Pet Dental Health in Eltham: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Quick Answer: Early signs of dental disease in pets include bad breath, red gums, drooling, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, loose teeth, and changes in behaviour. If you notice these signs, it is sensible to arrange a veterinary dental check, as prompt care can reduce pain, prevent infection, and protect your pet’s long-term health.

Introduction

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems we see in pets, yet the early signs can be easy to miss at home. Many dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets continue eating and behaving quite normally even when their mouth is uncomfortable. By the time dental problems become obvious, treatment may be more involved than many owners expect.

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we regularly help local pet owners in Eltham and across South East London spot dental problems earlier and take practical steps to prevent them from worsening. As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we focus on high-quality care and clear advice so owners know what to look for and when to seek help.

If you are concerned about your pet’s teeth or gums, you can book an appointment online or explore our dental treatment services for further support.

Main Content

Why pet dental health matters

Dental disease is not just about unpleasant breath. It often starts with a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, followed by gum inflammation. Over time, this can lead to pain, infection, loose teeth, difficulty eating, and damage to the tissues that support the teeth.

Our veterinary team often advises owners that pets are very good at hiding discomfort. A dog that still eats biscuits or a cat that still asks for food may still have a painful mouth. In our experience supporting pets across Eltham and South East London, early assessment is one of the best ways to keep dental problems smaller, simpler and more manageable.

Early warning signs you should not ignore

The most common signs of dental disease can be subtle at first. It is worth arranging a check if you notice any of the following:

• Bad breath that is stronger or more persistent than usual
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Drooling more than normal
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Difficulty chewing or dropping food
• Eating more slowly or preferring softer food
• Loose, broken or missing teeth
• Reluctance to have the head or mouth touched
• Changes in mood, such as seeming quieter or more irritable

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery we commonly see pets brought in for “just bad breath”, only to find there is underlying gum disease or a painful tooth problem. Bad breath should not usually be dismissed as normal ageing.

Signs of dental problems in dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets

Different pets can show dental disease in slightly different ways.

Dogs may chew on one side, avoid toys, eat more slowly, or pull away when the mouth is touched. Some become quieter at home rather than obviously painful.

Cats often show very subtle signs. They may stop grooming as much, drop food, turn away from dry food, or seem less sociable. Cats with mouth pain can still appear keen to eat but then struggle when trying to chew.

Rabbits and small pets are especially important to monitor because their teeth grow continuously. Overgrown or misaligned teeth can lead to dribbling, weight loss, messy eating, reduced droppings, or swelling around the jaw. If you have a rabbit, our Bunny VIP Plan and wider preventative healthcare support can help with regular checks and ongoing monitoring.

Common mistakes owners make

• Assuming bad breath is normal
• Waiting until a pet stops eating completely
• Trying to inspect a sore mouth too forcefully at home
• Using human toothpaste, which is not suitable for pets
• Assuming dental chews alone can fix established dental disease

Many local pet owners ask us whether brushing, chews or special food can remove heavy tartar. These products can be very useful for prevention, but once there is significant build-up or gum disease, a professional veterinary assessment is usually the right next step.

How dental disease is assessed and treated

If we suspect dental disease, we will examine your pet’s mouth as fully as they will comfortably allow during a consultation. We will look at the teeth, gums, tartar build-up, and any visible signs of pain or infection. Some problems are only fully identified during a dental procedure, because disease can hide below the gum line.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps pets from Westhorne Avenue, Eltham and nearby parts of South East London with dental checks, treatment planning and aftercare. You can find details of our pet dental treatments and broader veterinary services on our website.

Depending on the findings, treatment may include a professional scale and polish, dental x-rays where indicated, treatment of infected areas, or tooth extraction if a tooth is too damaged to save. Some pets needing closer monitoring may also benefit from our hospitalisation facilities if ongoing care is required.

What We Commonly See at Westhorne Veterinary Surgery

One of the most common concerns we hear at Westhorne Veterinary Surgery is, “My pet’s breath smells, but they are still eating, so is it really a problem?” In many cases, the answer is yes, it is worth checking. Pets often carry on eating despite discomfort, especially if the issue has been developing gradually.

We regularly help owners who have noticed small changes rather than dramatic symptoms, such as slower eating, less interest in toys, dribbling, or avoiding dry food. A common misunderstanding is that visible tartar is only a cosmetic issue. In reality, tartar often goes hand in hand with gum inflammation and discomfort.

Our local veterinary team also commonly sees rabbits whose dental issues first show up as reduced appetite, weight loss or wet fur around the mouth. These cases can become more difficult if left too long, which is why regular checks matter so much.

In our experience supporting local pet owners from Eltham to Greenwich, early advice is often the difference between straightforward dental care and more advanced treatment.

Practical Advice

What you can do at home

Good dental care at home can make a real difference, especially when started early in life.

• Check your pet’s mouth gently for redness, tartar and bad breath
• Use pet-safe toothpaste only if brushing is recommended and your pet tolerates it
• Ask us which dental diets, chews or products are appropriate for your pet
• Keep up with routine health checks so problems are spotted early
• Monitor eating habits, grooming and behaviour for subtle changes

Our veterinary team often advises introducing tooth brushing gradually, with patience and positive reinforcement. It is not suitable for every pet, but where it is possible, it can be one of the most effective ways to reduce plaque build-up. If you would like support with routine care, our health checks and clinics and VIP Health Plan options can help owners stay on top of preventative care.

Prevention matters

Preventative care is especially valuable for pets prone to dental issues, including smaller dog breeds, older cats, and rabbits with ongoing tooth problems. Our preventative healthcare services are designed to support pets through every stage of life, helping us identify concerns before they become more uncomfortable or more expensive to treat.

If you are new to the area or looking for a local veterinary team on Westhorne Avenue, you can register your pet with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery to access ongoing care and advice.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet if your pet has ongoing bad breath, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, drooling, a swelling near the mouth, or any change in behaviour that could be linked to oral discomfort.

Prompt advice is especially important if your pet has:

• Stopped eating or is eating much less than normal
• A visibly loose or broken tooth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling around the face or jaw
• Obvious signs of pain when chewing or being touched

At Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, we regularly help pets with both early dental concerns and more advanced oral problems. If you are unsure whether your pet needs to be seen, you can find our practice details or speak to our veterinary team for guidance on the next step.

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. For urgent help, 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 one of the most common signs. Persistent bad breath should be checked, especially if it appears alongside tartar, red gums, drooling or eating changes.

How often should my pet have a dental check?

This depends on your pet’s age, species, breed and dental history. Many pets benefit from dental checks as part of their routine examinations. We can advise what is appropriate during a consultation.

Can I clean my pet’s teeth at home?

In some pets, yes. Brushing with pet-safe toothpaste can be very effective for prevention. However, it will not remove established tartar below the gum line, and not every pet will tolerate brushing safely.

Do rabbits get dental disease too?

Yes. Rabbit dental problems are common and can be serious if missed. Signs can include dribbling, eating less, weight loss and changes in droppings. A vet should assess any rabbit showing these symptoms.

What if my pet needs dental treatment?

We will explain the findings, discuss the treatment plan, and talk you through aftercare. You can also review our prices and, where appropriate, explore available support such as 0% finance options.

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 Our Eltham Veterinary Team

If you have noticed signs of dental disease in your pet, we are here to help. You can book an appointment online, register your pet with Westhorne Veterinary Surgery, or visit our practice information page to contact our team on Westhorne Avenue. We are proud to support pets and local pet owners across Eltham and South East London with practical, personal veterinary care.