Services : Dental Check ups

In the UK, 87% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three are affected by periodontal disease. Periodontal (or gum disease) is caused mainly in animals by a build up of plaque.

This leads to infection of the gum, weakening of the tooth ligament which results in smelly breath, pain due to loose or decaying teeth and infection spreading to other parts of the body.

Your pet's teeth will be checked at his annual vaccinations but if you suspect a problem in between times you can make an appointment for a dental check up.

You may have noticed a problem eating, or a swelling over the face or a funny smell from the mouth area. A vet will examine your pets mouth and assess the degree of tartar build-up or gingivitis (gum infection).

We may recommend simply a course of antibiotics if we feel it is mainly an infection problem or advise further dentistry.

Our nursing staff is trained to give you help and advice about the how to introduce dental care from an early age and can discuss what is best for your pet.

We are now also introducing DENTAGEN. Dentagen is a novel approach to dental plaque inhibition. It contains a natural anti-plaque compound derived from plant extracts which prevents oral bacteria from producing plaque.

Dentagen is available in 2 formulations:

• Chews for dogs, which are highly palatable and suitable to be given every other day. These chews also have been especially designed to mechanically clean right to the gum line.
• Dentagen Aqua for dogs and cats which is a palatable drinking water additive.

Dentagen also comes as a wax which is designed to get applied immediately after a dental procedure (eg scale and polish) in the surgery.

This provides protection immediately and levels of the anti-plaque compound are maintained with the use of the above home care products.

If your pet has dental treatment at our surgery you will be offered the chance to have Dentagen applied and for follow up home treatment.

We also stock a variety of toothbrushes and pastes for a more traditional approach to dental care and we can give help and advice on the best way to go about initiating a tooth brushing routine.

You can follow our link to our dedicated pages on dentistry to find out what happens when your pet has a dental.