Dental Care for Cats & Dogs

Published November 2025

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets, affecting up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three. Good oral hygiene is essential for your pet's overall health and wellbeing, preventing pain, tooth loss, and potentially serious infections.

Why Dental Care Matters

Poor dental health affects more than just your pet's teeth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Benefits of good dental care:

• Prevents painful tooth decay and gum disease
• Eliminates bad breath
• Reduces risk of tooth loss
• Prevents bacteria spreading to other organs
• Improves quality of life and longevity
• Reduces need for costly dental procedures

Signs of Dental Problems

Watch for these warning signs that your pet may need dental attention:

• Bad breath: Persistent foul odour from the mouth
• Yellow or brown tartar: Build-up on teeth, especially at the gum line
• Red or bleeding gums: Inflammation or bleeding when eating
• Difficulty eating: Dropping food, chewing on one side, or reluctance to eat
• Pawing at mouth: Rubbing or pawing at the face
• Loose or missing teeth: Teeth that wobble or have fallen out
• Excessive drooling: More saliva than normal, especially if blood-tinged

Home Dental Care

While professional cleaning is important, daily home care between veterinary visits is crucial for maintaining your pet's oral health and preventing serious dental problems.

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for home dental care. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which can be toxic to pets). Here's how to get started:

• Start slowly with a finger brush and flavoured pet toothpaste
• Gradually introduce the toothbrush over several days
• Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth
• Make it a positive experience with praise and rewards
• Aim for daily brushing, or at least 3-4 times per week

Dental Treats and Toys

Dental chews and toys can be valuable supplementary tools for keeping teeth clean. Choose products that support oral health:

• Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal
• Choose size-appropriate chews to prevent choking
• Avoid hard bones that can fracture teeth
• Monitor your pet while they chew

Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with excellent home care, most pets need professional dental cleaning at some point to remove tartar buildup and address any underlying dental disease. This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and includes:

• Full oral examination
• Scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line
• Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces
• Dental X-rays if needed
• Extraction of diseased teeth if necessary

How Often Should Pets Have Dental Check-ups?

Regular professional assessments are essential for catching dental problems early. We recommend annual dental check-ups for most pets, though some require more frequent monitoring:

• Small breed dogs (prone to dental disease)
• Senior pets
• Pets with a history of dental problems
• Cats (who often hide dental pain)

Preventing Dental Disease

Prevention is far more effective than treating dental problems once they develop. Here's your prevention strategy:

Start early: Begin dental care when your pet is young to establish good habits that last throughout their life.

Regular check-ups: Annual dental examinations can catch problems early before they become serious.

Proper diet: Quality food and avoiding sugary treats supports dental health and prevents decay.

Daily care: Brushing and dental chews help maintain oral hygiene between professional cleanings.