Bad breath, yellowing or browning of the teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, loose teeth, and difficulty eating due to tooth pain.

Ultrasonic scalers remove calcified deposits and produce shockwaves that help destroy bacterial cells; a polish afterwards smooths the tooth surface. This is done under anaesthesia.

85% of dogs and cats have gum disease by age three. Canine periodontitis progresses through four stages, from mild plaque to serious periodontitis that can cause tooth loss and bone damage. In cats, once gum disease develops there is no cure, only management — prevention is key.