We care about your pet's teeth and gums!

We're here to talk about all things dental. In the first post in this series, we talked about why dental health in our pets is so important. In this edition, we'll discuss our approach to dental health at Nelson Bay Vet - from the visual oral exam during a consultation to what goes on in a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) procedure and how we can help you with preventative home care, to maintain that fresh breath and excellent oral hygiene at home!

The Signs of Dental Disease

Detecting dental disease in pets can be challenging, particularly in the early stages, as pets may not show obvious signs of discomfort or pain. Dental disease can often progress to a more advanced stage before pet owners know there is a problem.

If the pet is willing, we can perform a visual oral exam in a consultation. Visual oral exams can help detect dental disease in pets, but they have some limitations. These limitations can include:

1. Incomplete view of the teeth and gums: It's impossible to see every part of the mouth, particularly the back teeth, and areas obscured by the tongue, lips, or cheeks.
2. Difficulty identifying early stages of dental disease: Early stages may not be visible during a visual oral exam. For example, small cavities, plaque, and tartar buildup can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
3. Inability to detect underlying problems: Dental problems may be caused by underlying health issues, such as infections or tumours, that are not visible during a visual oral exam.
4. Fear and discomfort for the pet: Some pets may become anxious or stressed during a visual oral exam, making it difficult for the veterinarian to perform a thorough exam and for the pet to tolerate the procedure. As a Fear-Free clinic, we perform examinations when our patients are happy and willing! 
5. Limited diagnostic information: We require more information than a visual oral examination provides to fully assess the condition of the teeth and gums. A visual oral exam alone may not provide enough information to diagnose the extent and severity of dental disease. Additional diagnostic tests, such as dental X-rays, are necessary to assess the condition of the teeth and gums fully.

When there are signs of potential dental disease on a visual oral exam, we may recommend that the next step be a complete oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) under general anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is necessary to perform a thorough dental examination on our pets, and enables us to gather all the information that isn't possible to gain when the pet is awake. At Nelson Bay Vet, once the pet is under anaesthesia, we perform the following:

• A complete periodontal examination and dental charting to identify areas of gingivitis, periodontal bone loss, enamel defects, or fractures
• Full mouth radiography, including external generation of a diagnostic report, and
• Dental scale and polishing, ensuring the pet is comfortable and pain-free.

While some risks are associated with general anaesthesia, modern anaesthetic techniques and monitoring equipment have significantly reduced these risks, making dental exams and treatments safer and more effective for pets.

In addition to visually examining dental radiographs at Nelson Bay Vet, we employ artificial intelligence via SignalSmile. This additional AI assessment of the images helps us identify disease and plan accordingly.

Preventative Care

Daily tooth brushing is the very best method of prevention in dogs and cats. While it takes patience and perseverance, it can ultimately become a bonding ritual between you and your pet and lead to better oral health outcomes!

In addition to daily tooth brushing, other home care options include:

• Dental chews and treats: Special dental chews and treats can help mechanically clean your pet's teeth and freshen their breath. Look for products that carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, which means they meet certain standards for effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar.
• Water additives: Some products can be added to your pet's drinking water to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These typically contain enzymes or other active ingredients that help break down bacteria in the mouth.
• Food additives containing Ascophyllum nodosum: (e.g. Plaque Off for dogs and cats, Kelato dental care)
• Alteration of the microbiome: Because the oral cavity is inhabited by a community of microorganisms (the microbiome), your pet's overall microbiome can significantly impact their oral health. Alteration of the microbiome can disrupt the delicate balance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and an increased risk of dental disease. It is also possible to positively impact the microbiome through pre- and probiotics, such as Teef.
  • Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts that can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. In the oral cavity, probiotics can help establish a healthy balance of bacteria and reduce the risk of dental disease.
  • Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut and the oral cavity. By providing prebiotics, you can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and support a healthy microbiome.
• Raw carrots and broccoli stems are fabulous low-fat dental treats. Raw kangaroo tendons, ox tongue, pizzle can be effective options without risking injury from bones. Raw bones such as turkey/lamb necks, chicken feet, kangaroo tails, kangaroo ribs and brisket bones can be fed to some dogs, but raw bones always carry some risk and should not be given unsupervised. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate-sized dental chew for your pet.
• Prescription diets: Some pet food brands offer prescription diets that are designed to promote dental health. These diets typically have a larger kibble size or a special texture that helps clean teeth as your pet eats.

Interested in learning more about preventative dental care for your pet? Get in touch or make an appointment for your pet today!