Dental Care for Dogs and Cats: Brushing, Chews and Mouth Pain

You might notice it when your dog gives you a welcome-home lick or your cat yawns on your lap: a distinctly unpleasant smell. Bad breath in pets is so common that many people think it is normal, but it is often the first sign of developing dental problems. Just like for people, oral health is a critical part of a pet’s overall well-being.

Taking care of your dog or cat’s teeth is about more than just fresh breath. It is about preventing pain and addressing issues before they become severe. A consistent home care routine, combined with professional veterinary cleanings when needed, can help keep your pet comfortable and healthy for years to come.

What is pet dental disease?

Dental disease in pets, also known as periodontal disease, is a progressive condition that starts with soft, sticky plaque. Plaque is a biofilm made of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that constantly forms on teeth. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, a rough, yellow or brown mineralized deposit.

Tartar buildup at and below the gumline causes inflammation, a condition called gingivitis. You might see this as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Without intervention, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. This more serious stage involves damage to the deep structures that support the teeth, including the ligaments and bone. This can lead to loose teeth, infection, and eventually, tooth loss. The bacteria from a diseased mouth can also enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting other organs.

How to spot signs of mouth pain

Pets are skilled at hiding discomfort, so the signs of dental pain can be subtle. An animal may continue to eat even when its mouth hurts. It is helpful to be familiar with the early warnings so you can seek veterinary advice before the problem becomes severe.

Common signs in dogs and cats

Bad breath: A persistent, foul odor is one of the most common signs of an underlying dental issue.
Changes in eating habits: This could include chewing on only one side of the mouth, dropping food, preferring soft food over kibble, or showing a sudden loss of appetite.
Pawing at the face or mouth: Your pet may rub its face on furniture or the floor in an attempt to relieve discomfort.
Drooling: Excessive drooling, sometimes with blood in it, is a red flag.
Visible tartar: Look for yellow or brown buildup, especially on the upper back teeth.
Red or swollen gums: Healthy gums are pink. Redness, puffiness, or bleeding along the gumline indicates inflammation.
Behavioral changes: A pet in pain might become irritable, withdrawn, or reluctant to be touched around the head.

Signs more common in cats

Cats can show unique signs of oral pain. They might make a chattering or grinding sound with their jaw. Some cats with painful mouths will stop grooming themselves, leading to an unkempt or matted coat. Hiding more than usual is also one of the many hidden signs of pain in cats.

Brushing your pet’s teeth at home

Brushing is the single most effective thing you can do at home to promote good oral hygiene. The goal is to mechanically remove plaque before it can mineralize into tartar. Starting when your pet is young is ideal, but many adult animals can learn to accept it.

Getting started with brushing

The key is to go slow and make it a positive experience. You will need a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for pets.

Use the right supplies: Never use human toothpaste. It often contains ingredients like fluoride and xylitol, which are some of the common foods that are toxic to pets. Pet toothpastes come in appealing flavors like poultry or malt. Toothbrushes for pets come in various sizes, including small brushes that fit over your finger.
Introduce the toothpaste: Start by letting your pet lick a small amount of the toothpaste off your finger. Do this for a few days so they see it as a treat.
Introduce the brush: Once your pet accepts the paste, let them lick it off the toothbrush. Gently touch the brush to their teeth for a second or two, then praise them and offer a reward.
Begin brushing: Lift your pet’s lip and gently brush the outer surfaces of a few teeth in a circular motion. Focus on the area where the tooth meets the gumline. You only need to brush the outside surfaces, as the tongue does a decent job of cleaning the inside.

Start with very short sessions, just for a few seconds, and gradually increase the duration. Aim to brush daily, or at least several times a week, to be effective. Patience and consistency are more important than scrubbing every tooth perfectly from day one.

Dental diets, chews and water additives

Many products claim to help clean your pet’s teeth. While they are not a substitute for brushing or professional cleanings, some can be a useful part of a home care routine.

Dental diets and treats

Some pet foods and treats are formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar. The kibble may be larger and have a fibrous texture that scrubs the tooth surface as the pet chews. While some products may meet standards for effectiveness, they are not a substitute for brushing. Always follow feeding guidelines to avoid contributing to weight gain and learn how to check if your pet is overweight.

Safe chewing for dogs

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that can help scrape plaque off their teeth. However, not all chews are safe. A good rule is that if you cannot indent the item with your fingernail, it is likely too hard for your dog’s teeth and could cause a painful fracture.

Avoid giving your dog very hard items like bones, antlers, hooves, and hard nylon toys. Softer rubber chew toys that can be filled with food are often a better choice. Always supervise your dog with any chew toy or treat to prevent choking or swallowing large pieces.

Water additives and oral rinses

These products contain ingredients that are meant to help reduce the bacteria in your pet’s mouth that cause plaque. You simply add them to your pet’s drinking water or apply them directly to the gums. Their effectiveness can vary, and they work best as part of a broader dental care plan that includes brushing.

The role of professional veterinary care

Even with excellent home care, most pets will need professional dental cleanings at some point in their lives. These procedures are the only way to remove tartar that has already formed, especially below the gumline.

A professional dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia is necessary to conduct a thorough and safe examination, clean and polish all surfaces of every tooth, and take dental X-rays. X-rays are crucial because they reveal problems below the gumline, such as root damage, bone loss, or abscesses, that would otherwise be missed.

Based on the examination and X-rays, a veterinarian can identify any diseased teeth that may need to be treated or extracted to relieve pain and prevent further problems. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s individual health status to create the safest anesthetic plan and will recommend a cleaning schedule based on your pet’s specific needs.

When to call your vet

If you notice any signs of mouth pain or have concerns about your pet’s dental health, it is always best to consult a professional. Call your veterinary clinic ahead of time to describe the symptoms and schedule a visit. For emergencies after hours, find out where your nearest emergency animal hospital is located.

Emergency signs: go now

A broken jaw or other facial trauma.
Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop.
Extreme difficulty eating or drinking.
Significant swelling of the face or jaw.
Your pet seems to be in severe pain.

Book an appointment soon

Persistent bad breath.
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
Visible heavy tartar or a loose tooth.
Dropping food, chewing on one side, or a decreased appetite.
Pawing at the mouth or reluctance to have their head touched.
Excessive drooling.