film forms within 24 to 48 hours and adheres to the tooth surfaces. The bacteria in plaque work together and contribute to the biofilm’s composition and growth.

As plaque sits on the teeth, it absorbs minerals like calcium from saliva and hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Once plaque becomes tartar, it firmly attaches to the teeth, making it difficult to remove. Tartar provides a surface for further plaque buildup and helps protect the bacteria beneath it.

While tartar is an indicator of long-standing plaque buildup, it doesn’t always reflect the severity of dental disease. Some pets with significant tartar might have healthy gums, while others with little tartar could have acute underlying issues. Tartar is part of the process, but it doesn’t always directly correlate with the presence of periodontal disease.

How safe is general anaesthesia?

Anaesthesia can understandably be a concern for pet owners, as it always carries some level of risk. However, at Advanced Animal Dentistry, we prioritise your pet’s safety by taking a detailed health history and working closely with their primary care vet to ensure the best approach. Our veterinary team carefully evaluates each pet to customise an anaesthesia plan that minimises risk. Whether there are comorbidities involved or just an anxious owner, we have anaesthetists on board who can manage complex cases.

We use multimodal anaesthesia, which involves administering multiple medications in small doses. This method helps balance the anaesthesia and reduces potential side effects. Throughout the procedure, we constantly monitor key indicators such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels and ECG to ensure your pet’s wellbeing at every stage.

While recovery can be the most critical phase, our team is vigilant and observes pets closely as they regain consciousness. With these comprehensive precautions, we aim to make the entire process as safe and comfortable as possible, and we reassure owners that their pets are in experienced hands.

You may have heard of anaesthesia-free dental cleanings, but they aren’t a substitute for proper care. These cleanings only remove tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth, leaving underlying issues below the gum line untreated. A full dental examination and treatment, including X-rays, requires anaesthesia to access these areas and thoroughly assess the pet’s oral health. Additionally, anaesthesia-free cleanings can be stressful for animals and carry potential risks, such as injury or aspiration without a protected airway.

Why it’s important for dogs and cats to have dental cleanings

Ignoring pet dental health can lead to significant long-term consequences. While it’s difficult to pinpoint direct links in individual cases, studies in humans have shown that untreated periodontal disease can increase the risk of heart disease, liver issues, kidney disease and even cancer due to being in a constant inflammatory state.

Locally, neglecting dental care can lead to painful oral issues. As periodontal disease progresses, pets may lose bone around their teeth, causing discomfort and looseness. While tooth loss itself may not be catastrophic, the discomfort leading up to it can be significant for pets.

Has your pet had a recent dental cleaning?

If your pet hasn’t had a dental cleaning in some time, it’s important to address it. Regular cleanings and assessments allow us to detect and address any issues early, ultimately saving time, costs and preventing unnecessary discomfort for your pet in the long run.

For any dental concerns with your cat or dog, feel free to call us at Advanced Animal Dentistry or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

You can also visit our pet owners’ page and explore additional resources.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


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Specialist Veterinary Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

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Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Preserving teeth by cleaning and sterilising infected pulp chambers

Precise management for intricate anaesthetics, enhancing safety

Preserving teeth that have damaged pulp through trauma

Detailed imaging with Dental X-rays and CT scans for accurate diagnosis

Cleaning pockets of plaque and tartar, promoting oral health

Performing expert, precise surgical procedures for oral issues

Restoring function and alignment with expert diagnosis and repair.