Pet Dentistry
Pet Dentistry
Dentistry is a rapidly growing area of veterinary science. We have seen a greater awareness over the years of its importance to the overall health of the animals we treat. Dentistry is a rapidly growing area of veterinary science. We have seen a greater awareness over the years of its importance to the overall health of the animals we treat.
Just like humans, pets’ teeth need looking after too! The health of their teeth and gums has a significant impact on their overall quality of life. Imagine how your mouth would feel, and smell, if you never brushed your teeth. Imagine having a really bad toothache and not being able to tell anyone about it!
Prevention tips for your Pet’s Dental Health
How can I prevent dental disease?
Long-term control and prevention of dental disease requires regular home care. The best way to begin this is to accustom your pet from an early age.
Dental home care may include:
• Brushing teeth daily – just like us! This is the best form of dental hygiene. Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are now available. Please do not use human toothpaste formulas on your pet as they are not designed to be swallowed and may be toxic.
• Feed pets raw meaty bones or special dental diets. This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar.
• Use dental toys, enzymatic chews, or teeth cleaning biscuits, all of which may help keep the teeth clean.
Regular and frequent attention to your pet’s teeth may avoid the need for a professional dental clean under anaesthetic, and will also improve your pet’s overall health.
What does a professional dental clean involve?
It is the same as a scale and polish done by a dentist for us. However, unlike us, our pets won’t sit still or open their mouth to allow a comprehensive cleaning of their teeth. For this reason our pets need to have a general anaesthetic for a professional dental clean.
Your pet will need to be assessed by one of our veterinarians. The degree of dental disease will be assessed to determine if extractions, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will be required. The assessment may also include a physical exam, blood tests and urine tests to ensure they are healthy prior to having an anaesthetic.
Murwillumbah Vet Clinic now has a digital dental X-ray machine. This gives us a clearer picture of what is going on beneath the gums. We can fully assess the root structure of the teeth and can make a decision based on what we see if any extractions are required.
Once anaesthetised, we can give the teeth a thorough cleaning using our specialised dental equipment. When your pet goes home we will also discuss methods of reducing dental disease in the future.
If you have any questions about dental care or professional cleaning please do not hesitate to contact us.
Murwillumbah Vet Clinic
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm*
Sat: 8:30am - 12:30pm
We invite pets from Murwillumbah and surrounds, including Uki, Tweed Heads, and Tyalgum.