Dental Care

A little preventative dental care now saves your pet from chronic pain and saves you from high-cost vet bills down the road. Keep those smiles bright!

Dental disease affects the vast majority of pets by age three. It's not just about bad breath — bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart and kidneys.

The Progression of Dental Disease

• Plaque Formation: Within hours of eating, a sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on the teeth. At this stage, it can easily be brushed away.
• Tartar Buildup: If not brushed, plaque mixes with minerals in saliva and hardens into cement-like tartar (calculus) within 3 to 5 days. Tartar can only be removed by a vet using specialized ultrasonic scalers.
• Gingivitis: Tartar creeps under the gumline, causing inflammation, redness, bleeding, and bad breath.
• Periodontitis: The supporting bone and tissue around the teeth are destroyed. Teeth loosen, roots become exposed, and deep infections set in, causing intense pain.

Warning Signs: Is Your Pet in Pain?

Since pets rarely stop eating completely even with a severe toothache, look for these subtle signs of oral discomfort:

• Foul Breath: The classic, unmistakable sign of bacterial buildup.
• Drooling & Dropping Food: Finding half-chewed kibble around their bowl or seeing unusual drooling.
• Favoring One Side: Chewing awkwardly or tilting their head to one side while eating.
• Shying Away: Flinching or pulling away when you try to pet or touch their face.
• Paw Against the Mouth: Rubbing or clawing at their face or muzzle in frustration.

Your At-Home Dental Routine

You do not need to brush your pet's teeth twice a day like a human, but establishing a simple, stress-free routine a few times a week makes a massive difference.

• 1. Taste test first (Days 1 to 3): Let your pet lick a dab of pet-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, as ingredients like xylitol are highly toxic to pets) off your finger. These toothpastes come in tasty flavors like poultry, beef, or malt.
• 2. Get them used to the touch (Days 4 to 7): Rub your bare finger or a soft finger-brush along their outer gums and teeth in a gentle, circular motion. Keep sessions short—under 30 seconds—and follow up with high-value rewards.
• 3. Introduce the brush (Week 2 onward): Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush. Lift the lip and gently brush the outer surfaces of the teeth at a 45-degree angle. Focus on the large canine teeth and back molars where tartar loves to hide. You do not need to worry about brushing the inside surfaces of the teeth, as their tongue naturally cleans those areas.

Dental Support Tools (When Brushing Isn't Working)

If your pet absolutely refuses a toothbrush, do not panic! You can still protect their smile using a combination of alternative tools:

• Look for VOHC-Approved Chews: When shopping for dental treats, water additives, or dental diets, look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance. This seal proves the product has been scientifically tested and proven to delay plaque and tartar buildup.
• Avoid Bones and Hard Plastic Toys: Super-hard toys, real animal bones, antlers, and synthetic cow hooves are a leading cause of fractured teeth in dogs. A good rule of thumb: if you cannot flex the toy or make a small dent in it with your thumbnail, it is too hard for your pet's teeth.
• Schedule Professional Cleanings: Just like we go to the dentist, most pets require a professional dental scaling and polishing under anesthesia every 1 to 3 years. This allows your vet to take dental X-rays to check the health of the roots beneath the gumline and safely clean areas a toothbrush simply cannot reach.

A little preventative dental care now saves your pet from chronic pain and saves you from high-cost vet bills down the road. Keep those smiles bright!