Dental Care for Dogs & Cats
– Do Pets Really Need It?

Why Dental Care Is So Important for Pets

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It’s easy to forget about our pets’ teeth – after all, they don’t complain about a sore molar or schedule their own cleanings. But dental health is just as important for pets as it is for people.

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Without regular care, plaque and tartar can build up and lead to:

• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Painful tooth infections
• Tooth loss
• Bad breath
• Bacteria entering the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, or kidneys

In fact, over 70% of adult dogs and cats have some form of dental disease by age 3, most of it completely preventable.

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Common Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

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Your pet won’t tell you their teeth hurt—but they will show you, if you know what to look for.

Watch for these signs

• Bad breath (more than just “dog breath”)
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Brown or yellow tartar buildup
• Drooling or difficulty eating
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Reluctance to chew toys or dry food
• Loose or missing teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time for a professional dental exam.

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What Professional Pet Dental Care Looks Like

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Veterinary dental cleanings are more than just a quick brush—they’re comprehensive, preventive procedures that require anesthesia to ensure a complete and pain-free evaluation.

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At a typical dental appointment, your vet will:

• Perform a thorough oral exam
• Assess for oral masses
• Scale away plaque and tartar (above and below the gumline)
• Polish the teeth to reduce future buildup
• Take dental x-rays (if needed) to check roots and jawbone
• Extract any diseased or damaged teeth if necessary

At Allendale Veterinary Hospital, our dental procedures are performed with patient safety in mind, using individualized anesthesia, monitoring, and pain management from start to finish.

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Why Does My Pet Need Anesthesia During a Dental Procedure?

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One of the main reasons your pet requires general anesthesia for dental procedures is safety. The risk of anesthesia can be mitigated with the use of pre-anesthetic bloodwork, x-rays, and a full examination, including listening to a pet's heart and lungs. When anesthesia is properly monitored with EKG, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, respiratory rate, CO2 levels and temperature, problems can be caught early and corrected. The risks of dental disease far outweigh the risks of proper anesthesia. 

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There are limitations in performing anesthesia-free dental procedures:

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Although you can remove some of the accumulated plaque and tartar above the gum line in pets that are cooperative, there are problems with doing this: 

• Only the visible tartar above the gum line is removed. This leaves the plaque and tartar below the gum line, which will continue to cause periodontal problems.
• It is neither possible nor safe to clean the inner surfaces of the teeth properly in a conscious pet.
• The use of any instrument on the tooth enamel will cause microscopic scratches on the surface, which will ultimately damage the tooth surface, leading to further disease. This is the reason your dental hygienist always polishes your teeth after removing tartar with dental instruments.
• If your pet moves suddenly, the sharp instrument may cut the gums, causing pain and bleeding.
• There are some services out there that will offer anesthesia-free dentistry. For the above reasons, we do not recommend this. Lots of disease and bacteria will be missed, not to mention the stress it causes for your pet.

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Can I Brush My Pet's Teeth at Home?

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Yes! And it’s one of the best things you can do between professional cleanings. It may take some patience and training, but many pets can learn to tolerate (or even enjoy) toothbrushing.

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Tips for at-home dental care:

• Use pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste!)
• Start with short, positive sessions
• Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush or finger brush
• Gradually increase duration and frequency - daily is ideal

Don’t forget dental chews, water additives, or prescription dental diets as additional tools in your pet’s oral health routine. Our veterinarians can help you build an individualized at-home dental care plan for your pet.

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How Often Should My Pet Have a Dental Cleaning?

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It depends on your pet’s age, breed, and oral health history, but most pets benefit from professional cleanings once a year.

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Small breeds (like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and poodles) tend to have more dental issues earlier in life and may need more frequent care.

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Your vet can help create a customized dental plan based on your pet's unique needs during their annual wellness exam.

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Healthy Mouth, Healthier Pet

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Dental care isn’t optional, it’s essential. By keeping your dog or cat’s mouth healthy, you’re not just avoiding bad breath, you’re helping them live longer, happier, and pain-free lives.

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Whether your pet is overdue for a cleaning or you’re just starting to build better habits, now is the perfect time to focus on their dental health.