Plus, routine dental care may help your pet live a longer and more comfortable life. Here’s a surprising fact to chew on: in addition to causing painful issues in your pet’s mouth, dental disease can harm vital internal organs like your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys. This happens because the harmful bacteria associated with dental disease can enter your pet’s bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and damage their critical organs. By caring for your pet’s dental health, you’re not just keeping their teeth clean: you’re supporting their overall health from nose to tail! 

Sniffing out Trouble: Detecting Dental Issues 

So what is that “dog breath” smell, and where does it come from? In many cases, it is the result of bacteria associated with plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your pet’s teeth over time. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), if left untreated, plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which causes inflammation in your pet’s gums. The bacteria in your pet’s mouth are then able to invade the gum tissue, creating an infection, which can cause serious pain and discomfort for your pet. 

“Bad breath can be one sign of dental disease, but there are several other symptoms owners can look out for,” said Dr. Capron. “When in doubt, always ask your veterinarian!” 

As a pet parent, you can help spot the symptoms of dental disease early. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s pet dental care guidelines list a few common symptoms to watch for. 

• Bad, “stinky” breath
• Broken, loose, missing, or extra teeth
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in buildup (otherwise known as tartar)
• Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding in or around the mouth
• Personality and behavior changes 

Remember to be very careful when looking into your pet’s mouth at home, as any animal in pain may bite, even if they don’t mean to! 

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, a veterinarian should check your pet’s teeth. Need to make an appointment? Our NewDay veterinarians are happy to help! 

Ouch! How to Avoid Dental Issues In Pets 

“Prevention is key,” says Dr. Capron. “Routine dental cleanings from your veterinarian can catch and treat disease early.” From taking radiographs (X-Rays) to removing all the “gunk” on their teeth to polishing their pearly whites, dental cleanings are an excellent way to make sure your pet has fresh breath and a healthy smile. 

For your pet’s safety, dental cleanings require anesthesia and should always be performed by a veterinarian. Think of it this way: when you visit the dentist, you understand what is happening, and the dentist can explain what they’re doing and ask how you’re feeling as they clean your teeth. This is not the case for pets, who may move, accidentally hurt themselves, or even bite during a dental cleaning! For a deeper dive into dental procedures (from routine to complex), check out Dr. Capron’s blog: The Importance of Pet Dental Care. 

In addition to dental cleanings, at-home dental care is one of the best ways you can remove plaque, freshen breath, and help prevent dental disease in your pet! We’ve got you covered with the basics. 

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home 

Between cleanings at your veterinarian, the gold standard in home dental care is to brush your pet’s teeth. Many pets can be easily trained to have their teeth brushed, and it may be a great bonding experience for you! Plus, regular brushing helps reduce plaque buildup and minimizes “dog breath” smell. Just be sure to always use a toothpaste made specifically for pets, as regular toothpaste can be toxic or cause an upset tummy. 

In addition to tooth brushing, there are plenty of other products you can buy online or at your local pet store to help combat dental disease in pets. Pro Tip: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards a Seal of Acceptance to products that meet their criteria for controlling plaque and/or tartar. Look for the VOHC seal of approval on pet dental products; if it has the seal, you know it’s been proven to work!  

Here are a few pet dental products Dr. Capron and the veterinarians at NewDay recommend to help promote healthy teeth and fresh breath:

• Toothbrushes & toothpaste: This may surprise you, but regular “human” soft-bristled toothbrushes work very well for pets! A child’s toothbrush may be better for smaller dogs or cats. Pet toothbrushes are also available, like this one from PetSmile. Remember – when brushing your pet’s teeth, make sure to use special pet toothpaste, NOT one made for humans. There are a variety of tasty flavors available, like these VOHC-approved toothpastes from PetSmile.
• Dental diets: Made with larger kibble designed to encourage chewing and to help scrape plaque and tartar off your pet’s teeth, dental diets from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are our favorites.
• Chews: Similar to dental diets, dental chews are made to clean the surface of your pet’s teeth as they chew. Some chews even have added enzymes to increase efficacy. Try adding tasty treats like Greenies or  Virbac C.E.T. Chews to your pet’s routine.
• Water additives: Looking for something quick and easy? Try a water additive solution, like this one from Vetradent! Simply add it to your pet’s drinking water and let it get to work fighting bacteria! 

By prioritizing your pet’s dental health, you’re not only helping them maintain a healthy smile and reducing stinky breath, but also supporting their overall well-being. With regular veterinary checkups, routine cleanings, and consistent at-home care, you can help prevent painful dental diseases and the health issues they cause. Your pet will thank you for it!