Your pet’s dental care routine is a vital part of their health and well-being, ensuring that all preventative methods of treatment are being used will help to keep your pets mouth and teeth in top condition.
Much like humans, pets can develop a build-up of tartar, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Small techniques, like brushing your pets’ teeth once or twice a day can help improve their oral hygiene and keep dental disease at bay.
At Crofts Vets, we are here to help you with your pet dental care routine, ensuring that your pet’s oral hygiene is good, and you are able to maintain this regularly.

Signs of Poor Dental Health in Pets
There can be a number of signs that indicate poor dental care in rabbits, cats and dogs, including:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Visible tartar build-up in teeth (brown colouration on the teeth)
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth
- Red or inflamed gums (gingivitis)
If you notice a change in your pet’s behaviours, or that they are showing signs of discomfort in the mouth, speak to our team at Crofts Vets today and book your pet dental care appointment with us.
Book a pet dental care appointment
Signs of Severe Dental Disease in Pets
When poor pet dental care, this can lead to severe dental disease developing in your pet’s mouth. Signs of this can include:
- Drooling
- Slowness or reluctance to eat
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Chewing on one side of their mouth
- Dropping food from their mouth when eating
- Swelling around the mouth
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, speak to our team at Crofts Vets immediately. Severe dental disease can be uncomfortable for your pets. Earlier identification can ensure that they receive the right pet dental care and treatment from our team.
Our team of veterinary professionals at Crofts Vets in Haslemere, Surrey are happy to answer your questions or advise you on the recommended products or dental diets for your pet. Book your consultation online today and ensure your pet dental care routines are benefitting your pet.
Book a pet dental care appointment
Pet Dental Care FAQs
What is dental disease?
Dental disease can vary from mild to severe. In the early stages of dental disease plaque and tartar begin to build on the surface of the tooth. As plaque and tartar continue to build the gum around the tooth can become inflames (gingivitis). Left untreated, the inflamed gum will begin to recede, exposing the root of the tooth. Ultimately the tooth may be lost. Dental disease can occur following trauma where a tooth is fractures
Is my pet in pain if they have dental disease?
Yes. Your pet’s teeth are made up in the same way as our teeth with the same nerves and sensations. They experience dental pain in the same way as we do. However, pets are very good at hiding this pain and it can often be difficult to identify they are in pain.
Who will check if my pet has dental disease?
Our nurses can assess your pet’s teeth for free during a dental clinic and are fully trained in advising you on techniques to help care for them. In addition, our vets will check your pet’s teeth at each of their examinations for vaccinations or other problems.
What happens during my pet’s dental care?
At the start of your pet’s treatment, we will chart your pet’s mouth. This is a process where we individually assess each tooth and the gums and record any abnormalities. Charting your pet’s teeth ensures no problems are missed and acts as a record if further investigation treatment is required. You will also receive a copy of this chart for your own records. The vet doing your pet’s dental care will then call you to discuss the findings in your pet’s mouth and to recommend what dental treatment is required. You will also be given costs of all treatments. As will all operations your pet will be carefully monitored throughout their anaesthetic.
What is scale and polish procedure?
As with people, a scale and polish involve an ultrasonic scaler held gently against the teeth. The scaler will gently vibrate against the teeth to remove tartar. A high-speed polisher is then used to ensure your pet’s teeth are left smooth and clean. (All patients who require other dental treatment will also have their teeth scaled and polished).
When are dental x-rays taken?
If we are concerned about a tooth showing early signs of decay, we may take an x-ray of the tooth as your own dentist would do. The x-ray allows us to examine the portion of the tooth under the gum (the root) to identify if it’s healthy or not. This information will be used to determine the best treatment for that tooth.
What do dental extractions involve?
In short, dental extractions mean removing teeth. This is only done when a tooth is diseased and, if left in the mouth, will cause further problems. At Crofts Vets Surgery we use surgical extractions to carefully remove teeth which are diseased. This means we use surgical techniques to safely remove the tooth, minimising trauma to the gums and other structures in the mouth. We will then suture the gum. For your pet this means minimal trauma in their mouth and quicker healing time.
What if my pet requires more advanced dental treatment?
On occasion your pet may require more advanced dental techniques such as root canal treatment. These advanced procedures can help to prevent teeth which are showing early signs of disease and can help prevent extractions. If this is required, we can discuss referral options for your pet.