Dog & Cat Dental Care

How do I know if my pet has dental disease?

Dental disease can be surprisingly difficult to recognise at home, especially in the early stages.

Some of the more common signs include:

• bad breath
• yellow or brown tartar buildup
• red or bleeding gums
• difficulty chewing
• chewing on one side of the mouth
• dropping food while eating
• excessive drooling
• pawing at the mouth
• reluctance to chew toys
• reduced appetite
• loose or damaged teeth
• swelling around the mouth or jaw

Cats in particular are very good at hiding pain, so even small changes in eating habits, grooming, or behaviour can sometimes indicate underlying dental disease.

One of the biggest misconceptions around pet dental health is that pets stop eating when their mouth hurts. In reality, many dogs and cats continue eating despite significant discomfort.

Why is dental care important for pets?

Dental disease is not just about bad breath or dirty teeth.

As plaque and tartar build up, bacteria and inflammation begin affecting the gums and structures surrounding the teeth. Over time this can lead to painful periodontal disease, infection, tooth loss, and ongoing discomfort.

Regular dental care helps:

• prevent painful dental disease
• reduce bad breath and infection
• identify problems before they become severe
• improve comfort when eating and chewing
• reduce the need for more complex extractions later
• support long-term overall health and wellbeing

Many owners are surprised by how much brighter, happier, and more comfortable their pet seems after dental treatment.

Does bad breath mean my pet has dental disease?

Bad breath in pets is extremely common, but it is often a sign of underlying dental disease rather than simply “normal dog breath”.

Persistent bad breath can indicate:

• plaque and tartar buildup
• gum disease
• infection
• damaged teeth
• tooth root problems

If your pet’s breath has become noticeably worse, it is a good idea to organise a dental check-up before the problem progresses further.

What happens during a dental check-up?

A dental check-up at The Village Vet includes:

• a thorough oral examination
• assessment of plaque, tartar, and gum health
• dental grading
• discussion of any concerning findings
• personalised treatment recommendations
• preventative care advice for home

Some pets may simply need ongoing home dental care and monitoring, while others may require a professional dental procedure under anaesthesia.

Why are dental X-rays important?

Many painful dental problems develop below the gumline where they cannot be seen during a normal examination.

Dental X-rays allow us to identify issues such as:

• infected tooth roots
• abscesses
• fractured teeth
• bone loss
• retained tooth roots
• tooth resorption in cats

Without dental X-rays, significant painful disease can sometimes remain hidden.

Professional dental cleaning for dogs and cats

Step 1: Comprehensive dental assessment under anaesthesia

Dental procedures are performed under general anaesthesia so we can safely and thoroughly assess every tooth, including below the gumline.

This allows for a much more complete and comfortable examination than would ever be possible in a conscious pet.

Step 2: Professional scale and polish

Ultrasonic scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gumline where periodontal disease develops.

The teeth are then polished to smooth the surface and help slow future plaque accumulation.

Step 3: Tooth extractions and advanced dental treatment

If teeth are severely diseased, loose, fractured, or infected, extraction may be recommended to relieve pain and prevent ongoing infection.

Pain management is a major priority and may include:

• local anaesthetic nerve blocks
• tailored pain relief medications
• ongoing post-operative support

Many pets feel significantly better once painful diseased teeth are removed.

Recovery after a dental procedure

Most pets recover very well after dental treatment.

Depending on the procedure performed, we may recommend:

• feeding softer food temporarily
• avoiding hard chew toys
• giving prescribed medications
• monitoring healing at home

Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support to help ensure your pet recovers comfortably.

Do cats hide dental pain more than dogs?

Both dogs and cats can continue eating despite significant dental disease, but cats are particularly good at hiding discomfort.

Subtle signs such as:

• reduced grooming
• eating more slowly
• dropping food
• avoiding dry food
• withdrawing at home

can sometimes indicate painful dental conditions.

Cats are also prone to conditions such as tooth resorption, where the tooth slowly breaks down over time. Because many dental problems develop below the gumline, dental X-rays are often important for identifying hidden disease and determining the most appropriate treatment.

How can I keep my pet’s teeth clean at home?

Daily tooth brushing is one of the best ways to reduce plaque buildup and slow the progression of dental disease.

Other helpful options may include:

• dental chews
• prescription dental diets
• oral rinses or gels
• water additives
• regular professional dental checks

Preventative care can make a significant difference to your pet’s long-term oral health and may reduce the need for more advanced dental procedures later in life.