Understanding your pet's oral health
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats, yet many pets show very few obvious signs until the disease has become advanced. Because animals instinctively hide pain, problems affecting the mouth often go unnoticed until they begin to interfere with eating, playing, or overall quality of life.
Many dental and oral conditions are highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. Whether your pet has a fractured tooth, periodontal disease, a painful malocclusion, or another oral condition, our goal is to identify the underlying problem, relieve pain, and restore a comfortable, functional mouth.
Below are some of the most common dental conditions we diagnose and treat. Each page provides information about the condition, how it is diagnosed, available treatment options, and what you can expect moving forward.
Common dental conditions
Periodontal Disease
The most common dental disease affecting dogs and cats. Periodontal disease begins with plaque and tartar accumulation and can progress to infection, bone loss, loose teeth, and chronic oral pain if left untreated.
Fractured Teeth
Broken teeth are common in dogs and may expose the sensitive pulp inside the tooth, causing pain and infection. Depending on the tooth and severity of the fracture, treatment may involve root canal therapy or extraction.
Tooth Resorption
One of the most common and painful conditions affecting cats. Tooth resorption occurs when the body begins to break down the tooth structure, often resulting in severe pain despite very subtle outward signs.
Malocclusions
Not every bite is normal—but every bite should be comfortable and functional. Malocclusions can lead to chronic pain, abnormal tooth wear, trauma to the palate or soft tissues, and difficulty eating if left untreated.
Oral Tumours
Growths within the mouth may be benign or malignant. Early diagnosis through examination and biopsy provides the best opportunity for successful treatment and long-term management.
Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis
A severe inflammatory disease affecting the tissues of the mouth. Cats with gingivostomatitis often experience significant oral pain and difficulty eating. Treatment is individualized and may include full-mouth or partial-mouth extractions along with medical management.
Persistent Deciduous Teeth
Baby teeth that fail to fall out at the appropriate time can interfere with the eruption of permanent teeth and contribute to malocclusions and periodontal disease. Early intervention often prevents more significant problems later in life.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental defect in which enamel does not form normally, leaving teeth more susceptible to wear, fracture, discoloration, and plaque accumulation. Treatment depends on the severity and long-term function of the affected teeth.
Chronic Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis (CUPS/CCUS)
A chronic inflammatory condition in which the soft tissues of the mouth react to plaque bacteria, resulting in painful ulcers and inflammation. Treatment focuses on plaque control, removal of diseased teeth when appropriate, and long-term management.
Oronasal Fistulas
An abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities, most commonly resulting from advanced periodontal disease or trauma. Surgical repair is often required to restore normal function and eliminate chronic nasal discharge.
Jaw Fractures
Fractures involving the mandible or maxilla require careful assessment and treatment to restore normal function while preserving the teeth and surrounding structures whenever possible.
Our approach
Every dental condition is different, and no single treatment is appropriate for every patient.
At Bayview Wellington Veterinary Clinic, every recommendation is based on a thorough oral examination, dental radiographs, your pet’s overall health, and the best available scientific evidence. Our goal is always to relieve pain, preserve function whenever possible, and help every pet enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life.