Hexham 01434 607677
Pet Dental
Dentistry & Dental Radiography
Orchard House is one of few practices in the North East of England with digital dental radiography. It is impossible to perform quality dentistry without access to and the use of radiography.
Over 50% of the tooth structure is covered by bone and gum. Dental X-rays allow us to check for disease below the gum-line such as fractured roots, painful holes in the enamel at the base of the crown, plus the planning of surgical extractions of diseased teeth.
We have Dental Radiography and Air Driven Dental Units at all our Centres, consisting of high and low speed drills, ultrasonic scaler and polishing equipment. Dentistry is always done under general anaesthesia.
For a bespoke estimate please contact your local surgery.
Pet Dental care advice
Dental disease is very common in dogs, cats and rabbits.
Research shows that after the age of four years, about seven out of ten pets have some kind of tooth disorder. If left unattended these may cause irreversible damage to the dog’s teeth, gums and jawbones.
Stopping the build-up of plaque can prevent dental disease. Protecting your pet's dental health can be achieved by regular brushing or pet-safe plaque products.
Oral health
Oral hygiene can have a huge impact on your pet's health and this makes it one of the most important things that you can monitor throughout your pet's life.
One of the most common conditions seen by veterinary surgeons today is Periodontal (gum) disease. The problems begin when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your pet’s teeth.
Plaque harbours bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth, causing disease and tooth loss. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and may cause damage to organs. Studies show that heart, liver and kidney disease can be associated with these bacteria.
What are the signs of poor oral health?
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Loss of appetite
- Sensitivity around the mouth
- Pawing at mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty eating and chewing food
- Tartar
- Bleeding, inflamed or receding gums
Pets with dental pain may not show obvious signs and may even maintain a normal diet. It is important to remember that dental problems are not always obvious. If you are concerned about your pets teeth, contact the practice and arrange a dental care check.
Dental procedures
Cats and dogs are good at masking dental pain and their survival instinct means they will continue to eat even in extreme dental disease cases.
If your pet needs a dental procedure then they will be anaesthetised. This is because we need to protect airways whilst performing the dental exam, ultrasonic scaling and any extractions that may be necessary.
We may also perform full mouth radiographs as a lot of dental disease can be occurring under the gum line. Every tooth will be assessed and treated as necessary and all work is charted.
We perform a dental examination during your pet's annual booster vaccination. This is important as early detection of dental issues is vital.
Dental care for dogs and cats
We recommend two health checks per year to ensure that your pet has healthy teeth. One being your dog's booster vaccination (every 12 months), and the next being a 6-month health check (6 months after the booster). Doing this allows your veterinary surgeon to thoroughly examine your pets teeth. It may be necessary for your pet's teeth to be cleaned above and below the gum-line. This is a perfectly routine procedure that will require your pet to be anesthetised and examined by a veterinary surgeon.
We then recommend that a plan is made for maintaining oral hygiene at home. A good dog or cat dental cleaning routine involves daily tooth brushing, as this is the most effective way of removing plaque. Special toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for dogs and cats are available.
Dental products such as toothpaste are available at our surgery. This toothpaste appeals to pets and does not need to be rinsed. Human toothpastes or baking soda should not be used as they contain ingredients, which should not be swallowed.
Pet toothbrushes are ultra soft and are shaped to fit your pet’s mouth and teeth. However, any soft bristled brush which will reach the back of the mouth is adequate. Brushes should be replaced every 4-6 weeks.
When brushing is not practical, an antibacterial oral rinse or gel may be recommended. These products are specially made for pets and with daily use can help to slow the build-up of dental plaque.
Dental chews and toys
Dental chews can help to protect your dog's oral health by keeping the teeth clean, however they shouldn't replace brushing. No toys should be used that you cannot push your finger nail into. While some owners may choose to feed their dog bones, antlers, bones, and hard nylon chews are NOT recommended and will fracture the teeth.
When used with regular dental check ups and brushing, dog chews can be a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean.
Pet Dental FAQs
How do I brush my pet's teeth?
Brushing your pet’s teeth is easy and does not take much time. The first step is to pick a time when both you and your pet are relaxed. For the first few days simply hold your pet, as you would normally do when you are petting him/her. Gently stroke the outside of the cheeks with your finger for a minute or two. After each session, reward your pet with an appropriate treat and lots of praise.
For the next few days – after your pet has become comfortable with this activity – place a small amount of the cat or dog toothpaste on your finger and let your pet sample the flavour.
Next, introduce your pet to a pet toothbrush or finger brush. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and gently raise your pet’s upper lip and place the brush against an upper tooth. With a slow circular motion gently brush only that tooth and the adjoining gum-line.
Each day gradually increases the number of teeth brushed. But go slowly. Do not continue beyond your pet’s point of comfort. Build up to approximately 30 seconds of brushing per side.
After each session, reward your pet with a treat and lots of praise. Brushing should be done daily but missing 1-2 days per week would not be a big concern.
How do I choose a diet that’s good for my pets’ teeth?
A major factor in the development of plaque and tartar can be your pets diet. Soft foods, or brittle dry kibble that crumbs on impact, may contribute to plaque build-up and subsequent periodontal disease.
We, therefore, recommend food containing special non-brittle fibrous, as they can be helpful in preventing plaque build-up above the gum line. Hill’s t/d, which we stock, is considered the best of its type.
What problems can be caused by poor pet dental health?
Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy, and common dental problems can lead to long term issues if left untreated.
Not only can poor oral health lead to inflamed gums which bleed easily, it can also cause more serious issues such as tooth root abscesses, loose teeth, fractured teeth, and serious infections that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Arrange your dental health check
Protect your pet and receive up to 20% off dental procedures with our Well Pet Club