What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is one of the most common and most under-recognised health issues affecting pets. In fact, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three have some degree of dental disease, often without obvious signs at first.

Gum disease begins with plaque, a sticky mix of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that builds up on the teeth and along the gum line. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, allowing bacteria to spread beneath the gums. Over time, this causes inflammation, pain, gum recession, loose teeth, and irreversible damage to the supporting bone.

At Casey and Cranbourne Veterinary Hospital, we regularly diagnose and treat dental disease in pets from Cranbourne, Clyde, Lynbrook, Seaford and surrounding suburbs, often before owners realise there’s a problem.

Dental disease doesn’t stop at bad breath.

When gums are inflamed or bleeding, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs. This increases the risk of secondary problems affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, joints and immune system, particularly in older pets or those with underlying health conditions.

Left untreated, gum disease can significantly reduce your pet’s comfort, appetite, and quality of life.

Some pets hide dental pain very well. Common signs include:
Persistent bad breath

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
• Loose or missing teeth
• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Changes in behaviour or irritability

If you notice any of these signs, early assessment can prevent more advanced disease.

Daily care makes a real difference – especially when started early.
Helpful preventative measures include:

• Dental chews such as Greenies or Oravet
• Veterinary dental diets like Hills T/D or Royal Canin Dental
• Daily tooth brushing using pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste)

Not all pets tolerate brushing, and home care alone isn’t always enough, particularly once tartar has formed beneath the gum line.

When dental disease has progressed beyond what home care can manage, a dental scale and polish under general anaesthesia is recommended.

At our clinic, dental procedures include:

• Thorough ultrasonic scaling above and below the gum line
• Polishing to slow future plaque build-up
• Full oral examination and probing
• Tooth extractions when necessary
• Advanced techniques such as nerve blocks and dental flaps for complex cases

We recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing to assess liver and kidney health, and intravenous fluids during the procedure to support circulation and recovery.

Many dental cases can be managed in-house by our experienced team without referral, including more advanced dental disease.

Some pets require more than routine dental cleaning.

We provide advanced dentistry for dogs and cats, including treatment of severe gum disease, extractions involving roots or bone loss, and pain-controlled procedures using modern dental techniques. Our goal is always to restore comfort, function, and long-term oral health without unnecessary intervention.

If your pet has bad breath, visible tartar, or changes in eating behaviour, early assessment can prevent pain and tooth loss.

Contact Casey and Cranbourne Veterinary Hospital to book a dental check.

We offer experienced, thorough dental care with modern facilities and a calm, supportive approach.

Same-day appointments may be available if you’re concerned.