Not many of us like going to the dentist, but once in a while, most of us have to pay them a visit anyway.
Animals aren’t that much different to us. They too can get gingivitis, bleeding and receding gumlines, caries, loose and/or rotten teeth which do require treatment.
Some of them are quite lucky, as no matter what, they never run out of teeth. Sharks for instance. If one tooth is lost, another spins forward from the rows and rows of backup teeth. That can be over 20000 teeth in its lifetime.
Crocodiles have replaceable teeth as well. Each tooth is hollow and the new tooth grows inside the old one in order to be ready once the old tooth is lost.
While being the largest animals, blue whales are spared any dentistry as they have no teeth at all.
And snakes usually get refused to be seen by their dentist due to the toxic and even lethal venom some of them carry, ready to inject into a too trusting tooth doctor.
A lot of animals are not that fortunate however. While rodents’ teeth keep growing continuously and are kept under control by constant abrasion from chewing a high fibre diet they can encounter trouble when the teeth overgrow. They might need regular trimming at the vet’s.
Dogs and cats often need to have plaque and tartar removed to prevent bacteria from causing general health issues or “just” tooth ache.
So, have your pet’s teeth checked by your vet and let them advise you on the best way to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and shiny.
Otaki Veterinary Centre
269 Mill Road, Otaki 06 364 6941
otakivetcentre.com otakivet@ihug.co.nz
Angela Ford BVM&S MRCVS MACVSc Emma & Jen — Veterinary nurses
Mobile Vet service — we come to you 24 Hrs advice and emergency service — Ring 364 6941 Microchips scanned at no cost and replaced for free if required