Dental disease is one of the the most common diseases of our pets. Over 80% of cats and dogs over the age of 3 require dental treatment now. The Good News is that the majority of dental problems are TREATABLE and nearly all are PREVENTABLE.

 

 

Signs of dental disease

Pain

Our pets are very poor at letting us know that they are suffering. They may simply be quieter than normal or more withdrawn. Many of us know the pain associated with mouth ulcers, some will have had the misfortune to have experienced a tooth root abscess. The nerve supply to our pet’s teeth is just as efficient as our own – there is no reason to suppose that they do not feel the same level of pain that we do with dental disease.

Detecting pain in our pets can be very difficult – oral pain can be even harder to diagnose. Often it is only when we see an improvement or change in behaviour after effective dental treatment, that we realise that our pet may have been suffering.

• Reluctance to play

Sometimes pets will gradually lose interest in chewing or playing with toys. However as this is often a gradual change we might think that they have simply lost interest in a particular toy.

• Reluctance to eat

It is only at the far extreme of dental disease that pets will stop eating – although you may notice earlier changes.

• Favouring one side of the mouth

• Dropping food from the mouth when eating

• Appearing to have difficulties in picking up food

• Being reluctant to chew on dry food.

• Pawing at the mouth

Brushing our pet's teeth is the gold standard for prevention of dental disease. It is important to make sure that toothbrushing is fun for ALL concerned - otherwise it won't be done on a daily basis & regular daily toothbrushing is key to prevention of dental disease.