Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats.  Most pets will show few signs of dental disease until it is advanced and very painful.  It is up to you as their caregiver and our doctors to help them maintain good oral health. 

How To Brush Your Pet's Teeth

AAHA recommends these techniques for both younger and older animals, although it's easier to start brushing when your pet is young.

                To introduce a fearful Fido or timid Tabby to the idea of dental care, start slowly and gradually. Dip a finger into beef bouillon (for dogs) or tuna water (for cats) and gently rub along your pet's gums and teeth. The most important area to focus on is the gum line (the crevice where the gums meet the teeth), where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Focusing on the gum line, start at the front of the mouth, then move to the back upper and lower teeth and gum areas. Once your pet is okay with a little bit of touching, gradually introduce gauze over your finger and rub the teeth and gums in a circular fashion.

 When your four-legged friend can handle the gauze, try brushing with a toothbrush specially designed for pets or a very soft, ultra-sensitive toothbrush designed for people. The bristles should be held at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and be moved in an oval motion. Scrub in the gum line, as this is where odor and infection begin. Gradually add special dog/cat toothpaste (flavored with meat or fish), but never use people toothpaste or baking soda, as both will upset your pet's stomach.


Use the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet's teeth:

1. Place your hand over your pet's muzzle from the top

2. Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back
                     teeth (to keep his mouth open)

3. Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens

4. Brush his teeth on the opposite side

5. Repeat this process for the other side 

The entire process should only take a minute or two. If your dog or cat continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out. Above all, avoid overstraining and keep sessions short and positive. With plenty of praise and reassurance, your dental sessions can bring the two of you closer---a closeness that won't be marred by the perils of dog breath.

AAHA encourages pet owners to regularly examine their pet's teeth for signs of periodontal disease, such as brownish colored teeth; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or loss of teeth; pus between the gums and teeth; broken teeth and any unusual growth in the mouth. Reluctance to eat, play with chew toys, or drink cold water are warning signs of periodontal or gum disease. Consult one of our doctors if you notice any of these signs in your pet.

Routine Dental Cleaning

The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. After carefully examining your pet, our doctors can help you decide when it's time for your pet's routine dental cleaning.

            As with any procedure that includes anesthesia, our doctors recommend routine blood work.  This basic panel gives them a snapshot of your pet's internal health that includes their liver and kidney function.  We also recommend IV catheterization during surgery as well in order to keep your pet well hydrated and provide a port for medications if needed.

            Once your pet is under anesthetic, their teeth are examined again for any signs of loose teeth.  Occasionally, teeth that are extremely decayed or dead are extracted to reduce infection and discomfort in your pet.  After the initial assessment, their teeth are cleaned using specialized dental instruments much like the ones your own dentist uses.  After they are polished, an application of the OraVet Barrier Sealant is applied to the teeth to help reduce further plaque buildup.  The cleaning is now finished and your pet is allowed to recover from the anesthesia while continuing to be monitored.

Treating Bad Breath

            Like treatments for people bad breath, most pet breath remedies are just masking the bad breath odor.  Mints and other soft chewy treats don't help the underlying causes of bad breath.  Once you have discussed your pet's health with your vet to make sure there are no underlying health problems causing the halitosis, there are products you can try that help reduce tartar build up, the main cause of bacteria build up and bad breath odor.  Along with routine brushing, these options can help make closeness with your pet a much better smelling affair!!

            As a first line of defense, we recommend your pet having a dental cleaning, the same type of procedure done on a routine visit to your dentist. After their teeth are thoroughly cleaned, they are sealed with the OraVet Barrier Sealant to help prevent plaque- and tartar-forming bacteria from attaching to the teeth.  To help control this bacterial build up between dental cleanings, we recommend the use of the OraVet Prevention Gel once a week at home to maintain the barrier applied during the cleaning.  This follow-up care should help to maintain better breath for your pet.

Signs of Dental Disease  

There are a number of signs that should alert you to dental disease or other mouth problems, such as brownish colored teeth; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or loss of teeth; pus between the gums and teeth; broken teeth and any unusual growth in the mouth. Reluctance to eat, play with chew toys, or drink cold water.  These are all warning signs of periodontal or gum disease. Be sure to tell our doctors if you notice any of these signs in your pet.