Dental Health in Dogs and Cats: Often Underestimated, Yet So Important

The health of teeth and gums is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for humans. Nevertheless, it often gets neglected. Dental diseases are painful, affect overall well-being, and can even impact the heart, liver, or kidneys. Taking your pet’s dental health seriously protects not only their teeth but their health as a whole as well.

Prevalence and Risks
About 80 per cent of dogs develop dental issues during their lifetime, especially from middle age onwards. Small breeds are particularly susceptible because their teeth are closer together, making plaque adhere more easily. Left untreated, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss.

Signs of Dental Issues in Dogs
Many dogs have obvious but often overlooked symptoms:

• Bad breath is stronger than usual
• Yellow to brown deposits on the teeth
• Red or receding gums
• Pain while chewing, reduced food intake, or refusal to eat hard food
• Loose or missing teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s high time for you to see your vet.

Tips for Dental Care in Dogs
The most effective prevention is tooth brushing. Using a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. The best way to get dogs accustomed to it is to start playfully with puppies. Additionally, chews, dental treats, or toys can help support mechanical cleaning. Regular veterinary check-ups – ideally annually – complement preventive care.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing a Dog’s Teeth

1. Introduce it slowly: get your dog used to having its mouth touched first, without a brush or toothpaste.
2. Dental finger pads instead of a brush: gently rub the teeth and gums with the finger pad.
3. Taste test: put a bit of dog toothpaste on your finger and let the dog lick it.
4. Finger pad or small brush: start with short movements on the canines, gradually including all the teeth.
5. Build a routine: 1–2 minutes per session; daily brushing is ideal, as plaque re-forms approximately every eight hours.
6. Reward: end each session on a positive note with praise or a treat.

Professional Dental Cleaning for Dogs
If tartar is already present, it can only be removed under anesthesia with professional cleaning. Teeth are thoroughly cleaned, polished, and x-rayed to detect issues below the gum line. This procedure may seem elaborate, but it is important to ensure dogs live a pain-free life.

Prevalence and Special Conditions
Cats also frequently suffer from dental issues but symptoms often take a long time to manifest. A particular challenge is tooth resorption, where the animal’s immune system gradually destroys the tooth structure. This disease is extremely painful and affects around 30–40 per cent of cats, occurring even more frequently in older cats.

Signs of Dental Issues in Cats
Cats instinctively hide pain. However, the following changes may indicate dental issues:

• Noticeable bad breath
• Increased salivation or blood in the saliva
• Decreased appetite or chewing on only one side
• Crumbling food or sudden aversion to dry food
• Changes in behavior, e.g., withdrawal or aggression

Since cats often endure pain silently, careful examination of the mouth is important – and, when in doubt, it’s important that you consult your vet.

Tips for Dental Care in Cats
Brushing is also possible with cats if done very gently. A special cat toothbrush is essential. Alternatively, dental chews or special diets can help, though they do not replace brushing. Regular observation is key and even small changes should be taken seriously.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing a Cat’s Teeth

1. Start slowly: get the cat used to having its mouth touched in calm moments.
2. Dental finger pads: gently rub the lips and teeth with a finger pad.
3. Use the finger pad: short movements over a few teeth, initially just a few seconds. Ensure the experience remains positive and the cat does not bite.
4. Gradually increase cleaning: include more teeth and extend brushing times gradually.
5. Calm environment: avoid stress. It’s better to brush briefly more often than to force a long session.

Professional Dental Cleaning in Cats
Cats also require regular professional dental care. Under anesthesia, tartar is removed, and diseased teeth are extracted if necessary. Early diagnosis is particularly important in tooth resorption, as the disease otherwise leads to severe chronic pain.

Dental health in dogs and cats is far more than an aesthetic issue. It determines freedom from pain, quality of life, and in many cases overall health. A combination of regular checks at home, veterinary examinations, consistent care, and professional dental cleaning provides the best foundation for keeping our pets’ teeth healthy into old age.

Content verified by Dentovet.