Love the pearly white teeth and bright smile of your pet? Well, it does not just make your furry companion look cuter but is also the first sign of your pet’s good health. Yes, you read it right. Maintaining your pet’s dental hygiene is important for saving them from more health troubles than you can imagine. So, why is oral hygiene important and what can you do to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy? Let’s find out.
Read on to learn about the common dental diseases in dogs and cats, symptoms of poor dental health in pets, the importance of maintaining oral health in pets, and the ways to keep pets’ dental health in check.
Dental disease in pets
Dental disease is a broad term used for various teeth, gum, and jaw conditions. According to research, up to 80% of dogs suffer from compromised dental health by the age of two, and up to 90% of cats experience poor oral health by the time they turn four. Pets suffer from different dental diseases, including:
- Gum disease: It is the inflammation of the gums, the ligaments that anchor the teeth and the surrounding bone due to the bacterial infection of the tissues. Gum disease is of two types:
- Gingivitis: It is the inflammation of the gums because of bacterial plaque. Here, the gums appear red or purple and tend to bleed on contact. Bad breath is also a common symptom.
- Periodontitis: It is the advanced level of tissue damage where the gums, ligaments and bones are affected. It results from years of development of plaque, tartar and gingivitis. Periodontitis can cause irreversible damage and permanent loss of tooth support.
- Endodontic disease: This disease occurs inside the teeth and can be caused due to injury, tooth fracture, enamel abnormality, and tooth decay. Here, the tooth can be fractured from external trauma, like aggressive play, or from biting inappropriate objects, like fences or cages.
- Developmental abnormalities: Several abnormalities in the teeth, gums, jaw, or soft palate of pets have a genetic component. The ones that affect a pet’s comfort, health, or ability to function need treatment. The others that affect only the aesthetics may not need treatment.
Symptoms of poor dental health in pets
Pets are not very expressive about their pain. So, it becomes difficult for pet parents to identify what they are suffering from. If you observe one or more of the following symptoms in your pet, they may be suffering from a dental problem:
- Consistent bad breath
- Red, bleeding or swollen gums
- Excessive drooling
- Broken or loose teeth
- Refusing to eat or dropping food while eating
- Preferring to eat from one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
Why is it important to maintain dental health in pets?
Dental disease, when left untreated, can cause severe damage to pets’ overall health. Some bacteria that cause plaque formation can enter the pet’s bloodstream. Once inside the body, it can spread to the heart, kidney and liver. It can result in the pet getting very sick and may also lead to organ failure. Besides, the loss of one or multiple teeth due to dental disease can make eating and playing games like fetch difficult for pets.
How to prevent dental problems in pets?
Dental treatments for pets are not just expensive and time-consuming, but they also cause trouble to pets. The best way to save your fur friend from this suffering is to prevent dental problems as far as possible. Here are some ways you can keep your pet’s oral health in check:
- Brush the teeth regularly: Cleaning your furball’s teeth regularly is the first step towards preventing plaque and tartar build-up and maintaining their oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and delicious-flavored pet toothpaste to clean your fur baby’s teeth gently and thoroughly. Brush your pet’s teeth every day or at least twice a week for regular care. Pets usually take time to get comfortable with the touch of a toothbrush. So, make sure you introduce brushing to your puppy or kitten at an early age.
- Schedule regular vet check-ups: However detailed dental care you provide at home, your pet will need regular professional check-ups to maintain their dental health. Take your pet to your veterinarian for a thorough examination, at least once a year. Periodic professional teeth cleaning also helps keep teeth in good condition.
- Add dental care food, treats, & supplements to the diet: Add specially formulated dental care food to your pet’s diet. The kibbles of this dry food are designed to provide dental exercise and reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Various dental treats are also available, which offer a delicious taste and help improve dental health. Additionally, you may add dental care supplements to your pet’s diet to further support their dental health. Supplements like Natural Animal Solutions Nature’s Organic Calcium help support teeth formation and strengthen teeth, thus improving teeth health from within.
In the end
Maintaining dental health in pets is not an overrated concept. Pets get exposed to a variety of diseases if their oral health is compromised. It is, therefore, important to recognize the symptoms of dental problems in pets early and take steps to cure them immediately. However, the best way to protect your pet from the tiresome treatments is to prevent dental problems. Visit petcareclub.com to browse through an extensive collection of pet dental care solutions and get everything you need to keep your pet healthy and smiling.
Jul 14, 2025
