Greencross Vets Does my pet have dental disease?
Around 80% of pets have some form of dental disease by the age of four. The most obvious sign to a pet owner is bad breath. Other clinical signs in dogs and cats include:
- plaque and tartar build-up
- reddened gums (gingivitis)
- excessive salivation
- chattering teeth
- difficulty chewing
- bad breath
- discoloured teeth
- loose teeth
- excessive drooling
- blood-stained or inflamed gums
- dropping of food from the mouth when eating, or reluctance to chew or eat at all
- pain when handled around the head
- facial swelling
- behavioural changes (e.g. lethargy, increased aggression)
- pawing at the mouth
- receding gums
Dental disease is particularly common in dogs with long coats and most breeds of cats.
Dental disease has been associated with heart, liver, and kidney problems in animals. It is well documented that proper dental care can add years to your pet’s life. Greencross Vets provides the highest quality dental care. We utilise dental equipment similar to what you would find at a human dentist. Under a general anaesthetic, your pet’s teeth, gums, and mouth are thoroughly examined, the plaque and tartar removed, and the teeth polished. After the procedure, our staff will assist you to create an at-home dental hygiene plan.
We stock a number of tasty prescription diets that help prevent tartar. As well as dietary, we stock a range of different products to assist in pet dental care including toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouth rinses. and dental treats.
Give your pet the healthy mouth and happy smile they deserve and book a dental check-up today!
What’s causing my pet’s dental disease?
Gingivitis, like in humans, is inflammation of the gums caused by the build-up of plaque. Plaque is made up of food particles, saliva, and bacteria, which sticks to the surface of the tooth and if not removed will calcify into tartar and progress from there.
This takes place above and below the gum line and over time leads to the destruction of the supportive tissues of the teeth including the bone, and ultimately results in bad breath, oral pain, and loss of teeth for your dog or cat.
How Greencross Vets can help you
Regular vet checks will help to identify any development of dental disease and will allow your vet to discuss the best management plan for your pet. For adult cats and dogs with existing dental disease, a dental treatment with a scale and polish under general anaesthetic is necessary to get their mouth back into top condition. This will allow your Greencross Vet to start preventative measures with a clean mouth and prevent dental disease developing again in the future.
What does a scale and polish involve?
A dental scale and polish procedure under a general anaesthetic includes charting all the teeth (as in the human world), dental X-rays, ultrasonic scaling, and a polish. Your Greencross Vet will ensure that your dog or cat is safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Before and After the Procedure
Up to $250 OFF Stage 1 Pet Dental Scale + Polish
Our pets can’t tell us if they’re feeling pain – so dental checks and preventative care are extremely important!
For a limited time only…
SAVE $50 for every cat or dog dental scale + polish when you visit us before 30 September 2025!
PLUS Healthy Pets Plus members can enjoy an extra $200 off as part of their extensive range of benefits for Classic, Adult and Senior plans. This means you could receive $250 OFF total when you become a member!
Simply call your local clinic to book and mention code DENTAL50
*^T&Cs apply. See promotions page for details.
