Oral Health

Dental Care

Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health condition in companion animals. Our comprehensive dental programme addresses oral health at every level — from professional cleanings to personalised at-home care routines.

Why Dental Health Is Whole-Body Health

More Than a Clean Smile

By age three, the majority of dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease — yet many pet owners don't realise their companion is affected until the condition is advanced. Dental disease rarely causes obvious distress, but it quietly undermines your pet's comfort and overall wellbeing.

Left untreated, the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs. Research has linked chronic dental disease in pets to complications affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver — conditions that are far more difficult and expensive to manage than the underlying dental problem that triggered them.

At Fernwood Veterinary Clinic, we approach dental health as an essential part of your pet's overall medical care. Our dental procedures are performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your pet is comfortable and still — allowing us to perform a thorough assessment and cleaning that simply isn't possible in an awake animal.

Our Dental Services

Ultrasonic dental cleanings under general anaesthesia
Digital dental radiography (full-mouth X-rays)
Dental extractions when necessary
Periodontal therapy and gum assessment
At-home dental care plans
Brushing technique guidance
Dental diet and chew recommendations
Oral health scoring and documentation

Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning

Our professional dental cleanings use ultrasonic scaling technology to safely remove tartar and plaque from all tooth surfaces — including below the gum line where bacteria accumulate and cause the most damage. Each procedure includes a detailed charting of every tooth, assessment of gum pocket depths, and polishing to smooth enamel surfaces and slow future plaque accumulation.

Because we perform cleanings under general anaesthesia, your pet remains calm and pain-free throughout. Our anaesthetic protocols are individually tailored, and we monitor vital signs continuously from induction through recovery.

Digital Dental Radiography

An estimated 60% of each tooth lies below the gum line — invisible to the naked eye. Digital dental radiography allows us to assess the roots, surrounding bone, and periodontal ligament for disease that would otherwise go undetected. This is the same standard of care used in human dentistry and is considered essential for a complete oral health assessment.

Digital X-rays produce high-resolution images immediately, expose your pet to lower levels of radiation than traditional film, and can be shared easily with dental specialists if a referral or second opinion is warranted.

Between Visits

At-Home Dental Care

Professional cleanings are most effective when supported by consistent at-home care. Tooth brushing remains the gold standard for maintaining oral health between veterinary visits — daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste can dramatically slow tartar accumulation and reduce the frequency of professional cleanings required.

We understand that brushing isn't always practical for every pet or every household. Our team will work with you to identify realistic alternatives, including dental chews, water additives, dental diets, and wipes designed to support oral hygiene. We'll demonstrate proper brushing technique and help you gradually introduce the process in a way that keeps your pet comfortable.

Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease

Bad breath (halitosis) that persists
Yellow or brown tartar build-up on teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Difficulty chewing or dropping food
Pawing at the mouth or face
Reluctance to be touched around the head
Excessive drooling
Swelling below the eye (may indicate tooth root abscess)

If you notice any of these signs, contact us to schedule a dental assessment.

Dental Care

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?+

Common signs include bad breath, red or swollen gums, yellow-brown tartar buildup, difficulty eating, or dropping food. We assess your pet's oral health at every wellness exam and will recommend a professional cleaning when it is needed.

Is anaesthesia safe for my pet during a dental cleaning?+

Yes. We perform pre-anaesthetic blood work to screen for any underlying health concerns and use modern monitoring equipment throughout the procedure. Anaesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take digital dental radiographs, and address any painful teeth safely and thoroughly.

How much does a professional dental cleaning cost for a dog or cat in Victoria?+

The cost varies depending on the level of dental disease and whether extractions are needed. We provide a written estimate after your pet's dental assessment so there are no surprises. Contact our clinic directly for current pricing.

How can I maintain my pet's dental health between professional cleanings?+

Daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard. We can also recommend veterinary-approved dental diets, chews, and water additives that carry the VOHC seal of acceptance. Our team will show you brushing techniques during your visit.

Questions About Your Pet's Dental Health?

Dental disease is preventable. Contact us today to discuss your pet's oral health or to book a dental assessment.