Our In-House Vet Dr Barbara Fougere BSc BVMS (Hons) MODT MHSc (Herb Med) BHSc (Comp Med) Grad Dip Herb Med, Grad Dip VCHM, Grad Dip VWHM, Grad Dip VA gives advice on Dental care.
Dental health is often overlooked but essential for your pet’s overall well-being. It is very possible your cat or dog has dental issues because dental disease is the most common health issue among cats and dogs. It affects 8 out of 10 middle aged dogs and can start as young as 3 years of age, even puppies can have gingivitis or other dental problems. For cats 1 in 2 cats over 4 years and 9 out of 10 cats over 8 will have some dental disease. Without regular care, plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation, painful infections, and even serious health issues in other parts of the body.
Signs of dental disease in cats and dogs often begin subtly but can progress into noticeable discomfort and behavioural changes. One of the earliest and most common signs is persistent bad breath, which can become unpleasant due to bacteria buildup in the mouth. As the disease advances, gums may become red and swollen indicating gingivitis or inflammation that is often painful.
Plaque buildup is another clear sign; it appears as a yellow to brown discolouration on the teeth, which hardens into tartar over time if left untreated. What you can see is like an iceberg though. You are only seeing the tooth above the gum, and it’s the bacteria at the gumline or below where the real problems lie.
As dental issues progress, teeth can loosen, and in severe cases, fall out entirely. Excessive drooling , only eating on one side or pawing at the mouth or teeth chattering are signs that a pet may be experiencing oral discomfort.
So early detection through regular veterinary checkups at least once a year is important to spot the early signs of dental disease. Your vet can offer professional cleaning and dentistry to prevent these signs from escalating and to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being. They might even refer you to a veterinary dentist for more specialised care.
To keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy between vet checks, here are some simple tips:
Daily Brushing: Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular brushing is one of the best ways to control plaque buildup and maintain fresh breath. Its not for everyone but if you are patient it can be achieved.
Chew Toys and Dental Treats: Providing your pet with specially designed chew toys or dental treats to help to reduce plaque and strengthen teeth.
Raw bones: Some veterinarians recommend raw meaty bones to gnaw on, and then remove the bone before full ingestion. This requires a conversation with your vet to the risks and benefits of this approach. Risks include broken teeth and potential blockages, but the benefit outweighs the risk for many cats and dogs.
Mouth rises: Dental solutions added to water can reduce bacteria in the mouth. Check if they contain preservatives which may be detrimental to gut bacteria if swallowed.
Support with Supplements: Adding a dental supplement like Dental Deep with Oral-Activ can enhance oral health from the inside out. Dental Deep is a synergistic blend of plant and marine phytochemicals, specifically designed to promote strong, healthy gums, teeth, and fresh breath in both dogs and cats. Its ingredients include:
Calendula officinalis: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, Calendula helps control harmful bacteria and soothe gum tissue.
Chlorella and Haematococcus pluvialis: These algae support saliva production, a natural defence against bad oral bacteria.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A yeast rich in β-glucans, contributes to oral health through supporting the immune system..
Turmeric root and Ascophyllum nodosum: These ingredients have been shown to reduce plaque, helping to slow progression of gingivitis.
Dental Deep powder is easy to mix into your pet’s food, supporting the health of the teeth both above and below the gumline as it works alongside your pet’s daily meals. Starting your pet on Dental Deep can make a significant, long-term difference in their dental health. Another good reason to take dental health seriously and make it a priority starting this month is that a healthy mouth is a reflection of a healthy body. Without pain and gum disease your pet is simply going to be healthier and happier and absolutely more smoochable.
Top Tips for Your Pet’s Dental Health
Our In-House Vet Dr Barbara Fougere BSc BVMS (Hons) MODT MHSc (Herb Med) BHSc (Comp Med) Grad Dip Herb Med, Grad Dip VCHM, Grad Dip VWHM, Grad Dip VA gives advice on Dental care.
Dental health is often overlooked but essential for your pet’s overall well-being. It is very possible your cat or dog has dental issues because dental disease is the most common health issue among cats and dogs. It affects 8 out of 10 middle aged dogs and can start as young as 3 years of age, even puppies can have gingivitis or other dental problems. For cats 1 in 2 cats over 4 years and 9 out of 10 cats over 8 will have some dental disease. Without regular care, plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation, painful infections, and even serious health issues in other parts of the body.
Signs of dental disease in cats and dogs often begin subtly but can progress into noticeable discomfort and behavioural changes. One of the earliest and most common signs is persistent bad breath, which can become unpleasant due to bacteria buildup in the mouth. As the disease advances, gums may become red and swollen indicating gingivitis or inflammation that is often painful.
Plaque buildup is another clear sign; it appears as a yellow to brown discolouration on the teeth, which hardens into tartar over time if left untreated. What you can see is like an iceberg though. You are only seeing the tooth above the gum, and it’s the bacteria at the gumline or below where the real problems lie.
As dental issues progress, teeth can loosen, and in severe cases, fall out entirely. Excessive drooling , only eating on one side or pawing at the mouth or teeth chattering are signs that a pet may be experiencing oral discomfort.
So early detection through regular veterinary checkups at least once a year is important to spot the early signs of dental disease. Your vet can offer professional cleaning and dentistry to prevent these signs from escalating and to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being. They might even refer you to a veterinary dentist for more specialised care.
To keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy between vet checks, here are some simple tips:
Dental Deep powder is easy to mix into your pet’s food, supporting the health of the teeth both above and below the gumline as it works alongside your pet’s daily meals. Starting your pet on Dental Deep can make a significant, long-term difference in their dental health. Another good reason to take dental health seriously and make it a priority starting this month is that a healthy mouth is a reflection of a healthy body. Without pain and gum disease your pet is simply going to be healthier and happier and absolutely more smoochable.