15 Jan Debunking Common Myths About Pet Dental Care
When it comes to our canine and feline friends, we all know how important their health is. We take them to our veterinarians for annual examinations, ensure they get enough exercise, and pay close attention to their diets. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked: dental care. While we know how crucial dental hygiene is for ourselves, it’s easy to neglect it when it comes to our pets.
There are numerous myths surrounding pet dental care, and today, we’re setting the record straight. Why are we so keen on debunking pet dental care myths? So your pet can live a happy, healthy life. From brushing techniques to the effectiveness of dental treats, let’s bust some of the most common misconceptions about caring for your pet’s teeth.
Myth #1: Pets Don’t Need Regular Dental Care
Reality: Just like humans, pets need regular dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Without proper care, plaque and tartar can build up, leading to dental disease, bad breath, and even more serious health problems. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in pets, especially as they age.
If left untreated, dental problems can lead to severe conditions such as tooth loss, infections, and pain, which can affect their ability to eat, drink, and live comfortably. Regular dental check-ups at the vet, coupled with at-home care, are essential to maintain their overall well-being.
Humans brush their teeth typically multiple times each day. Current recommendations for our dental care advise professional cleanings at our dentists at least annually, but ideally twice a year. What would our teeth look like if we never brushed or went to our dentist? Why are dogs and cats any different?
Myth #2: Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Is Impossible
Reality: While it may seem challenging at first, brushing your pet’s teeth is not only possible—it’s highly recommended. Just like human dental care, brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the best ways to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
Start slowly by introducing your pet to a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). Begin with just a few seconds of brushing at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your pet gets used to the process. The earlier you start brushing, the easier it will be for both you and your pet. For pets that are difficult to handle, dental wipes or finger brushes can also be effective alternatives.
Myth #3: Dental Treats Are a Substitute for Brushing
Reality: While dental treats can certainly help reduce plaque and freshen breath, they should not be used as a substitute for regular brushing and professional dental cleanings under anesthesia by your veterinarian. Think of dental treats as a supplement to your pet’s dental hygiene routine, not a replacement. They can help with minor plaque control, but they won’t remove all the buildup or reach the areas a toothbrush can.
Some dental treats may even be too hard and harmful for your pet. It is always best to only give your pets dental treats that are recommended by your veterinarian.
To maintain good oral health, brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is still the gold standard. Dental treats are just one piece of the puzzle, along with professional cleanings and regular check-ups.
Myth #4: It’s Normal for Pets to Have Bad Breath
Reality: Bad breath (known as halitosis) is often seen as a normal part of a pet’s life, but it’s actually a sign of poor dental health. In fact, bad breath is one of the first signs that something is wrong with your pet’s oral hygiene. It could be caused by plaque, tartar buildup, or even gum disease.
If your pet’s breath smells foul, it’s time to check their teeth and gums. If you notice other signs like red or swollen gums, bleeding, or difficulty eating, it’s important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dental problems can affect your pet’s overall health, so early intervention is key.
Myth #5: Pet Dental Care Is Expensive and Unnecessary
Reality: While it’s true that professional dental cleanings are not inexpensive, they’re far less expensive than the costs associated with treating advanced dental disease or other health problems caused by poor oral care. Preventing dental disease through regular brushing and check-ups can save you money in the long run.
Dental care doesn’t have to break the bank, either. You can start with simple steps like brushing your pet’s teeth, providing dental chews, and offering water additives that help control plaque. Most importantly, regular vet visits will allow early detection of any issues, helping to avoid costly treatments later. Pets who have their teeth professionally cleaned annually, if not bi-annually, are more likely to not have extractions or other periodontal treatments.
Myth #6: Only Older Pets Need Dental Care
Reality: Dental care is important for pets of all ages, not just senior ones. In fact, dental problems can start as early as a pet’s first year of life. Puppies and kittens are just as susceptible to dental issues as older pets, especially if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. Kittens and young adult cats are also predisposed to certain conditions that fall under a broad term “stomatitis.”
For young pets, you should start brushing their teeth as soon as they’re old enough to tolerate it. Doing so helps prevent future issues and establishes a good dental care routine early on. And, while senior pets are at a higher risk for dental disease, it’s just as important to start taking care of their teeth earlier rather than later.
Myth #7: Pet Dental Products Are All the Same
Reality: Not all dental products are created equal. There are a wide variety of pet dental products on the market, from toothpaste and brushes to chews and water additives. It’s essential to use products specifically designed for pets, as human dental products (like toothpaste) can be harmful to animals.
Look for pet-safe toothpaste that is enzymatic, as it breaks down plaque and is safe to swallow. Dental chews should be appropriately sized for your pet and designed to help with plaque and tartar control. Be sure to consult your vet for product recommendations, especially if your pet has specific dental concerns.
Myth #8: All Pets Are Fine with Their Teeth Being Checked
Reality: Not all pets enjoy having their teeth checked or brushed, and that’s okay. Some pets may be more sensitive or fearful about having their mouths handled, especially if they are dealing with oral pain from dental disease. It’s important to approach dental care with patience and positive reinforcement.
Start slow by gently touching your pet’s mouth and rewarding them with treats or praise. Use dental products that are designed to be easy on sensitive pets, such as wipes or gels, and consider consulting your veterinarian for additional strategies if needed.
Myth #9: Dental Health Doesn’t Affect Overall Health
Reality: Your pet’s oral health is directly linked to their overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of systemic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and liver issues. Bacteria from infected gums and teeth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.
It has been documented that there is a definite association between periodontal disease and negative tissue changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys. In fact, the worse the periodontal disease the worse these tissue changes are.
Maintaining good oral hygiene not only prevents dental issues but also helps support your pet’s overall health and longevity. Regular vet visits that include dental check-ups are essential to catch any potential problems early before they become serious.
Myth #10: Pets Don’t Feel Oral Pain The Way Humans Do
Reality: Perhaps this is the most harmful myth about pet dental care. Dogs and cats feel pain through almost identical neurologic pathways as humans do. However, they are far more stoic than we are. It goes against their “flight or fight” mechanisms. To show pain is to show weakness, to show weakness is to be more susceptible as prey.
Even a dog that loves to be a “couch potato” or a cat that enjoys a long afternoon sunbeam nap indoors, still have their “fight or flight” drive and will hide pain. Many pet owners will mistakenly assume that their pets are not in oral pain because they are still eating. It is not infrequent for us to see dogs and cats with terrible dental disease and infections that are still eating, but this does not mean they are not in pain.
Their instincts to eat and survive are so strong they simply will not give them up and keep eating through the pain. We are “wimps” compared to our animals. Painful things that will send us running to the ibuprofen bottle and the dentist, our pets will tolerate for months and probably years before showing obvious signs of oral pain.
Conclusion
Taking care of your pet’s teeth isn’t just about freshening their breath—it’s about ensuring their overall health and well-being. Regular brushing, professional cleanings, and dental check-ups are all important components of a solid dental care routine. By debunking these common pet dental care myths, you can take better care of your pet’s teeth and ensure they lead a healthy, happy life for years to come.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (01/15/2025) Photo by Joe Caione on Unsplash
