While you intuitively know how to provide your four-legged friend with love and attention, you may not understand how to maintain their dental health and why their oral care is important. Remember, canine and feline dental health is just as important as your own, and pets have the same oral health care needs as people. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team is here to guide you to ensure your pet’s pearly whites remain pristine and healthy.

Why good dental health is important for your pet

Pets’ oral health is linked to their overall well-being. Your furry pal’s dental care is paramount for myriad reasons, including:

  • Preventing dental disease — Dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting pets, with a staggering 90% of all pets developing dental disease by age 3. Dental disease doesn’t just affect your furry pal’s mouth; it can lead to serious health problems, such as heart, liver, and kidney disease, if left untreated. Regular dental care can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your cat’s or dog’s dental disease risk and the condition’s associated complications.
  • Pain relief — Imagine trying to enjoy your favorite meal and snacks with a toothache. Pets can experience similar discomfort from dental issues such as gum disease, tooth damage, and oral infections. Unfortunately, your pet can’t tell you when they’re in pain, so you are responsible for keeping a lookout for dental problem signs such as bad breath, drooling, reluctance to eat, and pawing at the mouth. Addressing dental issues promptly can provide much-needed relief for your furry companion.
  • Improved quality of life — Good dental health isn’t just about preventing pain and disease; it also contributes to your pet’s overall quality of life. Pets with healthy teeth and gums are more likely to enjoy their food, which is essential for maintaining proper nutrition and energy levels, and participate in play and interaction. Additionally, regular dental care can help your pet live a longer, happier life, free from the discomfort and health complications associated with dental disease.
  • Cost savings — While investing in your pet’s dental health may seem like an added expense, you save money in the long run. Preventive dental care, such as regular professional dental cleanings and at-home dental care, is far more affordable than treating advanced dental disease or related health problems. By prioritizing your pet’s dental health now, you are likely to avoid costly veterinary bills down the road.

How to preserve your pet’s dental health

Your pet’s pet dental health affects their overall well-being. To help maintain your furry pal’s oral hygiene, follow these tips:

  • Brushing your pet’s teeth daily — Plaque, a sticky bacterial film, begins forming on teeth within hours after eating, then hardens into cement-like tartar within a few days. Prevent plaque from mineralizing into difficult-to-remove tartar by brushing your pet’s teeth every day, or at least a few times a week. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and pet-specific toothpaste that is formulated to be fluoride-free and delicious for cats and dogs. Introduce toothbrushing gradually to make the task a positive, rewarding experience, and, with time, your furry pal will begin looking forward to these sessions.
  • Providing your pet with approved dental products — Look for dental care items that meet the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) standards. The VOHC grants its seal of acceptance to products that have demonstrated their efficacy in slowing plaque and tartar accumulation, so choose treats, chews, food and water additives, toothpaste, and oral sprays, rinses, and wipes that bear the VOHC seal.
  • Feeding your pet a healthy diet — A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your pet’s dental health, but some pets need extra nutritional support to keep dental disease at bay. Prescription dental diets can reduce plaque and tartar buildup through a combination of oral health ingredients and a unique kibble matrix that scrapes away plaque before breaking apart.
  • Scheduling your pet’s routine wellness care — A thorough oral exam conducted during your pet’s annual wellness visits can help identify early stage dental issues. You can schedule treatment before your pet’s dental problems progress to a painful condition or severe infection. 
  • Setting up your pet’s regular professional dental cleanings — In addition to having routine oral exams, most pets require annual professional dental cleanings to eliminate plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Professional dental cleanings also allow our team to diagnose and treat hidden periodontal problems with the aid of general anesthesia and full-mouth dental X-rays. 

By incorporating these simple tips into your pet care routine, you can help ensure that your furry friend enjoys a lifetime of good dental health. Make your pet’s dental health a priority by scheduling regular dental care with our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team.