Preventing Dental Disease in Pets
80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease. That makes it the single most common health problem we see in pets — and yet it's one of the most overlooked.
Many pet owners don't realize their pet has a dental problem until it's already advanced. Unlike us, pets can't tell us when their mouth hurts. They often keep eating and behaving normally even when they're in significant discomfort. By the time the signs become obvious, the disease has usually been building for a while.
The good news is that dental disease is largely preventable — and when caught early, very manageable.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease
Because pets rarely show obvious pain, it helps to know what to look for. Bring your pet in if you notice any of the following:
- Bad breath — A strong or unpleasant odor from your pet's mouth is one of the earliest and most common signs of dental disease. It's not normal, and it shouldn't be ignored.
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth — This is tartar, and it's a sign that bacteria have been accumulating on the tooth surface. Tartar can't be removed with brushing at home — it requires a professional cleaning.
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums — Healthy gums are pink and firm. If your pet's gums look irritated or bleed when touched, that's a sign of gingivitis or more advanced disease.
- Difficulty eating or chewing — If your pet is chewing on one side, dropping food, or showing reluctance to eat, dental pain may be the reason.
- Pawing at the mouth or face — This can indicate discomfort or pain in the mouth that your pet is trying to relieve.
- Loose or missing teeth — Advanced dental disease can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. This is a sign that the disease has progressed significantly.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Home care is helpful, but it can only do so much. The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through regular professional cleanings — and that's something we do thoroughly here at Suffield Veterinary Hospital.
During a professional cleaning, we clean the entire tooth surface, including the area beneath the gumline. This is the part that matters most — it's where bacteria accumulate and cause the most damage, and it's completely inaccessible through brushing at home.
Our dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia, which allows us to do a complete and thorough job safely and without causing your pet stress. It also gives us the opportunity to take a close look at every tooth and identify any problems that need attention.
Home Dental Care Between Visits
Professional cleanings are the foundation, but what you do at home between visits also makes a difference. Here are some ways to support your pet's dental health day to day:
- Tooth brushing — This is the most effective home care option. Daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Even a few times a week is better than nothing.
- Dental chews — Certain dental chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup as your pet chews.
- Dental diets and water additives — Some prescription diets and water additives are formulated to support dental health. Ask our team if these might be a good fit for your pet.
- Regular at-home inspections — Get in the habit of briefly checking your pet's mouth every few weeks. Look at the teeth and gums and take note of anything that seems different or off.
For most dogs and cats, we recommend a professional dental cleaning once a year. Some pets — particularly smaller breeds, which tend to be more prone to dental disease — may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Our veterinarians will advise you on the right schedule based on your pet's individual needs.
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