Many pet owners are surprised to learn that by age 3, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. Like people, pets need regular dental care, and National Pet Dental Health Month—held annually in February—aims to educate pet owners about the importance of their furry friend’s oral health. Dental disease is a common and serious problem for pets, but a proactive approach to dental care can reduce your pet’s risk. Our team at Fort Mill Animal Hospital offers five dental health tips to protect your pet’s pearly whites. 

#1: Understand the cause of dental disease in pets

Almost immediately after your pet eats, the bacteria left on their teeth form sticky plaque, which quickly hardens into tartar, trapping oral bacteria in and around the gumline and tooth roots. Without preventive care or treatment, dental disease can lead to loose teeth and infection, and cause your pet significant pain. Additional conditions that can be caused by dental disease include:

  • Kidney, heart, and liver problems 
  • Tooth root infections 
  • Under-eye swelling

#2: Determine your pet’s dental disease risk 

While any pet can—and likely will—develop some form of dental disease, some pets are at an even higher risk. The following factors increase a pet’s dental disease risk:

  • Age — Older pets typically have more severe dental disease because of their teeth’s lifetime of wear and tear, which is often also affected by other health issues.
  • Size — Smaller pets are more likely to have dental disease because of overcrowded teeth. They also have more delicate jawbones and shallower tooth roots, which can lead to an increased periodontal disease risk.
  • Breed — Certain breeds are notorious for dental disease. These include Yorkies, dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and greyhounds, but many brachycephalic (i.e., flat-faced) breeds, such as bulldogs, are also prone to periodontal problems.
  • Health — Some health conditions can cause gingivitis, stomatitis, or an increased periodontal disease susceptibility.

#3: Brush your pet’s teeth daily 

  • Daily toothbrushing is your pet’s first line of defense against dental disease. Even if you can’t commit to daily toothbrushing, a few times per week can still benefit your pet. When preparing to brush your pet’s teeth, follow these tips:
  • Use pet-friendly toothpaste — Avoid human toothpaste, which contains fluoride that is unsafe for pets if swallowed, and choose a pet-safe toothpaste, available in many flavors that are tempting to pets.
  • Start slowly —  Start by letting your pet lick the toothpaste off your finger, and work up to slowly rubbing your finger around their teeth surfaces. 
  • Choose the right toothbrush — Once your pet is comfortable with finger brushing, you can progress to a pet-specific toothbrush or small child-sized toothbrush to help reach all your pet’s teeth, both front and back on the inside and outside of each tooth. 
  • Praise your pet — Remember to positively reinforce toothbrushing by following up with praise and a special treat.

#4: Supplement toothbrushing with appropriate pet dental chews

Dental chews are a great way to supplement your pet’s daily toothbrushing routine. However, not all products on the market are effective or safe for your pet. Consider the following key factors when choosing a dental chew for your pet:

  • Size — Dental chews that are too small can lodge in your pet’s mouth or throat, causing choking. Look at the weight chart on the packaging to determine the best size for your pet.
  • Hardness — Extremely hard chews can lead to broken teeth and enamel damage. 
  • Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approval — Look for dental chews with the VOHC seal of acceptance, ensuring they meet specific efficacy standards. Products that bear the VOHC seal have been proven to slow plaque and tartar accumulation, thereby preventing dental disease.

#5: Schedule regular professional dental cleanings for your pet

In addition to an at-home dental care routine, pets need regular professional dental exams and cleanings to remove calcified tartar buildup, take X-rays to check for hidden problems below the gumline, and screen for oral cancers. Your Fort Mill Animal Hospital veterinarian will perform an oral exam during your pet’s annual wellness visit, and they may recommend a more in-depth evaluation and professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Most healthy pets need a comprehensive professional dental cleaning every one to two years, and pets with poor oral health may need them more frequently. 

Dental health is extremely important for your pet’s overall well-being, and routine at-home dental care and regular professional dental cleanings are critical for good dental health. Contact our Fort Mill Animal Hospital with any dental health questions or to schedule your pet’s professional dental cleaning.