Dental Checks
Pet Dentistry & Gum Disease Care at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital
Dental disease represents one of the most prevalent health conditions encountered in veterinary medicine, with observable signs presenting from a young age in many canine and feline patients. If left untreated, progressive dental disease can lead to severe symptoms including halitosis (bad breath), pain while eating, oral infections, tooth root abscesses, bone loss, and secondary systemic health issues.
The good news is that regular dental care at home, combined with routine veterinary assessments, can help keep your small friends mouth healthy.
- What is Dental Disease, and Why Does Dental Disease Develop?
Plaque (a bacterial biofilm) naturally forms on pet’s teeth every day. If it is not removed, this bacterial biofilm mineralizes into calculus, allowing bacteria to continue to accumulate along the gum line. Over time, this can lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontal disease, infection of the gums or tooth root, and severe damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.
Signs your small friend may have dental disease include:
- Bad Breath: Often the very first sign of underlying bacterial accumulation.
- Red or Bleeding Gums: A key symptom of gum inflammation.
- Yellow or Brown Calculus: Hardened plaque deposit on the teeth, often along the gumline.
- Loose or Missing Teeth: A sign of severe damage to supporting structures of the teeth.
- Difficulty Eating: Chewing on one side, dropping dry kibble, or shying away from hard food.
- Excessive Drooling: A sign of oral discomfort or severe inflammation.
- Pawing at the Face: Behavioural sign indicating mouth pain.
- How to Prevent Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
The best way to reduce dental disease is with consistent home care. Depending on your small friends needs, we may recommend:
- Daily tooth brushing using pet-safe toothpaste.
- Veterinary approved dental diets.
- VOHC-approved dental chews.
- Oral hygiene products.
- Regular dental examinations.
- Professional Dental Treatment
Routine scale and polish procedures under general anaesthesia benefit many pets by removing plaque and tartar before dental disease progresses.
If your small friend already has progressed dental disease, or significant tartar build-up, our vet may recommend a professional dental procedure under general anaesthesia.
During the procedure at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital, we:
- Perform a complete oral examination.
- Scale and polish every tooth above and below the gum line.
- Assess each tooth for signs of disease.
- Extract teeth that are severely diseased or causing pain if required.
- Provide appropriate pain relief before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet comfortable.
- Complimentary Nurse Dental Checks
Our qualified veterinary nurses offer complimentary dental checks to help monitor your small friends oral health and identify dental disease early. During these appointments, one of our nurses will:
- Assess your small friends teeth and gums.
- Discuss your small friends dental health.
- Provide advice on home dental care.
- If significant dental disease is identified, we will recommend a dental procedure and provide an estimate for any recommended treatment.
- Following a dental procedure, regular nurse dental checks can help monitor your small friends oral health and support ongoing home care.
To book a complimentary nurse dental check, contact Small Friends Veterinary Hospital on (02) 6262 2233.
Book a Free Dental Check for Your Pet
Keep your small friend’s teeth healthy and prevent gum disease with a free dental check at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital.