Harry's day at the dentist

 

Harry, a Maltese Terrier with smelly breath was having trouble eating and his owners brought him to us for a check-up. His teeth were a mess! Plaque and tartar had built up and there was nasty inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).

The solution involved a ‘scale and polish' under a general anaesthetic, a procedure that allows us to properly visualise what's going on and to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar.

On closer inspection it was found that the plaque had damaged the structures surrounding one of Harry's molars. The tooth had become loose leading to pain and discomfort.

Using special instruments the gum was lifted and the tooth was sectioned so it could be entirely removed. Sutures were then placed to reposition the gum. Harry was given pain relief so he was comfortable when he woke from the anaesthetic. Antibiotics and soft food were necessary while his gums healed.

Harry's owner thought his recovery was remarkable. He was not only eating normally within a day, he was much brighter in himself. It was clear that the dental disease had been weighing him down. Harry's mouth healed well and he now has his teeth brushed twice a week to prevent the problem recurring.

August is Pet Dental Month

 

August is the 10th year of the national campaign to help educate pet owners on the importance of good dental hygeine for their pets.

Why not take advantage of our FREE Nurse Dental checks for the month of August. Just make an appointment with our receptionists for your pet's FREE Dental check up.

Does your dog or cat have smelly breath? Have you noticed your pet's teeth changing colour? Or does your pet have trouble eating? These are just some of the signs that could indicate a dental problem.

Smelly breath is not just unpleasant; it means the mouth is infected. With 85% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 having dental disease [called Periodontal Disease or POD], this is a serious national issue.

 

Gums become infected and teeth eventually fall out. The infection is painful and can cause bacteria to spread to other organs, such as the heart and kidneys, causing further disease that will shorten a pet's life.

3 things you can do to stop dental disease:

 

1. Have your pet's teeth checked in August - call us for an appointment.

2. Begin home care - use of a specially formulated food or regular brushing of teeth will help prevent the onset of dental disease.

3. Regular checks - we recommend annual, or more frequent dental checks for dogs and cats. This allows us to detect problems early leading to better outcomes and healthier teeth.