Proper dental care critical in pets' first three years

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80-percent of dogs and 70-percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three, and will only worsen as they grow. Advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for pets so it is critical to maintain good dental health beginning in their early life stages.

A consistent oral care routine can help combat bad breath, remove tartar and bacteria, and prevent periodontal disease.

Veterinarians urge pet owners to brush pets' teeth daily or at least every other day. This helps remove plaque before it hardens, which typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours. Vets recommend using a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for pets.

A toothbrush may be intimidating to most pets, so it is best to first train pets to feel at ease with brushing. Pet owners can start by using a pet-safe gauze pad or dental wipe to clean their teeth. These alternatives resemble a toothbrush and can gently get cats or dogs used to having their teeth touched.

Experts suggest scheduling regular professional dental cleanings with a veterinarian. Depending on the pets' size, these cleanings should begin at around one or two years of age. Annual cleanings typically include an oral exam to identify any potential issues or concerns.

Signs of pet dental health problems

Dental disease in pets, particularly in dogs, is very common. Studies show that over 80-percent of dogs older than three years experience some form of dental disease.

These problems typically begin when plaque builds up and hardens into tartar beneath the gum line, leading to infections and damage to surrounding tissue and jawbones.

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) can result in severe health complications beyond just bad breath or tooth loss, including harm to the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Understanding the causes of dental health issues in pets is crucial, as is recognizing the signs that a pet may be suffering from periodontal disease. Some common indicators include bad breath, cracked and discolored teeth, tartar build-up, abnormal chewing or dropping food from their mouth, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, signs of blood in a pet's water bowl or on chew toys and swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth.

Alongside professional cleanings and a consistent at-home care regimen, dental treats and chews are specifically formulated to offer dental health benefits for dogs and cats.

When pet food manufacturers make a dental-related claim on the label, the package will also communicate how that effect is achieved (e.g. "with ridges to scrape teeth" or "with peppermint to help freshen breath"). These claim guidelines are included in the model regulations for pet food published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).