Your Pet’s Oral Health: Why It Matters More Than You Think.

What every pet owner should know.

Table of Contents

How Dental Disease Starts

Dental disease begins with plaque, an invisible film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that forms on the teeth within hours after eating. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, especially along the gumline. This causes gingivitis (red, swollen gums) and can progress to periodontal disease, which damages the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.

Small dogs, flat-faced breeds, and pets with crowded teeth tend to develop dental disease faster due to the crowded, abnormal positioning of teeth in the mouth.

Broken and Fractured Teeth: A Common Hidden Problem
Fractured teeth are surprisingly common in both dogs and cats and are most often caused by chewing on hard objects or some kind of traumatic event. Many pets with broken teeth show no obvious signs of pain, even when the sensitive inner pulp is exposed.

Possible signs of dental pain include:
• Chewing on one side
• Dropping food
• Pawing at the mouth
• Facial swelling (especially under the eye)
• Avoiding harder food and reluctance to play with toys
• Excessive drooling

It is important to keep in mind that some pets show NO signs at all while others may only show very subtle signs.

If a tooth fracture exposes the pulp, the tooth becomes painful and infected and must be treated.  The most straightforward treatment is removal of the damaged tooth.  Tooth restoration with a root canal is possible in some cases, but is significantly more costly and requires a boarded veterinary dentist.

Why Bones and Antlers Are Dangerous for Teeth
Many owners are surprised to learn that bones (including artificial bones such as NylaBones), antlers, and other hard chew toys are the leading cause of broken teeth. Steak bones and antlers are simply too hard for teeth, while poultry bones splinter easily and can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or mouth injuries.

A good rule of thumb:
If you can’t make an indent in it with your thumbnail or bend it with your hands, it’s too hard for your pet’s teeth.

Safer alternatives include veterinarian-approved dental chews and products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.

At-Home Dental Care: What Really Works
Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease through removal of plaque. Even brushing every other day helps significantly. Always use pet-specific toothpaste—human toothpaste can be toxic to pets.

Helpful additions to brushing include:
• VOHC-approved dental chews and treats
• Dental diets designed to reduce plaque
• Water additives or oral gels as recommended by your veterinarian or listed on the VOHC website

While these additional products help, none replace the importance of brushing.

Professional Dental Cleanings: Why Anesthesia Matters

Even with great home care, pets still need professional dental cleanings performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia allows veterinarians to clean above and below the gumline, take dental X-rays (where most disease hides), and treat or remove painful or infected teeth safely.

“Non-anesthetic” dental cleanings only remove surface tartar above the gumline and can miss serious below gum disease while causing stress or discomfort.  This service has limited benefit and should only be considered as a maintenance therapy BETWEEN anesthetic cleanings.  It should never be utilized as the sole treatment and may not be appropriate for patients that have a greater genetic predisposition to dental disease.

Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. Pets are carefully screened beforehand, closely monitored throughout the procedure, and supported with IV fluids and warming systems to maintain a high level of safety. 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Dental care is one of the best gifts you can give your dog. With daily at-home habits, the right toys and treats, and regular professional dental cleanings, you can help your pet enjoy a healthier mouth and a longer, more comfortable life.  The most effective dental care plan includes:

• Daily or regular tooth brushing
• Avoiding hard chews, bones, and antlers
• Using VOHC-approved dental products (products that are not VOHC approved still may be beneficial, but VOHC approved products have undergone significant testing)
• Routine veterinary dental exams and cleanings

Dental disease is painful, progressive, and preventable. With consistent care and early intervention, you can help your pet stay comfortable, healthy, and happy for years to come.

If you haven’t brought your pet in for a dental exam recently, now is the perfect time.  Call Regal Animal Hospital today to schedule a dental visit!