Your pet’s oral health is an essential part of their overall health and wellbeing, yet most pets will develop some form of dental disease by age 3, because dental disease is often left untreated, which leads to problems that extend far beyond your pet’s mouth. Regular preventive dental care is therefore essential for your pet’s overall health. You can prevent your pet from developing dental disease by taking a proactive approach to their oral health. Our team at Creature Comforts Veterinary Service presents dental do’s and don’ts to help support your pet’s oral and general health—their fresh breath and pearly whites will be an added bonus. 

DO learn about dental disease in pets

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is more common in pets than many owners realize. When your pet eats, bacteria remain on their teeth that, over time, form a sticky plaque that soon hardens into tartar, causing inflammation (i.e., gingivitis), infection, loose teeth, and other painful problems in and around the gum line and tooth roots. When the oral bacteria enter your pet’s bloodstream, other organs, such as the heart, can also be damaged. 

DON’T miss dental disease signs in your pet

Our pets are pros at hiding their discomfort, and they can make catching the early signs of dental disease a challenge, until they show significant pain. Look for the following signs:

  • Bad breath
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Inflamed or bleeding gums
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Blood on chew toys or in the water bowl
  • Reduced appetite
  • Difficulty chewing  food
  • Bloody saliva

If you see any of these signs, your pet needs a veterinary evaluation to assess their dental health, and determine whether they need a veterinary teeth cleaning and treatment for damaged teeth.

DO provide dental chews that help clean your pet’s teeth

Dental chews are a great way to support your pet’s oral health by loosening tartar buildup. Look for dental chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval for best results. Always supervise your pet while chewing, and remove any small pieces that could become a choking hazard. In addition to dental chews, the following products can help remove plaque and freshen your pet’s breath:

  • Dental treats
  • Water or food additives
  • Oral rinses, wipes, and sprays
  • Prescription dental diets

DON’T let your pet chew on bones

Bones may seem the ultimate pet treat, but they can negatively impact your pet’s oral health. A bone’s hard, brittle exterior can easily break a pet’s tooth, and a small broken piece of bone can pierce their tongue, cheek, or the roof of their mouth. A round bone that gets stuck around your pet’s lower canine teeth will likely require removal by your veterinarian. Safer alternatives include:

  • Rubber chew toys
  • Edible chew toys
  • Rope toys 

DO schedule an annual dental exam for your pet

One of the best ways to support your pet’s oral health is through regular veterinary dental exams. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be examined by their veterinarian annually, to look for early oral disease signs. Your veterinarian may recommend a professional cleaning, along with dental X-rays, that can reveal dental problems under the gum line invisible to the naked eye. 

DON’T forget to brush your pet’s teeth regularly

Keep your pet’s pearly whites shiny and plaque-free by brushing their teeth at home—daily brushing is best, but, at a minimum, several times a week is essential. Follow these tips:

  • Toothbrush — Choose a small child’s toothbrush or finger brush.
  • Toothpaste — Avoid human toothpastes, which contain fluoride, and are unsafe for pets. Pet-friendly toothpastes are available in several flavors that will taste good to your pet.
  • Start slowly — Start by letting your pet lick the flavored toothpaste from your finger. Praise them and give treats. Then, rub your finger over your pet’s tooth surfaces, focusing on the outer surfaces. Give them more praise and treats. When they are comfortable with your finger on their teeth, switch to the toothbrush. Ensure the process is positive and fun—with more praise and treats.

Supporting your pet’s oral health and, by extension, their overall wellbeing is not difficult. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to schedule your pet’s next dental examination or cleaning, or for advice on teethcleaning at home. We want your pet’s smile to be picture-perfect.