You express the love you have for your pet in many different ways. Show your pet some extra special love by caring for their oral health—with a bonus of eliminating their stinky breath. Many pet owners do not think about their pet’s teeth often, but they should! Most pets older than 3 years of age have some degree of dental disease, one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Use Memorial Villages Animal Hospital’s three tips to control your pet’s dental health all year long. 

#1: Be knowledgeable about dental disease in your pet

Dental disease is caused by oral bacteria that deposit plaque on your pet’s teeth only hours after eating. The plaque hardens into tartar in 24 hours, unless brushed off the tooth surfaces—making daily brushing an essential part of your pet’s dental health. The bacteria from plaque and tartar can move below the gum line, attacking the periodontal ligaments that anchor the teeth in their bony sockets. Periodontal inflammation and infection eventually lead to ligament breakdown, and the affected tooth roots become infected and loose, causing significant pain for your pet, who often does not show their discomfort. Be on the lookout for potential problems caused by dental disease, including:

  • Kidney, heart, and liver problems — Bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup can leak into your pet’s bloodstream, damaging these essential organs. 
  • Tooth root infections — These most commonly occur in the large, three-rooted carnassial teeth on the upper jaw. 
  • Under-eye swelling — Tooth root abscesses can result in a pus-filled swelling below the eye that may be confused with an eye or facial problem. 

Early dental disease signs are easy to miss in pets, making regular inspection of your pet’s teeth and mouth critical. In addition to bad breath, the following signs may indicate dental problems:

  • Brown or yellow tartar buildup on the teeth
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Broken or loose teeth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Decreased appetite
  • Swallowing food whole, instead of chewing
  • Leaving broken crumbs around their bowl after eating
  • Taking food from their bowl to eat somewhere else
  • Blood in their water bowl, or on their toys
  • Shying away from being touched near their face

Checking your pet’s mouth frequently can prevent dental disease progression. If you recognize any of these signs in your pet, schedule a dental evaluation so our team can assess their dental health, and address any problems.

#2: Create an oral-health routine for your pet

You have an oral health regime, and so should your pet—ideally, brushing daily, or at a minimum a few times a week, to ensure their mouth remains healthy and disease-free. Pets are never too young for toothbrushing, so start them early, so they get used to the routine. Use these tips: 

  • Choose the right brush — Select a baby or pet toothbrush and veterinary-approved, flavored toothpaste. Avoid human toothpaste, which contains fluoride that is unsafe for pets, if swallowed. 
  • Start slowly with your finger — Get your pet used to their mouth being touched by lifting their lips, and gently rubbing around their teeth and gums with a small amount of toothpaste on your finger. Allow your pet to lick the flavored toothpaste from your finger, and follow up with a treat. 
  • Switch to a toothbrush — When your pet is comfortable with you touching their mouth, gradually switch to a toothbrush and toothpaste. Again, let your pet lick the paste from the brush, to get them used to the brush in their mouth. Gently brush the outer surfaces of your pet’s teeth—their tongue will take care of the inner surfaces.
  • End on a positive brush — Positively reinforce toothbrushing by following up with praise, a special treat, or a fun activity.

#3: Make maintaining your pet’s oral health a team effort

Close-up of a dog biting a green vegetable held by a human hand, focusing on the dog's nose and teeth as part of pet nutrition guidance.

Regular toothbrushing is the best way to maintain your pet’s dental health at home. In addition, your veterinarian should regularly examine your pet’s teeth and gums, to look for early dental disease signs. They may recommend professional cleaning, along with dental X-rays, to look for dental problems under the gum line invisible to the naked eye. Your veterinarian can also recommend effective dental products and treats to supplement your pet’s toothbrushing routine, such as:

  • Dental chews and treats
  • Food and water additives
  • Oral rinses and wipes
  • Prescription dental diets

Choose dental care products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, which is awarded to products proven to slow plaque and tartar accumulation. 

Your pet’s dental health supports their overall wellbeing, and we’re here to help you keep your furry friends healthy, happy, and stinky breath-free. Contact Memorial Villages Animal Hospital

with any questions, or to schedule your pet’s next wellness and dental examination.