Expert Vet Dental Services for Your Pet Dentist Needs
We all know that brushing our teeth is important for our own dental health, but what about those of our pets?
Regular dental care is just as important for pets as it is for humans but most pets do not brush their teeth daily! Good dental health prevents issues that can arise from poor dental hygiene such as bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
Additional factors such as age, diet, breed, and genetics also play a role in predisposing pets to dental disease, with studies showing that around 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have some form of dental disease by the age of 3.
Regular dental checks lets us identify issues early and provide the necessary treatments to prevent the worsening of your pet’s teeth. We recommend that all pets receive a dental check every 6 months and a dental clean once every 12 months.
Speak with one of our friendly vets today to learn more about dental disease in pets and determine the most appropriate course of care for your pets.
Here are some tips for home oral care:
Regular brushing – Pets need their teeth brushed regularly. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush specifically designed for pets, along with pet toothpaste. Start slowly and gradually increase the length of brushing time over several weeks.
Dental treats and toys – There are a variety of dental treats and toys available that can help clean your pet’s teeth. Some of these treats are designed to remove tartar and plaque while your pet chews, and some toys are designed to promote chewing and help clean teeth at the same time.
Why Pet Dental Health Matters
Poor dental health is about far more than bad breath. Untreated dental disease can cause your pet significant pain and discomfort, affect their ability to eat, and, in severe cases, lead to bacterial infections that spread to vital organs including the heart, kidneys, and liver. The good news is that with regular professional dental care and a strong home dental hygiene routine, much of this is entirely preventable.
Common Consequences Of Untreated Dental Disease In Pets Include:
- Periodontal disease: inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, which is the most common dental condition seen in dogs and cats
- Tooth root abscesses: painful infections at the root of a tooth that often have no visible signs until they become severe
- Tooth fractures: particularly common in dogs who chew hard objects such as bones, antlers, or hard nylon toys
- Tooth resorption: a painful condition common in cats where the tooth structure is progressively destroyed
- Oral tumours: growths in the mouth that require prompt assessment and management
- Systemic infections: bacteria from infected teeth and gums entering the bloodstream and affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver
Our Vet Dental Services
At Pet Medical Milsons Point, we offer a comprehensive range of pet dentist and vet dental services tailored to your animal’s individual needs:
- Dental health examinations: A thorough assessment of your pet’s teeth, gums, tongue, and oral cavity, performed as part of a routine health check or as a dedicated dental appointment.
- Professional dental cleaning (scale and polish): Performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, and to allow our team to thoroughly clean every tooth, including below the gumline where the most damaging plaque and tartar accumulate.
- Tooth extractions: When a tooth is diseased beyond repair, extraction is often the kindest option. Our team performs extractions with care and precision, using appropriate pain management before, during, and after the procedure to keep your pet comfortable.
- Treatment of periodontal disease: Including scaling, root planing, and in some cases antibiotic therapy to address infection in the gum tissue.
- Oral surgery: For more complex cases including fractured teeth, oral tumours, or significant jaw abnormalities, we will discuss your options and arrange a referral to a specialist oral surgeon where required.
- Home dental care advice: We will provide you with practical, tailored guidance on brushing your pet’s teeth at home, choosing appropriate dental diets and chews, and maintaining their oral health between professional cleanings.
Serving Milsons Point and the North Shore
Pet Medical Milsons Point provides vet dental and pet dentist services to dogs and cats across the North Shore, including Milsons Point, Kirribilli, Waverton, North Sydney, Cammeray, Neutral Bay, Crows Nest, St Leonards, and Artarmon.
If your pet is due for a dental health check or you have concerns about their oral health, we would love to help.
“Prevention is the best defence against dental disease. Address dental issues early and you can help your pet maintain good dental health throughout their life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental checkups are recommended once a year, or sooner if you notice bad breath or sore gums. Some pets are more prone to dental issues than others. For these pets, a checkup every six months is recommended.
Bad breath, red gums, drooling, and difficulty eating.
Yes, we use anaesthesia that is carefully calculated based on your pet’s weight and medical history. Your pet is closely monitored throughout the procedure by a qualified nurse or veterinarian.
Yes, use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
Absolutely, we tailor care for pets of all ages.
Absolutely. Pets are remarkably good at hiding pain, and many continue eating despite significant dental discomfort. By the time an owner notices a change in eating behaviour, the disease is often quite advanced. This is why regular dental assessments are so important, we can identify and address problems long before they become severe.
The cost of a professional dental clean varies depending on what is required once we have completed the full assessment under anaesthesia. We will always provide you with an estimate in advance and discuss costs with you transparently. If extractions or additional procedures are required, we will contact you for authorisation before proceeding wherever possible.
Dental care should begin as early as possible, ideally when your pet is still a puppy or kitten. Starting a tooth brushing routine early makes it much easier to maintain as they grow. We also recommend a dental assessment at each annual health check from your pet’s first year of life.
Yes. Small and toy dog breeds (including Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pugs) and brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats) are particularly prone to dental overcrowding and disease. If your pet is one of these breeds, we recommend more frequent dental assessments.
Feedback From Our Valued Clients
Pet Medical Milsons Point is nothing short of AMAZING, our puppy Mellow is always so calm when he comes here – the staff are lovely and SO caring of him. As first time dog owners we were a little anxious with all his first appointments and all the things we needed to learn – the nurses and vets here are patient, kind & friendly. We are so happy to have found them and completely trust them in their care for our boy. This vet comes highly recommended for a reason, and we now highly recommend it for anyone looking for their next family vet. Thanks so much Pet Medical xx
Very friendly and welcoming staff, always a pleasure to bring the family dog in for a check up and daily treats. Highly recommend to anyone who has any veterinary concerns and are seeking the best quality care.
Pet Medical is providing a wonderful service for our area. Dr Jo is running a professional team and all enquiries regarding our dogs’ habits are answered immediately including advice on pet insurance. Dr Jo is extremely thorough in her examinations and always contacts us the next day if there has been medication administered and needs to know any outcomes. I highly recommend this team.