Dog Dentist Chelmsford

Your pet’s dental health can significantly impact their overall well-being. Imagine trying to enjoy your favourite meal while suffering from a dental problem? Dogs experience similar discomfort when dental issues arise. Ignoring their oral health can lead to various problems, including:

Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common problems that can affect your pet’s teeth. It begins with plaque buildup, progresses to gingivitis, and, if left untreated, can lead to severe gum disease, causing pain, bad breath, tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.

Systemic Health Issues

Poor oral health doesn’t just stay in the mouth. Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe health problems.

Behavioural Changes

Dental pain can alter your dog’s behaviour, leading to irritability, decreased appetite, and reluctance to play or interact. A happy dog starts with a healthy mouth!

What dental procedures does our dog dentist Chelmsford carry out?

Our dog dentist Chelmsford performs various pet dental care procedures to maintain oral health in dogs. Some common procedures that we carry out include:

• Dental cleanings: Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Tooth extractions: Removal of damaged, decayed, or infected teeth.
• Dental radiography: X-rays to evaluate dental health and identify underlying issues not visible to the naked eye.

Why might a dog need a tooth removal?

Tooth removal can seem like a daunting prospect, but in some cases, it can be the best course of action to maintain your dog’s overall health and well-being. A dog may need a tooth extraction for several reasons, these could include:

• Severe dental decay or damage beyond repair.
• Advanced dental disease causing significant gum damage.
• Abscesses or infections that cannot be resolved with antibiotics.
• Trauma or injury resulting in fractured or broken teeth.

Why is dental radiography important?

Our practice is very fortunate to have cutting-edge radiography for dentals which is key to assessing the level of dental disease. Dental radiography provides a thorough overview of the whole oral cavity including what lies beneath the gum line. This provides a wealth of information and allows the vet to make a much more informed decision and treatment plan.

How long does it take a dog to recover from a tooth extraction?

In most cases, your dog can go home the same day that they undergo their tooth extraction. The recovery time for a dog after this procedure can vary depending on the complexity and the dog’s overall health.
In general, most dogs recover within 7 to 10 days. During this time, it’s essential to follow the post-operative care instructions that our vets give you, which may include pain management, antibiotics, and a soft diet to facilitate healing.
As your dog will be placed under general anaesthetic for the extraction, you could find that they feel more sleepy than usual for up to 24 hours. If the vet used dissolvable stitches during the extraction then you should try to feed them soft food for at least 10 days in order to let their mouth heal properly.

Does Elm House offer teeth cleaning?

Should your dog need it, our dog dentist Chelmsford offers teeth cleaning for your pet. Of course, prevention is always better than treatment, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning your dog’s teeth at home. Ideally, this will start when they are a puppy so that they get used to the routine at a young age.

It’s also important to remember that you should never use human products as these may not be safe for your pet, instead you should invest in specialist pet dental products.

What are the signs of dental problems in dogs?

When your dog is suffering from dental problems, there’s a good chance there will be symptoms and changes in behaviour that you’ll notice. You spend so much time with your four-legged friend, that it’s likely you’ll notice them acting differently, so signs to watch out for include:

• Pawing at the mouth
• Unusual quietness or subdued behaviour
• Displaying interest in food but reluctance to eat
• Difficulty eating or chewing, especially on one side of the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Swelling of the face (in severe instances)

If you notice any of these signals, it’s essential to schedule a dental examination with us so that we can quickly address any underlying issues and prevent further complications. However, sometimes dental issues aren’t accompanied by these signs; this makes regular dental check-ups crucial for maintaining your dog’s oral health and overall well-being.

How to take better care of your dog’s teeth

Taking care of your dog’s teeth starts at home, and the more you do to protect their teeth, the less chance there’ll be of them developing dental problems that could eventually lead to extractions. Here are just some things you can do as a pet owner to care for their teeth:

• Regular Brushing: Just like humans, dogs benefit from regular brushing. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth at least two to three times a week, if not daily.
• Healthy Diet: Feed your dog a balanced diet that promotes dental health. Certain foods and treats are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while promoting gum health.
• Chew Toys and Dental Treats: Providing your dog with appropriate chew toys and dental treats can help keep their teeth clean by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Opt for toys and treats specifically designed to promote dental health.
• Routine Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s oral health and address any issues promptly. Professional cleanings may be necessary to remove stubborn tartar and prevent dental problems.
• Be Observant: Keep an eye out for signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, swollen gums, drooling, or reluctance to eat. Early detection and intervention can prevent minor issues from progressing into more severe conditions.

Are you looking for a dog dentist Chelmsford?

Book a dental check up today!