Dental Care for Pets in Eltham: Recognising Signs of Dental Disease and Treatment Options

Quick Answer: Dental disease in pets often starts with bad breath, red gums, tartar build-up, dropping food or reluctance to eat. Early veterinary checks can help prevent pain, tooth loss and infection. At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery in Eltham, we assess dental health, advise on home care and provide dental treatment services where needed.

Introduction

Dental care is an important part of your pet’s overall health, yet it is often overlooked until there is a noticeable problem. In our experience supporting pets across Eltham and South East London, many dogs, cats and rabbits show signs of dental disease gradually, which means owners may not realise there is an issue at first.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery on Westhorne Avenue, we regularly help local pet owners spot the early signs of mouth problems and understand what treatment may be needed. Good dental care is not just about fresher breath. Healthy teeth and gums can make eating more comfortable and support your pet’s wellbeing throughout life.

If you are concerned about your pet’s mouth, it is sensible to book an appointment for a dental assessment rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Main Content

Why dental health matters in pets

Dental disease happens when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. Plaque is a soft film of bacteria. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate the gums and lead to infection. Over time, this may cause sore gums, loose teeth, difficulty eating and discomfort.

Our veterinary team often advises that dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see in adult pets. It can affect dogs and cats of any age, and rabbits and small pets can also develop dental problems, although the signs and causes may be a little different.

Routine checks as part of preventative healthcare can help us identify changes early and discuss the best next steps for your pet.

Signs of dental disease to look out for

Some signs are easy to spot, while others are more subtle. Many local pet owners ask us whether bad breath is normal. Mild odour can happen, but strong or unpleasant breath is often a sign that the mouth needs attention.

• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Dropping food while eating
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Reluctance to eat hard food or treats
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Dribbling more than usual
• Loose, broken or missing teeth
• Weight loss or reduced appetite
• Reduced grooming in cats
• Lumps, swellings or discharge around the mouth

In rabbits, dental problems may look different and can include drooling, messy eating, reduced appetite, weight loss or changes in droppings because they are not eating properly. Owners of rabbits can also ask us about support through our Bunny VIP Plan and regular health monitoring.

Common causes of dental disease

The most common cause in dogs and cats is plaque and tartar build-up over time. Some pets are more prone to dental problems than others, particularly smaller dog breeds, older pets and those with crowded teeth. Cats may also develop conditions such as gingivitis, which means inflammation of the gums.

Rabbits have continuously growing teeth, so dental issues in rabbits may be linked to tooth wear, jaw alignment or diet. A rabbit’s diet should be based mainly on hay to help wear the teeth naturally.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, our experienced veterinary team regularly helps pet owners in Eltham and South East London understand which type of dental problem may be affecting their pet and whether treatment is needed now or monitoring is appropriate.

How dental problems are diagnosed

A dental check usually starts with a physical examination of your pet’s mouth, teeth and gums. We also ask about eating habits, chewing behaviour and any changes you have noticed at home.

Some pets will allow a good examination while awake, but the full extent of dental disease often cannot be assessed without a dental procedure under anaesthetic. This is because the areas under the gumline are very important and cannot be properly examined or treated in a conscious pet.

If we recommend treatment, we will explain what is involved and discuss the likely plan. You can also view our prices and speak to our team about options, including 0% finance where appropriate.

Treatment options for dental disease

Treatment depends on the severity of the problem. In mild cases, we may advise improved home care and close monitoring. In more significant cases, professional dental treatment is usually needed.

Our dental treatments may include:

• A full oral examination
• Scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar
• Treatment of inflamed gums
• Dental X-rays where indicated
• Extraction of damaged or loose teeth if needed
• Aftercare advice for recovery and ongoing prevention

A common concern is whether tooth extraction is always a bad outcome. In reality, if a tooth is badly diseased or painful, removing it can greatly improve comfort and quality of life. Our veterinary team often advises owners that pets usually cope much better after painful teeth have been treated.

If your pet needs more complex assessment or treatment, our advanced surgery and medicine services support comprehensive care where appropriate. If a pet requires monitoring after a procedure, we also have hospitalisation facilities for ongoing care.

What We Commonly See at Westhorne Veterinary Surgery

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery we regularly help with pets whose owners have only recently noticed a problem, even though the disease has likely been developing for some time. That is very common, and it does not mean you have done anything wrong. Pets are often good at hiding discomfort.

