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The tooth is a dynamic organ made up of organic (living) and inorganic (nonliving) tissue. Just like your’s, your pet’s teeth are comprised of different layers. These layers consist of pulp, dentin, cementum, and enamel. Each of these layers contributes to the overall strength and vitality of the tooth in a unique way.

Brushing your pet’s teeth may seem like a daunting, and perhaps unnecessary, challenge. However, with consistency and practice, it can be quite easy and take only 2-3 minutes to complete. It is also gratifying to know that this practice helps to maintain a healthy oral cavity, which contributes to an overall healthy pet. We have to ask what our mouths would look like if we went days, weeks or months without brushing. Our pets are no different. 

Often the oral health of our pets goes undetected because they rarely show obvious signs of illness or oral pain. And periodontal disease is the most common health problem affecting dogs and cats today. They continue to eat and act normally while their periodontal disease progresses. By the time our pets reach the age of 2 years, most have some form of periodontal disease with a prevalence as high as 70 percent in cats and 80 percent in dogs. 

Toothbrushing is considered the ‘gold standard’ in oral home care. Studies have shown that the simple mechanical action of brushing the teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque, with or without toothpaste. When teeth first erupt, they are clean and in perfect condition. However, the natural process of eating and drinking causes plaque to accumulate, forming a substance called calculus.