When was the last time you really looked inside your pet’s mouth?
It’s easy to overlook dental health. After all, pets don’t tend to complain about their teeth in the same way we do, and many will happily carry on eating, playing and enjoying life even when their mouths are uncomfortable.
But behind that wagging tail or purr, dental disease could be quietly developing.
So, what exactly is a scale and polish?
A dental scale and polish is a procedure designed to remove the build-up that ordinary brushing and dental care at home can’t shift.
Over time, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up on the teeth. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate the gums and contribute to periodontal disease.
During a scale and polish, your pet’s teeth are professionally cleaned to remove this build-up, before being polished to leave the tooth surfaces smoother. This helps make it harder for plaque to accumulate again.
At Thameswood Veterinary Clinics, dental scale and polish procedures are carried out under a general anaesthetic by a dental hygienist. This allows the veterinary team to properly examine the mouth and work safely around the teeth and gums, something that simply isn’t possible while a pet is awake.
But why might my pet need a scale and polish?
One of the first clues can be surprisingly simple: their breath.
“Dog breath” or “cat breath” shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as normal. Bad breath can be a sign that bacteria, plaque and tartar are building up in the mouth.
You may also notice:
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Dropping food or chewing differently
- Difficulty eating harder food
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
- A change in behaviour, particularly around having their face or mouth touched
And sometimes, there are no obvious signs at all.
That’s one of the reasons regular dental checks are so important. Pets are remarkably good at carrying on as normal, even when something is bothering them.
It’s not just about keeping their teeth clean
Good dental care is about much more than having a nice-looking smile.
Once periodontal disease becomes established, it can cause significant pain and damage to the tissues supporting the teeth. If left untreated, advanced dental disease can result in tooth loss and wider health problems. Periodontal disease can cause considerable discomfort and ill health if untreated.
A professional clean allows your veterinary team to remove the build-up contributing to dental disease and assess the condition of your pet’s teeth and gums at the same time.
And for your pet, the biggest benefit may simply be having a mouth that feels much more comfortable.
Could your pet benefit from a dental?
Not every pet will need a scale and polish at the same time or at the same frequency. Age, breed, diet, genetics and their individual dental health can all play a part.
The best place to start is with a dental check. Your vet or veterinary nurse can look at your pet’s mouth and let you know whether professional cleaning is recommended.
A little attention now can make a big difference later
Dental disease is one of those things that is much easier to manage when you don’t wait until there is a problem.
Alongside professional dental care, simple habits at home, particularly regular tooth brushing, can help reduce plaque and support your pet’s ongoing oral health.
And if your pet has been putting off their dental check-up, now could be a particularly good time to get their mouth looked at.
Special Offer
Thameswood Veterinary Clinics are currently offering a special price on dental scale and polish procedures. If you’re noticing signs of dental disease, or simply aren’t sure whether your pet’s teeth are in good shape, speak to our team to find out whether a dental is right for them.
After all, a healthy mouth is about more than a cleaner smile; it’s about helping your pet stay comfortable, happy and healthy.
