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Image courtesy Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC

Dental care is no longer optional for companion animals but essential. Poor dental hygiene in dogs and cats can lead to significant oral discomfort, tooth loss, and systemic health problems that may shorten your pet’s lifespan. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over 80% of dogs and over 70% of cats develop signs of periodontal disease by age three.

Unfortunately, this disease is often silent, with pain and infection progressing without obvious external signs. You may not notice changes until the condition becomes severe, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention.

At the core of preventive dental care is consistently removing plaque before it can mineralize into tartar. Plaque is an invisible coating or film called biofilm made of saliva, bacteria, and food particles. It begins to accumulate within hours after eating. Without daily brushing, it hardens into tartar, particularly at the gingival margin (gums surrounding the teeth), where bacteria begin to invade the soft tissues.

If left untreated, gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, can lead to the destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone (tooth sockets). Small and brachycephalic breeds (pugs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs, etc.) have oral anatomies, making these pets more likely to develop dental disease, requiring an even more proactive approach to dental care.

Daily Brushing

Brushing your pet’s teeth is still the single most effective home-care strategy. When done properly and consistently, brushing disrupts the plaque biofilm, reducing gingival inflammation and slowing the onset of periodontal disease. While daily brushing is ideal, brushing at least every other day is considered the minimum frequency for meaningful prevention.

At the start of dental proceedure

Image courtesy Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC

The process requires patience and training. Most pets will not accept brushing immediately; however, gradual desensitization—starting with a finger, then gauze, and ultimately a pet-specific toothbrush—can help create a positive routine. Veterinary professionals recommend using a veterinary-formulated enzymatic toothpaste safe for pets (never human toothpaste, which can be toxic).

Flavor options such as poultry or malt often improve pet compliance. Studies have shown that pets may take 12–16 weeks to get used to a brushing routine, but the long-term benefits are well worth the effort.

In addition to brushing, a variety of Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved dental products are available to enhance at-home care. Dental chews, treats, diets, oral sprays, and water additives can contribute to oral health, although none are as effective as brushing. These products help reduce plaque and tartar through the mechanical abrasion of brushing, enzymatic breakdown, or chemical inhibition.

clean tooth

Image courtesy Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC

Dental diets are designed with larger kibble size and a fiber element that scrapes the tooth surface during chewing. Some are supplemented with polyphosphates, which bind salivary calcium and inhibit tartar formation. Owners should seek the VOHC seal when selecting oral hygiene products and use them consistently as part of a daily routine.

Dental Cleanings Under Anesthesia

Despite best efforts at home, all pets need periodic professional dental cleanings under general anesthesia. Unlike non-anesthetic “cleanings,” which address only superficial tartar and may even harm the gingiva, a professional dental procedure allows for a complete oral examination, dental charting, probing, scaling (above and below the gumline), polishing, irrigation, and—critically—full-mouth intraoral X-rays.

These X-rays are indispensable, as over 60% of each tooth’s structure lies beneath the gumline, where disease is often undetectable by visual inspection alone. Hidden problems such as root abscesses, retained roots, tooth resorption, and bone loss can only be diagnosed and treated with appropriate imaging.

How often you should have your pet’s teeth examined depends on your pet’s age, breed, health status, and home care. Small dogs and brachycephalic breeds may need cleanings every six to 12 months, while large dogs with excellent oral hygiene may only need cleanings every 18–24 months.

Cats with inflammatory conditions such as gingivostomatitis (a painful overreaction to plaque and bacteria) tooth resorption benefit from more frequent monitoring and customized care plans. Anesthesia is an essential part of a comprehensive dental procedure. While some pet owners are understandably concerned about the safety of anesthesia, modern protocols have advanced tremendously.

Pre-anesthetic screening, intravenous fluid therapy, endotracheal intubation, patient warming, and continuous monitoring of vital signs ensure that the procedure is as safe as possible. In fact, studies show that anesthetic events in healthy pets undergoing dentistry are low risk, especially in accredited veterinary practices following the American Animal Hospital Association's dental guidelines.

Beyond routine cleanings, dental pathology such as fractured teeth, malocclusion (tooth misalignment), oral tumors, and periodontal diseases requires veterinary intervention.

Fractured teeth, especially those with pulp exposure, are a significant source of pain and infection. In many cases, extraction or root canal therapy may be needed. Malocclusions that cause trauma to soft tissues (e.g., base-narrow canines) can often be corrected with selective extractions or orthodontic appliances. Veterinary dentists are uniquely trained to manage these complex cases using X-rays, advanced instruments, and surgical skills.

Regenerative Therapies

The veterinary dental product market continues to expand, driven by increased pet owner awareness and demand. Products such as dental gels, enzymatic rinses, probiotics, and even CO2 lasers are now used to support oral health and postoperative recovery. One promising trend is using hyaluronic acid-based bioscaffolds (materials that provide a structure for damaged tissue to begin regrowth) and regenerative therapies in treating moderate periodontal disease, promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. While these treatments are still somewhat new in general practice, they highlight the growing sophistication of veterinary dentistry.

Client education remains the cornerstone of success. Owners must understand that prevention starts at home but requires professional partnership. Veterinarians and technicians should take time during wellness visits to examine your pet’s mouth, demonstrate brushing techniques, and review VOHC product options. Digital tools such as dental report cards, before-and-after photographs, and X-ray sharing can help owners visualize problems and understand the value of treatment. When a pet undergoes a dental procedure, post-operative instructions and regular follow-up visits support the best outcomes and strengthen client trust.

The best dental care is proactive, not reactive. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily, using VOHC-approved products, and scheduling regular professional cleanings are the foundation of oral health. Ignoring dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and even damage to major organs. With a combination of education, daily home care, and timely professional intervention, pet owners can help their companions enjoy healthier mouths and longer lives. Veterinary dentistry is an essential part of modern pet healthcare.