One of the most common concerns we hear from local pet owners is, “My pet is still eating, so could their mouth really be painful?” The answer is yes, sometimes they can still eat despite significant dental disease. Eating does not always mean the mouth is comfortable.

We commonly see:

• Dogs with heavy tartar but few obvious symptoms at home
• Cats with sore gums and subtle changes in appetite or grooming
• Older pets who seem quieter because of ongoing dental discomfort
• Rabbits with reduced hay intake and early signs of tooth overgrowth
• Owners who have been told bad breath is normal when it often deserves a check

A common misunderstanding is that dental disease is only a cosmetic issue. In fact, gum disease and painful teeth can affect your pet’s comfort, eating and general wellbeing. Our local veterinary team on Westhorne Avenue often advises that routine dental checks are one of the most useful ways to catch problems before they become more advanced.

As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we are committed to high standards of care and practical advice for pet owners across Eltham, Lee, Mottingham and the wider South East London area.

Practical Advice

How to help care for your pet’s teeth at home

Home dental care can make a real difference, especially when started early and done consistently. Our veterinary team often advises owners to focus on simple, realistic routines rather than trying to do too much at once.

1. Brush your pet’s teeth with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste if they will tolerate it.
2. Introduce brushing gradually with praise and short sessions.
3. Ask us which dental diets, chews or products may be suitable for your pet.
4. Arrange regular health checks so that any changes can be picked up early.
5. For rabbits, make sure hay remains the main part of the diet to support normal tooth wear.

If you would like preventative support, you can explore our health checks and clinics or ask us about the VIP Health Plan for ongoing pet healthcare.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming bad breath is normal
• Waiting until your pet stops eating before seeking advice
• Using human toothpaste, which is not suitable for pets
• Trying to inspect or clean a sore mouth if your pet is distressed
• Overlooking dental checks in rabbits and small pets

Many local pet owners in Eltham and South East London find it helpful to start with a professional check, then build a home care routine around their pet’s individual needs.

When To Contact A Vet

Please contact your vet if you notice persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, visible tartar, loose teeth, facial swelling, reluctance to eat, weight loss, drooling, or signs that your pet may be uncomfortable when chewing.

You should seek prompt veterinary advice if your pet suddenly stops eating, has obvious mouth pain, has a broken tooth, develops swelling near the face or jaw, or seems unusually quiet and uncomfortable.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, our experienced veterinary team regularly helps pets from Eltham, Kidbrooke, Blackheath, Greenwich, Charlton, New Eltham, Chislehurst and Sidcup with dental concerns ranging from mild tartar build-up to more advanced oral disease.

If you are worried, you can register your pet with us or use our contact and location details to find our practice on Westhorne Avenue. For urgent concerns outside normal hours, please use our 24-hour emergency veterinary care service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bad breath in pets always a sign of dental disease?

Not always, but it is a very common sign. If your pet’s breath has become noticeably unpleasant, it is worth arranging a check.

Can dental disease affect young pets?

Yes. Although it is more common in adult and older pets, young pets can still have retained baby teeth, gum inflammation or other mouth issues. Preventative care from an early age is helpful, and our Little VIP Kitten Plan and other support options can help owners keep on top of routine care.

Will my pet need an anaesthetic for dental treatment?

Professional dental cleaning and treatment are usually carried out under anaesthetic so the teeth can be examined and treated properly, including under the gumline.

How often should my pet’s teeth be checked?

We recommend regular veterinary health checks, with extra attention to dental health as your pet gets older or if they are prone to dental problems. You can also speak to our veterinary team about what schedule is suitable for your pet.

Are rabbit dental problems different from dog and cat dental problems?

Yes. Rabbits have continuously growing teeth, so problems often relate to wear, alignment and diet rather than tartar alone. Reduced hay intake can be an early clue.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Book a Dental Check with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery

If you have noticed signs of dental disease, or you would simply like reassurance about your pet’s oral health, we are here to help. You can book an appointment online, register your pet with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, or view our veterinary services for pets across Eltham and South East London.

Our local veterinary team on Westhorne Avenue provides caring, practical support at every stage of life. If your pet is due a check-up, explore our preventative healthcare options or arrange a visit with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery today.