Dental Month

Its national pet dental month!

At Stokewood Vets we are passionate about promoting good dental hygiene for all our patients to keep them smiling! All too often we see pets come into the practice that are in need of having their mouths cleaned under
general anaesthetic.
Because of this we are excited to let our clients know that during the months of February and March we are offering £30 OFF dental scale and polish procedures.
Why do we recommend dentals?
The purpose of a dental scale and polish is to remove calculus/tartar from the teeth.
We recommend this because it lowers the risk of periodontal disease and helps us
spot dental related issues such as broken teeth, exposed roots and bleeding gums.
This procedure has to be done under a general anaesthetic because unlike us at the
dentist, our pets can’t say “ahhhh” so to examine under general anaesthetic is the
safest and most stress-free way of thoroughly examining the mouth.
What causes periodontal disease?
When the minerals in your pets salvia hardens it forms calculus. Calculus/tartar can
build up quickly on the teeth and provides a great place for bacteria to hide and
cause dental issues. Dental disease causes pain from inflamed gums and damaged
teeth. Sadly, it does not stop there. The bacteria can enter the blood stream and
cause more serious conditions such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Our pets can really suffer when it comes to oral diseases. It has been noted that
80% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer some kind of gum disease by the time they are
only 3 years old!
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
 Constant bad breath
 Discoloured teeth or teeth covered in tartar
 Broken or loose teeth
 Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
 Pain in or around the mouth
 Bleeding from the gums
How can we prevent dental issues?

1. Regular dental checks can be a great way to spot potential problems early.
Give us a call on 01202532817 and book a nurse appointment to get those
pearly whites checked!
2. Get your pet used to having their teeth brushed regularly – the gold standard
is every day, but aim for at least three times a week. It can take time to build
new habits so take it slow. Start by getting your pet used to the pet toothpaste
by allowing them to taste it and put a small amount on the toothbrush.
3. Specially formulated dental diets can help keep your pets teeth in good
condition. Give us a call or an email, and ask for our recommendations so we
can point you in the right direction for a diet that is suitable for your pet.
4. There are many dental chews on the market that can also be a handy addition
to your pets routine. Most pets love them and won’t even realise they are
helping to clean those teeth.

Unfortunately, we are yet to come across a cat or dog who can clean their own teeth!
So, it’s down to us loving owners to ensure that we are doing all that we can to keep
them smiling. If you feel that you need any help or advice keeping your pets mouth
fresh and healthy give us a call or book an appointment with one of our friendly
nurses