Leeming Veterinary Clinic

26/08/2026

Missing teeth aren't always truly missing. Some teeth never erupt and remain trapped below the gum, where they can form damaging dentigerous cysts. 🔍

Others are lost to advanced periodontal disease, or break off, leaving painful retained roots hidden beneath the gumline. ⚠️

The only way to know for certain is with dental X-rays under anaesthesia. 🩻 If your dog has unexplained gaps, mention it at their next check-up so we can investigate.

24/08/2026

Dogs adapt remarkably well after extractions, and many owners tell us their dog eats better than before, simply because they're no longer in pain. 🐶

Your dog may need softened food while their mouth heals, but most return to a normal diet, including kibble, within a couple of weeks. Even dogs with full-mouth extractions manage happily. 🍽️

A comfortable mouth with fewer teeth is far better than a painful mouth full of them. 💙

Contact our team if you have questions about your dog’s recovery.

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

Dental disease doesn't wait. ⏳ Much of the damage happens below the gumline where you can't see it, progressing from reversible gingivitis to painful, irreversible periodontal disease. 🦷

Delaying a recommended scale and polish often means more extractions, longer anaesthetics, and higher costs down the track. Modern anaesthesia is very safe, even for senior pets.

If we've recommended a dental for your pet, sooner is always better than later. 🩺

17/08/2026

Raw chicken wings are often recommended for keeping pets' teeth clean, but they carry real risks. ⚠️ Raw chicken can harbour bacteria such as Salmonella, and in Australia it has been linked to acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN), a serious paralysis condition in dogs.

Bones can also fracture teeth, cause choking, or injure the gut. 🦴 The dental benefit rarely outweighs these dangers.

Ask us about proven, safer alternatives like veterinary dental diets and chews. 🦷

12/08/2026

In a calm moment, gently lift your cat's lip and look for red or bleeding gums, yellow-brown tartar, broken teeth, or swelling. 🔍

Also watch for drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth, or going off dry food. Cats rarely show obvious pain, so subtle changes matter. 🐾

Home checks are useful, but they can't detect disease below the gumline, where most problems hide. Regular veterinary dental checks are still essential. 🩺

Book a dental check with our team.

10/08/2026

A healthy cat's breath shouldn't clear the room. 😮‍💨 Persistent bad breath is most often caused by dental disease, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, and painful tooth resorption, which affects many cats. 🦷 It can also signal problems elsewhere in the body, such as kidney disease or diabetes.

Because cats are experts at hiding pain, smelly breath may be the only clue. 🐱 If your cat's breath has turned foul, book a check-up so we can find the cause.

07/08/2026

This little girl was brought to us. No microchip. Please get in contact with Leeming vet clinic on 08 9312 1211

05/08/2026

Water additives can be a helpful addition to your dog's dental care routine, with some products shown to reduce plaque and freshen breath. 💧 However, they're a supporting act, not the star. Nothing replaces daily tooth brushing and professional dental care. 🪥

Look for products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means they've been independently tested for effectiveness. 🔎 Unsure which products are worthwhile? Ask us for a recommendation.