Teeth cleanings, X-ray, and surgery are among our comprehensive dental services at our Yishun and Upper Thomson vet clinics, to ensure wagging tails and sparkling smiles for pets.
Our furry companions need regular dental care to maintain good oral health. Keeping their teeth and gums clean is crucial for their overall well-being.
Common dental issues that pets face include periodontal or gum disease, tooth decay, fractured teeth, significant plaque and tartar buildup, and retained baby teeth. Veterinary attention is often required.
Ideally, your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to spot any early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Why Does Dental Care Matter?
Dental disease is incredibly common in pets, affecting the majority of dogs and cats above the age of 3.
Left untreated, it can lead to a multitude of problems, including bad breath. Nobody enjoys doggy or kitty breath! Regular dental care helps combat this unpleasant side effect.
But bad breath is just the tip of the iceberg. Dental problems can also lead to nasty consequences for your pet’s overall health, resulting in pain and discomfort and serious medical conditions.
Inflamed gums and abscessed teeth can cause significant pain, making it difficult for your pet to eat and enjoy their favourite activities. This pain can sometimes lead to behavioural changes such as aggression or withdrawal.
How Dental Disease Affects Overall Health
Poor oral health can affect your pet’s whole body and lead to serious health problems.
For one thing, bacteria from infected mouths can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.
As plaque and tartar accumulate on an animal’s teeth, these areas become breeding grounds for bacteria. These bacteria can then enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums or infected tooth sockets. Once in the bloodstream, they can potentially travel throughout the body.
Moreover, untreated dental conditions can weaken your pet’s immune system. Constant inflammation in the mouth puts a strain on the immune system, making the pet more susceptible to other infections.
Common Dental Issues In Pets
Here are some dental issues that we often see in furkids:
• Periodontal disease (gum disease): This affects the pet’s gums and the tissues supporting the teeth. It starts with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup.
Left untreated, gingivitis can worsen to periodontitis, which involves infection and breakdown of the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Read about gum disease in dogs and cats and what signs you could look out for.
• Tooth decay: While less common than gum disease, cavities can also occur in pets, especially those who enjoy sugary treats or have difficulty chewing kibble.
• Fractured teeth: Chewing on hard objects can cause teeth to crack or break. This can be painful for your pet and may require extraction.
• Retained baby teeth: Occasionally, a pet’s baby teeth might not fall out naturally, potentially crowding the adult teeth. These retained baby teeth may need to be removed.
Our Dental Care Services
At Paws N’ Claws Vet in Yishun and Upper Thomson, we offer a range of dental services to address your pet’s oral health needs:
Dental exams and consultations: Our veterinarians will perform a thorough dental examination, checking for signs of dental disease.
Dental cleanings: Professional scaling and polishing remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your pet’s mouth healthy and fresh.
It’s important to note that dental cleanings for pets will require anaesthesia to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning, especially below the gum line, and to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
Dental imaging: X-rays allow us to see beneath the gum line, revealing potential problems like root abscesses and bone loss that might not be visible during a routine exam.
Find out more about imaging procedures such as X-rays.
Tooth extractions: In some cases, veterinary dental surgery may be necessary to extract a damaged or abscessed tooth safely and effectively.
Have a question? WhatsApp our friendly staff at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun)!
Routine Dental Cleaning: What To Expect
Dental cleaning involves scaling and polishing. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during a routine dental cleaning:
1. Pre-anaesthetic check: The vet will start with blood tests to ensure your pet’s kidneys and liver are healthy enough for anaesthesia.
2. Sweet dreams: Once comfortably under anesthesia, your pet receives a thorough oral examination to assess the alignment of the teeth and the extent of tartar accumulation both above and below the gum line. Usually, intra-oral radiogrphs (X-rays within the mouth) to assess the viability of the tooth root and surrounding bone should also be performed.
3. Plaque busters: With your pet safely asleep, the vet then removes plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces using specialised tools, leaving the furkid’s smile sparkling clean.
4. Addressing advanced issues: Unfortunately, if there is severe gum disease, it might require tooth extraction. Not to worry though — cats and dogs do very well after teeth have been extracted. Your veterinarian will discuss the best course of action for your pet’s individual needs.
Chat With Us
Learn more about how you can care for your dog or cat’s teeth and gums at home.
Contact us today to discuss the best course of action for keeping your pet’s smile healthy and bright.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team of veterinarians, nurses, and technicians will gladly address any questions you may have.
We believe in empowering pet owners with knowledge and understanding so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s well-being and healthcare.
Have a question? WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).
Alternatively, please fill in the form below to send us a query.
