PET owners are encouraged to speak to their vets about how to look after their furry friends' pearly whites as part of August's Pet Dental Health Month.
Dental disease is common for Australian pets and, if left untreated, can be painful and lead to serious health concerns.
Australian Veterinary Association spokesperson Tara Cashman said it's important for pets to have yearly dental exams at the vet.
"Dental disease occurs above and below the gum line. It's extremely difficult to get a full picture of what's going on in a pet's mouth when it is conscious because disease below the gum line can't be seen," Dr Cashman said.
"To properly examine, diagnose and treat dental disease in pets, it must be done by a veterinarian while the animal is anaesthetised. This ensures the experience is a positive one for the pet because it is unaware of pain during the procedure and does not need to be physically restrained.
"A general anaesthetic also ensures the veterinarian can complete a thorough inspection of every single tooth above and below the gum line and address any problems on the spot. This is not possible to do effectively on a fully conscious patient," Dr Cashman said.
Gum disease and gingivitis are reversible in early stages, but if left undetected it can progress to periodontitis. The longer it's left, the more likely to impact the pet's quality of life.
Pets with oral health issues often show no obvious signs of dental disease and usually continue to eat normally despite pain.
"It's important that we address any oral health issues in pets as quickly as possible, and yearly thorough dental examinations by veterinarians are important in identifying and treating problems early," Dr Cashman said.
