Pet Dentistry

Caring for Your Pet’s Dental Health

Looking after your pet’s teeth is just as important as looking after your own. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see in dogs, cats, and even rabbits — yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes quite advanced. By keeping an eye on your pet’s mouth and recognising early warning signs, you can help prevent discomfort and protect their long-term health.

Why Dental Health Matters

Poor dental health doesn’t just cause smelly breath. It can lead to painful infections, loose teeth, and difficulty eating. In more serious cases, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, such as the heart and kidneys. Regular dental care can make a huge difference to your pet’s quality of life.

Signs of Dental Problems in Pets

Pets can be very good at hiding pain, so it’s important to check for subtle changes. Signs that may indicate dental disease include:

• Bad breath – persistent or worsening odour from the mouth.

• Red or bleeding gums – especially when chewing or after playing with toys.

• Yellow or brown tartar – visible buildup on the teeth.

• Loose or missing teeth – often noticed when chewing is more difficult.

• Reluctance to eat hard food or dropping food – suggesting chewing is painful.

• Pawing at the mouth or face rubbing – a sign of oral discomfort.

• Changes in behaviour – such as irritability or reduced interest in toys.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to book a consultation with one of our vets.

How We Can Help

At Bay Vet Group, we carry out thorough dental checks as part of your pet’s health examination. If dental disease is present, we’ll discuss the best treatment options with you. This might include professional cleaning under anaesthetic, extractions of unhealthy teeth, or ongoing management at home.

Our nursing team also offers dental clinics, where you can learn how to brush your pet’s teeth safely, choose suitable dental diets, and use products that support oral health.

Preventing Dental Disease

Simple steps at home can go a long way:

• Regular tooth brushing – using a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Dental diets and chews – designed to reduce plaque and tartar.

• Routine check-ups – so any problems can be spotted early.

Advanced Dental Care at Bay Vet Group

When it comes to dental treatment, we believe pets deserve the same standard of care that people receive at the dentist. That’s why our team — led by our Certificated Veterinary Dentist Dr Christopher Bamford MA VetMB certAVP CSAVP(dentistry) PgCertVBM MRCVS — follows the highest standards in veterinary dentistry.

Dental X-rays

Many dental problems lie below the gumline, where they can’t be seen during a routine examination. Dental x-rays allow us to assess the roots of the teeth, check for hidden infections, and make sure we only remove teeth that genuinely need extracting. This ensures your pet receives the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Local Anaesthetic Blocks

Just like in human dentistry, we use local anaesthetic nerve blocks during extractions or other procedures. These reduce pain during and after treatment, helping your pet recover more comfortably. Using this advanced approach also means we can keep general anaesthetic doses lighter and safer.

Careful Anaesthetic Monitoring

Dental procedures require pets to be under general anaesthetic to ensure their safety and comfort. At Bay Vet Group, we use modern anaesthetic protocols tailored to each patient, and your pet is closely monitored throughout by our experienced veterinary nurses using advanced monitoring equipment. This attention to detail means we can deliver safe, effective, and high-quality dental care.

By combining these techniques with the expertise of our certificated veterinary dentist, we’re able to offer the very best in pet dental health — ensuring treatments are thorough, comfortable, and as stress-free as possible.

Final Thoughts

Good dental care keeps your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy. If you’d like advice on looking after your pet’s teeth, or if you’ve noticed any of the warning signs above, please get in touch with Bay Vet Group — we’re here to help.

• Do they have dental x-ray?
• Do they use local anaesthetic blocks?
• Do they have an interest in dentistry?
• Are they undertaking or have taken advanced training?

We can answer yes to all of these!

How does dental disease start?