Regular dental check-ups are an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental problems that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues. But what exactly happens during a pet dental check-up? Let’s walk through the process.
1. Initial Oral Examination
A veterinary nurse may conduct the initial examination to assess your pet’s oral health and to identify any obvious dental concerns or this may be performed by a veterinarian as part of a general checkup. They’ll look for signs of plaque, tartar, gum disease, and other oral issues like broken or worn-down teeth. Red or swollen gums, bad breath, or discoloured teeth are common indicators of dental problems. They may ask any general questions about your pet’s overall health and behaviour and answer any questions you may have. If everything looks stable and there are no obvious concerns, the team may provide personalised dental care recommendations to follow with your pet at home. If however, there are concerns that need further review, a more thorough examination will be required.
2. Veterinarian Oral Examination
A veterinarian may need to take a closer look at their teeth and gums. If they detect any issues, they will prepare a treatment plan and may recommend a deeper examination under anaesthesia. This allows them to thoroughly clean and examine your pet’s mouth without causing discomfort. It also provides the vet with the opportunity to safely assess hard-to-reach areas.
3. Cleaning and Scaling
Under anaesthesia, your pet’s teeth are cleaned using specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar. This process includes scaling (removing tartar) and polishing to smooth the surface of the teeth, making it harder for plaque to build up in the future.
4. X-rays
If needed, the vet may take dental X-rays to check for any issues below the gumline, such as infections or bone loss.
5. Post-Cleaning Examination
After cleaning, the vet will reassess the health of your pet’s teeth and gums, looking for any underlying problems. If any teeth need extraction or treatment, it may be done at this stage.
6. Home Care Advice
Finally, the vet will give you advice on how to maintain your pet’s dental health at home. This may include brushing, special diets, or dental chews.
Regular dental checks ensure your pet stays happy, healthy, and pain-free. Book a dental check online or give the clinic a call and let’s get those chompers sparkling!