Just like people, pets need regular dental care to stay healthy. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health problems seen in dogs and cats, with most pets over three years of age showing some degree of dental disease.
Without treatment, poor oral health can lead to bad breath, painful gums, loose or infected teeth, difficulty eating, and bacteria entering the bloodstream, where they may affect important organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
At Belmont Veterinary Centre, we’re passionate about preventative dental care and helping pets live happier, healthier lives.
Why Dental Health Matters
Healthy teeth are about much more than fresh breath.
Plaque begins forming on your pet’s teeth within hours of eating. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar within just a few days. Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed with brushing and requires professional veterinary treatment.
Left untreated, plaque and tartar cause gingivitis (gum inflammation), which can progress to periodontal disease. This damages the tissues supporting the teeth and may lead to chronic pain, infection and tooth loss.
Good dental care can help your pet:
- Eat comfortably
- Prevent pain and gum disease
- Reduce bad breath
- Delay the need for future dental procedures
- Maintain overall health and wellbeing
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease
Many pets hide discom
Pets are very good at hiding pain, so dental disease often goes unnoticed until it’s quite advanced.
Common signs include:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- Dropping food while eating
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose or broken teeth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to arrange a veterinary dental assessment.
Home Dental Care
Daily home care is the best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy—but it’s important to remember that home care maintains a healthy mouth; it does not treat existing dental disease.
If your pet already has painful or infected teeth, brushing may be uncomfortable and could make them resistant to future dental care. For this reason, we recommend beginning a home dental routine after a professional dental clean, or from a young age before dental disease develops.
Gold Standard: Daily Tooth Brushing
Daily brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Brushing less than every other day provides little benefit, so consistency is key.
Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush (or a toddler toothbrush), together with a pet-safe toothpaste. Human toothpaste should never be used, as it can upset your pet’s stomach and may be harmful.
If your pet is new to brushing, start slowly. Keep sessions short, reward them with praise or treats, and gradually build up to brushing all of the outer tooth surfaces.
When Should You Start Brushing?
- Puppies and kittens: Begin introducing mouth handling from 8-12 weeks of age so they become comfortable with brushing.
- Adult pets: Start after a veterinary dental examination.
- After a professional dental procedure: Usually one to two weeks after treatment, once the mouth has healed and is comfortable.
If Brushing Isn’t Possible
While daily brushing remains the gold standard, there are several other ways to support your pet’s oral health.
Veterinary Dental Diets
Prescription dental diets such as Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care and Royal Canin Dental/Oral Care are complete and balanced diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Their specially designed kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar while supporting healthy gums and fresh breath.
Dental Chews
VOHC-approved dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar between professional cleans.
OraVet® chews are our gold-standard recommendation, while other options including Whimzees®, Greenies® and Veggiedent® may also be suitable for many pets.
For some dogs, raw carrots can also provide a safe, natural chewing option.
Water Additives
Products designed to be added to your pet’s drinking water may help reduce the bacteria responsible for plaque formation.
Dental Gels and Wipes
Products such as Oxyfresh® Dental Gel and Maxi/Guard® Oral Cleansing Gel or Wipes can help reduce bacteria within the mouth and slow plaque build-up.
Many effective dental products are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
You can view approved products at https://vohc.org/.
Professional Veterinary Dental Procedures
Even with excellent home care, some pets will still require professional dental treatment.
A veterinary dental procedure performed under a general anaesthetic allows us to:
- Thoroughly examine every tooth
- Take dental X-rays to detect hidden disease and broken teeth
- Remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
- Polish the teeth
- Treat damaged, loose or infected teeth
Cleaning below the gumline is essential for preventing periodontal disease and cannot be achieved while a pet is awake.
What to Avoid
Not everything marketed for dental health is safe. We recommend avoiding:
- Bones
- Antlers
- Hooves
- Ice cubes
These items can fracture teeth and cause excessive tooth wear, often leading to painful and expensive dental treatment.
Prevention is the Best Treatment
The best time to start looking after your pet’s teeth is before problems develop.
During your pet’s routine health examination, our veterinarians can assess their oral health and recommend the most appropriate dental care plan based on their age, breed and lifestyle.
Starting a good home care routine after a professional dental clean—and maintaining it every day—is one of the best ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my pet’s teeth?
Daily brushing is the gold standard. Brushing less than every other day provides little benefit, as plaque quickly hardens into tartar.
My pet won’t let me brush their teeth. What else can I do?
There are several alternatives that can help, including veterinary dental diets, VOHC-approved dental chews, water additives, and dental gels or wipes. Our team can help you choose the best option for your pet.
Are dental chews enough on their own?
Dental chews can be a useful addition to your pet’s dental routine, but they don’t replace daily brushing or professional veterinary dental care.
At what age should I start brushing?
It’s best to begin introducing brushing when puppies and kittens are 8-12 weeks old. Adult pets can start after a veterinary dental examination.
Can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?
Yes. Untreated dental disease can cause chronic pain and allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where it may affect organs including the heart, liver and kidneys.
Keep Your Pet Smiling
Looking after your pet’s teeth is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term health.
Whether you’d like advice on starting a home dental care routine or your pet is due for a dental assessment, our experienced team is here to help.
📞 Contact Belmont Veterinary Centre today to arrange a dental health assessment and keep your pet smiling for years to come.
