Dental disease is one of the most common — and most underestimated — problems in dogs and cats. It is painful and often silent, yet it can be prevented and treated well. Dental scaling is the key procedure.
From tartar to gum disease
It all starts with invisible plaque settling on the teeth. Bacteria colonise it: the gum becomes inflamed (gingivitis), then the plaque hardens into tartar. Left alone, the inflammation advances, pockets of pus form between tooth and gum, and the tooth loosens: this is periodontal disease — painful, and a source of bad breath. (Some good news: unlike us, carnivores hardly ever get cavities.)
Which signs should alert you?
- Bad breath (the first sign, too often dismissed as normal)
- Your pet chews on one side, drops its kibble, eats less
- Drooling, red gums that bleed, reluctance to be touched near the mouth
- A general dip in form
What does dental scaling involve?
It is carried out under anaesthetic: essential for cleaning properly, below the gum line, and checking every tooth one by one, with no stress or pain for the animal. The tartar is removed with an ultrasonic scaler, the teeth are polished, and any that are too badly affected are extracted. A healthy mouth means a pet that enjoys its food again — and often seems years younger.
Mistakes to avoid
- Believing that ‘bad breath is just normal’: it is almost always the sign of dental disease.
- Hoping to brush away established tartar: brushing prevents tartar but does not remove what has already formed.
- Putting scaling off: the disease progresses, becomes painful and costs teeth.
Prevention
Regular brushing (with a toothpaste made for pets) is the most effective; failing that, dental kibble, chews or water additives help limit plaque. A look inside the mouth at every visit lets us act early.
The key points: bad breath is never trivial — it is the signal of painful dental disease. Scaling under anaesthetic restores a healthy mouth, and regular brushing remains the best prevention.