While dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see in veterinary practice, it can easily go unnoticed at home. The reality is that our pets need just as much dental care as we do! Missing the early signs of dental disease can lead to inflamed gums (gingivitis), severe tartar accumulation, and potential infection which can cause secondary problems throughout the body.
Do Pets Really Need Dental Cleaning?
By age 3, over 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease. Without cleaning, plaque turns into tartar, leading to bad breath, pain, tooth loss, or even organ damage. Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Toy Poodles are especially prone due to crowded teeth.
Cats also commonly suffer from resorptive lesions, gingivitis, and even stomatitis. These conditions can make it painful to eat. Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so by the time you notice symptoms, damage is often advanced.
How Can You Tell If Your Pet Has Dental Problems?
Look for these signs in both dogs and cats:
- Bad breath (not just "dog breath")
- Drooling or dropping food
- Bleeding gums or red gum line
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Loose, broken, or discoloured teeth
- Difficulty chewing or reduced appetite
- Swelling under the eyes or on the face
Early detection is key. Dental issues left untreated can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
How Do I Brush My Pet’s Teeth at Home?
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the gold standard of preventative dental care when performed daily, however, it can be difficult to get started if your pet hasn’t had their teeth brushed before – include toothbrushing as a part of your pet’s daily routine as early as possible, preferably as a young puppy or kitten. It is important to go slowly when trying this for the first few times.
Start slow and stay positive. Here's a basic routine:
- Use pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic).
- Use a finger brush or soft-bristle pet toothbrush.
- Gently lift lips and brush in small circles along the gum line.
- Focus on outer surfaces, especially the back molars.
- Reward with praise or a dental treat.
Realistic goal: Daily is best, but even brushing 2–3 times a week is helpful.
How Often Should You Check Your Pet’s Teeth?
- Weekly to Monthly: Check breath, look for any developing tartar, or mouth discomfort.
- Every 6–12 months: Vet dental check during regular health visit.
Regular vet cleanings (1-3 yearly) are recommended for most pets, as cleaning your pet’s teeth while only mildly diseased can help to avoid extractions and severe dental disease later on. While a scale and polish for our pets is very similar to the service we receive at the dentist, there is one big difference - they go under general anaesthesia so they aren’t awake while their teeth are probed, cleaned, and polished, and especially so if there any extractions needed.
What Dental Diets are Available for Cats and Dogs?
Dental diets are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar and usually come in bigger and/or differently-shaped kibble to help mechanically clean the teeth as the pet chews.
Common options include:
- Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d
- Royal Canin Dental
- Delicate Care Dental (only available at vet clinics)
For a treat option
- Oravet Chews – for dogs
- Delicate Care Dental Treats - for dogs (only available at vet clinics)
- Greenies – for cats
These are ideal for pets as a supplement or pets not tolerating brushing.
What Dental Toys Are There for Cats and Dogs?
Why dental toys are important: Keeps pets engaged and helps with tartar when used regularly.
Dogs
- KONG Dental Toys
- Nylabone DuraChew Dental
- Rogz Grinz Balls (fun and functional)
- Benebone Dental Chews (flavoured, textured)
Cats
While cats are less likely to take to a dental toy, there are options are available that may helpful:
- Petstages Dental Cat Chew Toys
- Silvervine/Matatabi sticks
- KONG Cat Wubba with netting
What Types of Toothpaste Are There for Pets?
Pet-safe toothpaste comes in tasty flavours and gentle formulas:
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste – poultry, seafood, and vanilla-mint flavours
- Petsmile (VOHC approved) – human-grade, fluoride-free
- Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste – natural ingredients
- TropiClean Fresh Breath Gel – no brushing required (for beginners)
For cats: Choose mild, fishy flavours. Most cats won’t accept mint.
