The Complete Guide to Pet Dental Care

Dental disease affects the majority of dogs and cats over three years old, yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of pet health. Poor dental hygiene doesn't just cause bad breath—it can lead to pain, tooth loss, and serious systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Why Dental Health Matters

When we eat, bacteria in our mouths form plaque—a sticky film that coats teeth. The same happens in our pets. Without removal, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) within days. Tartar builds up below the gumline, creating pockets where bacteria thrive and multiply.

This bacterial buildup causes gingivitis (inflamed gums), which can progress to periodontal disease affecting the structures supporting the teeth. Pets with advanced periodontal disease experience chronic pain, loose teeth, bone loss, and difficulty eating. Many pets hide this pain remarkably well, continuing to eat despite significant discomfort.

Perhaps most concerningly, the bacteria from dental disease don't stay in the mouth. They enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and can travel to major organs. Research has linked periodontal disease to heart disease, kidney disease, and liver problems in pets. Maintaining dental health truly affects whole-body wellness.

Signs of Dental Problems

Knowing what to look for helps you catch problems early. The most obvious sign is bad breath. While pet breath isn't meant to smell like roses, persistently foul odour indicates bacterial overgrowth that needs attention. Other visible signs include yellow or brown buildup on teeth, red or swollen gums, bleeding from the mouth, and visible tartar accumulation.

Behavioural changes may also indicate dental pain. Watch for reluctance to eat hard food or chew toys, dropping food while eating, pawing at the mouth, drooling (especially if new or increased), chewing on one side only, and facial swelling or sensitivity around the mouth.

Some pets with dental disease show subtle changes like decreased playfulness, irritability, or withdrawal. If your pet's behaviour changes and you can't identify a cause, a dental check should be part of the veterinary investigation.

Home Dental Care: Brushing

Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for home dental care. It disrupts plaque formation before it can harden into tartar. While it may seem daunting, most pets can learn to accept brushing with patience and positive reinforcement.

Start by letting your pet taste pet-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, which contains ingredients toxic to pets). Most pet toothpastes come in appealing flavours like poultry or beef. Once they're comfortable with the taste, progress to rubbing the paste on their teeth with your finger, then introduce a finger brush or soft pet toothbrush gradually.

Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where most tartar accumulates. You don't need to brush the inner surfaces as thoroughly—the tongue does much of that work naturally. Even imperfect brushing helps; doing something is always better than doing nothing.

Dental Diets and Treats

While not a replacement for brushing, dental diets and treats can complement your home care routine. Veterinary dental diets have kibble specially designed to mechanically clean teeth as pets chew. The size, texture, and shape of the kibble help scrape plaque from tooth surfaces.

Dental treats and chews work similarly, providing abrasive action during chewing. Look for products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which indicates they meet standards for plaque and tartar reduction. Be aware that dental treats add calories to your pet's diet and should be factored into their daily intake.

Raw bones are controversial. While some veterinarians recommend them for dental health, they carry risks including tooth fractures, gastrointestinal obstruction, and bacterial contamination. If you choose to offer bones, supervise closely, select appropriate sizes, and discard them before they become small enough to swallow.

Professional Dental Care

Despite your best home care efforts, most pets will eventually need professional dental cleaning. This procedure, performed under general anaesthesia, allows thorough cleaning above and below the gumline, scaling to remove tartar, polishing to smooth tooth surfaces, and full oral examination including dental X-rays.

Anaesthesia is essential for proper dental care. "Anaesthesia-free" dental cleanings may remove visible tartar but cannot address disease below the gumline where the most significant problems occur. They also stress pets and risk injury. The veterinary dental community does not endorse non-anaesthetic dental procedures.

The frequency of professional cleanings depends on individual factors including breed (small breeds and brachycephalic breeds are prone to dental issues), age, home care routine, and genetic predisposition. Your vet can recommend an appropriate schedule for your pet.

Starting Young

Prevention is easiest when started early. Puppies and kittens can be introduced to tooth handling and brushing from a young age, making lifelong dental care much simpler. Even before adult teeth emerge, getting your pet comfortable with mouth handling sets the stage for success.

Schedule dental checks as part of regular veterinary visits from puppyhood or kittenhood onwards. Catching problems early—before they cause pain or require extensive treatment—saves both suffering and expense in the long run.