Veterinary Dental Care for Dogs & Cats

Oral care is an often-overlooked part of pet wellness, so it may surprise you that cat and dog dental care is just as important for pets as good oral hygiene is for their human parents. It’s not just about preventing stinky breath, but it’s vital to the overall health of your pet. Good pet dental care can help treat or prevent irritating or painful conditions like inflamed gums, cavities, and loose teeth, which could interfere with their eating ability or lead to dangerous infections. Using pet oral care supplies at home can help maintain your pets oral health but, similar to humans, it isn’t enough—your pet needs professional routine cleanings and may require other procedures that only your veterinarian can provide.

The importance of oral care

The best ways to help prevent your pet from developing dental issues are routine at-home care and regular veterinary dental appointments. While these measures can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of oral health issues, it’s still possible for your pet to develop a problem. Oral health issues—such as oral infection and tooth loss—are most commonly caused by periodontal disease. In fact, this condition is so common that 70% to 90% of cats and dogs will develop some degree of it in their lives. This means there’s a good chance that your cat or dog’s dental health issues may already exist, even if there aren’t yet any obvious signs.

One reason for the high rate of periodontal disease may be that many pet parents aren’t particularly attentive to dog and cat dental care. They may not bring their pet in for routine veterinary dental cleanings or don’t keep up with oral care at home. However, both are essential for the well-being of your pets, as periodontal disease can become a much more serious issue if not addressed.

Are you unsure how to start at-home dental care for dogs? Use our How to Brush a Dog's Teeth guide as a reference.  

What affects oral health?

As a pet parent, you have the greatest control over your pet’s oral health. You can provide the right pet dental care through at-home cleaning and scheduling regular veterinary dental appointments. While these measures can significantly improve your pet’s oral health, other factors can increase the risk of dental disease.

Breed

Dog and cat dental care can be more challenging for brachycephalic breeds—including dog breeds like pugs and French bulldogs, and cat breeds such as Persians and exotic shorthairs. A shortened muzzle can lead to teeth crowding, which makes it easier for bacterial infections to proliferate. Some small breeds also have smaller teeth and mouths, making thorough cleaning at home more difficult.

Developmental abnormalities

Unique differences in your pet’s anatomy—especially in their mouths—may make teeth cleaning more difficult, which can lead to a higher likelihood of oral health problems.

Age

Older pets tend to have more wear and tear on their teeth as well as slower immune systems, both of which can lead to an increased risk of dental issues. 

Diet

A poor, nutritionally incomplete diet may negatively impact your cat or dog’s oral health. Ask your veterinarian if you should look for a specially formulated dental diet for your pet or one designed to help scrape plaque off teeth.

Additionally, certain diseases—such as kidney disease, liver disease, viral infections, diabetes and cancer—can also affect the tissues of your pet’s mouth and immune system, predisposing them to periodontal disease.  

Signs of oral problems in pets 

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that your pet requires dog or cat dental care, and you should contact your vet immediately. 

• Decreased appetite 
• Aversion to kibble or hard treats 
• Abnormal/excessive drooling 
• Pawing at the mouth 
• Chewing more slowly 
• Chewing on only one side of the mouth 
• Dropping food while chewing 
• Behavior changes when touched around the mouth or face (including growling, yelping, or shying away from being touched) 
• Bad breath 
• Swelling of the muzzle or under the eyes 
• Visibly loose teeth 
• Bleeding from the mouth 

Some of these signs—such as loss of appetite—could have several possible causes but pay attention to the other symptoms. Difficulty eating, changes in eating habits and noticeable changes in or around the mouth are often indicators of cat and dog dental health issues.

Common treatments for oral disease in pets 

Your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan depending on the type and severity of the oral health issue. Some treatments are preventive, while others are intended to correct an existing problem. The most common pet dental care treatments include: 

Home care

At-home teeth-brushing has a tremendous positive impact on your pet’s oral health. Make sure to use a vet-approved, species-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste, and try to brush their teeth daily. If you find this too difficult, try dental wipes between brushing and aim to brush their teeth several times a week. You can also practice good dental care for dogs with dog dental chews and treats that help scrape plaque from the teeth and gum line.  

X-rays

Full dental evaluations to determine the appropriate treatment for cat and dog dental health issues often include dental X-rays. You can expect your pet to receive this type of imaging annually.  

Scaling and polishing

This common cleaning procedure is performed while your pet is anesthetized. Plaque and tartar are scraped from the teeth and gumline using special tools, and the teeth are then polished to smooth and brighten them. These procedures are similar to what you undergo during your own dental cleanings. 

Tooth extraction

Periodontal disease and cavities can lead to loose or infected teeth. Your vet may need to extract damaged teeth to prevent the spread of infection and reduce pain.   

Advanced procedures

Other dental health issues may require specialized types of dog or cat dental care, especially if dental disease is severe. Your veterinarian will let you know if your pet requires treatment beyond the usual procedures performed during dental cleaning. If so, they may need an appointment with a veterinary dental specialist.  

Antibiotic treatments

Your vet may recommend an antibiotic injection or oral antibiotics before or after your pet’s dental cleaning to help treat an existing infection or prevent one from developing.  

What is the best dental product for dogs and cats? 

The most important pet oral care supplies to have at home are vet-approved and species-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste. Make sure to use toothpaste specially formulated for pets when brushing. Toothpaste for humans contains ingredients that may be unsafe or even toxic for pets and has a flavor that dogs and cats find off-putting. Pet toothpaste typically comes in flavors your furry friend will find palatable, such as chicken or peanut butter.  

Another way to support pet dental care is through dental treats, chews, and toys. These dental health solutions are designed to rub against your pet’s teeth and gums to help scrape away plaque and tartar gently, and they’re a good way to help maintain cat and dog dental care.