Dental disease is one of the most common illnesses affecting dogs and cats. Routine, preventative care as well as effective veterinary treatment is important for your pet’s health and wellbeing. We are seeing more and more ‘at-home’ treatment options being offered such as de-scaler devices. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons considers that “anaesthesia-free dental procedures” are not in the best interests of the health and welfare of patients.
How does dental disease start?
Plaque is a white, ‘gummy’ substance which forms after your pet eats. Plaque sticks to teeth and will eventually build-up, mineralise and harden into ‘tartar’ which can form both above and below the gum line – so it’s both visible on the teeth, and hiding under their gum. Tartar creates the perfect surface for bacteria to grow and multiply; this bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums, otherwise known as gingivitis. In the early stages, gingivitis can cause painful, bleeding gums and if left untreated, can lead to gum recession, chronic pain, tooth loss and bone erosion. Unfortunately, the tartar below the gum line is the hardest to remove and the most significant cause of gum disease.
What happens when we scale and polish your pet’s teeth under anaesthetic?
Firstly, your veterinary surgeon will assess whether your pet’s teeth need attention during a consultation; their annual health check is a great time to have their teeth examined. If your pet does have moderate tartar that needs to be removed, this is done under a general anaesthetic. This allows us to treat the each tooth from every angle, something impossible to do if your pet is awake. We begin with a complete dental examination, assessing the level of tartar on each tooth and noting any abnormalities. We then use a dental de-scaler to physically remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. This procedure would be far too uncomfortable to perform on a conscious patient.
Once the tartar has been removed, we use a dental probe, a tool which allows us to check for periodontal pockets and assess whether the tooth is healthy. Should we find any abnormalities, your vet may recommend dental radiographs and possibly extractions of diseased teeth. After the teeth have been de-scaled, a specific veterinary dentistry implement is used to polish the teeth, together with a veterinary toothpaste; this process removes any microscopic scratches on the tooth surface and makes it harder for plaque to accumulate in the future. Carrying out a descaling without the polishing afterwards leaves a greater surface area of the tooth exposed for plaque to accumulate on, meaning they are more likely to need more dental care sooner.
What are the risks associated with anaesthesia-free dental procedures?
Placing a sharp instrument into the mouth of a conscious patient is not something, even as veterinary professionals, we would feel comfortable doing. There is a real risk of accidental injury should a patient move or wriggle. Owners or laypeople performing dental procedures could unwittingly cause damage to the teeth or tissues surrounding the teeth. The patient’s comfort also has to be considered, not only are these procedures potential painful but conscious dental procedures will require long periods of restraint which could cause unnecessary distress. Anaesthesia-free dental procedures are also usually provided by laypeople, who are not trained to recognise signs of more significant dental problems, which would mean your pet is delayed in receiving appropriate medical attention, and which can have significant consequences for their health.
Additionally, there is a risk that your pet could inhale dental debris, or the bacteria-rich aerosol, created during a conscious dental procedure. Under an anaesthetic, the patient’s airways are protected by the intubation tube and throat packs to prevent the inhalation of the debris, so the risk of aspiration is minimal.
However, by far the biggest issue with anaesthesia-free procedures is that they are just not good enough. De-scaling only the visible parts of your pet’s teeth is no replacement for a professional de-scale and polish under anaesthesia and could lead to a delay in diagnosing serious dental disease or other dental problems. Periodontal disease will spread from tooth to tooth if it is not treated, and long-term dental disease often results in more costly dental treatment being required; it is best to seek preventative care from a veterinarian as this will save money in the long term, as well as being the best way to look after your pet’s health and welfare.
What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth healthy?
- Brushing your pet’s teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste will help remove plaque and prevent tartar build up. There are many different types of toothbrushes available, you can even invest in an ultrasonic electric toothbrush for the ultimate daily clean!
- Take your pet for regular annual check-ups with your vet so they can assess your pet’s dental health and recommend treatment where necessary.
- Speak to vet about an appropriate dental diet.
- Add in a dental water additive such as Oxyfresh, this improves the health of the mouth biome and reduces bacterial build up.
What are the signs my pet may have a dental health problem?
- Visible tartar
- Smelly breath
- Problems chewing (usually in later stages of dental disease, when it has already developed into a painful gingivitis)
- Gums that bleed easily
- Wobbly teeth
Call us on 01435 864422 if you have any concerns about your pet’s dental health.
