How to keep your pet’s teeth & gums healthy — right at home

As veterinarians, one of the hardest conversations we have with pet parents is when their cat or dog needs teeth removed due to periodontal disease. Even if it’s just one tooth, it’s one too many! 

Periodontal disease in pets is preventable, and it takes a combination of treatment and routine care to keep their mouths healthy. While treatment for periodontal disease in pets is done at your vet’s office, the bulk of prevention happens at home. But don’t underestimate the effects of at-home care: it is just as important as the more complete dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian. 

Dental home care is a marathon, not a sprint. Plaque forms in hours and hardened plaque (also called calculus or tartar) forms in as little as 1-3 days. That’s why establishing a routine helps both you and your pet stay on track. Let’s take a look at what you can consider putting in your home dental care toolbox.

The gold standard of home dental care

Toothbrush: Daily teeth brushing removes plaque and is the hallmark of a dental home care routine. Fortunately, there are many toothbrush types that can get the job done including:

• Human American Dental Association (ADA) accepted soft-bristle toothbrushes 
• Dual-headed pet toothbrushes
• Finger brushes that may fit smaller mouths better 
• Moistened washcloth wrapped around a finger

Toothpaste: Toothpaste isn’t always necessary for plaque removal, because a toothbrush does a great job on its own. But a flavored toothpaste makes the process more enjoyable for your pet. It’s important to only use pet-friendly toothpastes, which are safe to swallow and are delicious (to your pet) in flavors like poultry, beef and seafood. Never use human toothpaste: they contain fluoride, foaming agents, abrasives and other ingredients that are not safe for pets to ingest. 

If your pet won’t tolerate brushing

‍Dental diets and treats: Prescription dental diets and OTC treats focus on kibble size and texture designed to disrupt plaque and/or tartar. 

‍Brushless cleaning: Mouth rinses, water additives, dental wipes, plaque-fighting powders and topical tooth gels typically contain ingredients to control the bacteria that forms plaque. 

‍Chews: Dental chews use the mechanism of chewing to aid in natural plaque removal while also incorporating tartar-controlling ingredients.  

What to avoid & watch out for: 

• Don’t start dental home care without checking in with your vet first. If there is existing dental disease, brushing may be ineffective and could cause pain, making your pet resistant to future home care.
• Pets should never chew on hard objects like nylon bones, animal bones/soup bones/boiled bones, hooves and antlers because they can cause broken teeth and major gum and tongue injuries. 
• The rough texture of tennis balls can cause wear on teeth and are not recommended for plaque or tartar control. 
• All chew toys, food and treats have the potential to break into small pieces, creating a risk for choking or gastrointestinal disease. Always monitor your pet when they are chewing on a toy or edible product. 

Start your pet’s dental home care routine by first discussing their needs with their veterinarian. The dental aisle of your local or online pet store can be overwhelming so, visit reputable websites like the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for products that are proven to control plaque and/or tartar.