Pet Dentistry & Oral Health

PET DENTISTRY

& ORAL HEALTH

Comprehensive Dental Care for a Healthier, Longer Life

At Seaforth Vets, our veterinary team views dentistry as a cornerstone of your pet’s overall well-being. It is much more than just addressing "doggy breath"; scientific research shows that oral health is a vital gateway to systemic health. Bacteria from diseased gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Our team has moved away from "reactive" dentistry, where we only see pets when problems are advanced, to a proactive, health-preserving approach that keeps your pet's mouth healthy and pain-free.

THE HIDDEN 60%: WHY OUR TEAM RELIES ON DENTAL X-RAYS

During a standard consultation, our vets can only see what is happening above the gum line. However, 60% of a pet's tooth structure is hidden beneath the gums.

To provide the highest standard of care, our team utilises advanced digital dental X-rays for every dental procedure. These scans allow us to identify issues that the naked eye simply cannot see, such as:

Tooth Root Abscesses
Tooth Root Abscesses
Painful infections hidden deep in the jaw.
Bone Resorption
Bone Resorption
Where bacteria are actively damaging the jawbone.
Hidden Enamel Lesions
Hidden Enamel Lesions
Small holes that cause significant sensitivity and pain.
Retained Roots
Retained Roots
Fragments of old teeth that can lead to chronic inflammation.
Our Vets Prioritise Safety and Comfort

WHY OUR VETS PRIORITISE SAFETY AND COMFORT

A common question we receive is whether dental work can be done while a pet is awake. Our clinical team strictly follows the gold standard of care, which requires a general anaesthetic for all dental procedures.

Pets naturally won't lie still for a thorough sub-gingival clean, and "conscious scaling" only removes surface tartar while leaving dangerous bacteria behind. By using anaesthesia, our surgical team can:

  1. Perform a 360-degree clean (including vital cleaning under the gums).
  2. Take accurate X-rays without stress or movement.
  3. Protect the airway from water and bacteria.
  4. Ensure a completely pain-free experience for your pet.
Scale, Polish, and Prevention

SCALE, POLISH, AND PREVENTION

Our team's primary goal is to save teeth, not remove them. Through regular preventative "Scale and Polish" treatments, we work to:

  • Remove plaque and tartar before they cause irreversible bone loss.
  • Smooth the enamel via polishing, making it harder for new bacteria to stick.
  • Maintain Detailed Dental Charts: We track your pet's oral health year-on-year, allowing us to spot subtle changes early.
At-Home Care

AT-HOME CARE: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

We know that every household is different, so our team works with you to find a preventative routine that actually fits your lifestyle. While daily brushing is the "gold standard" discussed in our puppy and kitten visits, our nurses and vets can also advise on:

  • Specific Dental Diets: Kibble is designed to mechanically scrub the teeth as they eat.
  • Water Additives & Gels: Products that help minimise tartar build-up.
  • Regular In-Clinic Checks: We perform a thorough oral exam during every wellness visit.

REFRESH YOUR PET'S SMILE

If you have noticed a change in your pet's breath or they seem reluctant to chew, our team is here to help.

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