Preventing Dental Disease in Pets
Hi, I'm Dr. Woerner, the owner of Tally Oaks Veterinary Wellness Center!
Let's talk about preventing dental disease in our pets. I feel very strongly about disease prevention, and dental disease is an area where prevention is crucial.
Many animals suffer from dental disease, and unfortunately, most pet owners don’t even realize it.
In this video I will cover:
- Why pets develop dental disease
- How to prevent it
- What products you should use for prevention
Understanding Dog and Cat Dental Anatomy
Let’s start with a quick anatomy review. Dogs have 42 teeth, while cats have 30. Whether you have a German Shepherd or a Chihuahua, they all have to fit those 42 teeth into their mouths. Cats, of course, have even smaller skulls, making things more crowded.
This overcrowding allows food to get stuck between the teeth, leading to bacterial growth. The bacteria create a biofilm that protects them, leading to plaque formation. Plaque develops quickly—within 36 hours, it starts turning into tartar or calculus, which is extremely difficult to remove. Tartar consists of calcium, magnesium, and iron, and even during professional cleanings, it can be challenging to remove.
Since you can’t remove tartar at home, prevention is key.
When to Start Dental Prevention for Your Pet
The best time to start dental prevention is when your pet is young. Many people think they can wait until their pet is around three years old, but by six months of age, puppies and kittens already have their permanent teeth. These teeth need to last them 15 years or more, so early care is essential.
Since pets don’t brush their teeth every day, it's our job as owners to help them maintain their oral health. Luckily, there are great products to assist with this.
Brushing: The Gold Standard
Brushing remains the gold standard for preventing dental disease in both pets and humans. You’ll need the right equipment, such as a dual-headed toothbrush designed for dogs.
How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
- Lift their upper lip with your fingers. You don’t need to open their mouth.
- Place the toothbrush at an angle, not sideways, to clean the crevices where bacteria hide.
- Use circular motions to clean along the gum line.
- Pay special attention to the six incisors on the top and bottom, as they often trap hair and debris.
- Focus on the canines (large fang-like teeth), as they tend to accumulate tartar.
Toothbrushes come in various sizes, and there are even finger brushes designed for cats. Start brushing at six months of age—don’t wait!
What If My Pet Won’t Allow Brushing?
If you have an older pet who refuses to have their teeth brushed, don’t worry—there are alternatives.
Dental Treats for Your Pets
Dental treats can help control plaque and tartar. Options like Oravet Chews and C.E.T.® VEGGIEDENT® work both enzymatically and abrasively. Yummy Combs, with its unique deep pocket design, removes hardened tartar and comes in a variety of sizes depending on your dog's weight. These treats are all approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), ensuring they meet safety and effectiveness standards.
For cats, products like C.E.T.® INTELLIDENT® and Greenies Dental Treats are great options. However, some cats may not be interested in treats, so you may need to try different varieties.
Dental wipes can be used instead of brushing your pet's teeth. We recommend the Vetradent Dental Wipes!
Chewing Precautions
Not all chew items are safe. Avoid:
- Deer antlers – Too hard and can break teeth.
- Cooked, dehydrated, or smoked bones – Can cause constipation and fractures.
- Nylabones – Some dogs chew excessively, wearing down their teeth to the root canal.
Rinses and Water Additives for Your Pets
For pets that don’t like chewing, you can use oral rinses like CLENZ-A-DENT Chlorhexidine Rinse, which is antibacterial and antiviral. Another option is Vetradent, which binds calcium, iron, and magnesium to prevent tartar formation.
Water additives are also available, but make sure your pet is actually drinking enough water. Always provide an untreated water source as a backup.
Veterinary Dental Diets
Special dental diets are designed with abrasive properties to clean teeth while chewing. While these shouldn’t replace a well-balanced diet, they can be beneficial in certain cases.
Remember the Signs of Dental Disease
- Bad breath
- Red or inflamed gums
- Plaque or tartar buildup
If you notice any of these, call us at (540) 338-7081 to schedule a veterinary exam!
You may not be able to do all of these things for your pet’s dental health, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you are learning about prevention and working with your veterinarian to find the best approach.
Thank you for watching, and we look forward to seeing you and your pet!
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (540) 338-7081, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram