Here’s something that surprises a lot of pet owners: by the time your dog or cat turns three, there’s roughly an 80% chance they already have some form of dental disease. That statistic comes from veterinary dental research, and it’s one of the reasons dental care is becoming a bigger part of the conversation around dog care and cat care.
Yet dental health still tends to fall off the radar. We think about vaccinations, spaying and neutering, flea prevention, and annual check-ups, but the teeth and gums? Those often get ignored until a pet stops eating or develops noticeably bad breath. By that point, the problem has usually been building for months or even years.
This article walks through why dental care for pets matters so much, what the warning signs look like, and how staying on top of oral health can save your pet from real pain and save you from unexpected bills.
What Happens When Dental Health Gets Overlooked
Periodontal disease in pets doesn’t just mean bad breath. It starts with plaque buildup along the gum line, which hardens into tartar within days. Tartar irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis, and if left untreated, the infection can spread below the gum line and damage the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place.
In dogs, this progression tends to happen gradually. You might notice your dog favouring one side while chewing, or pawing at their mouth. In cats, the signs can be even subtler. Cats are famously good at hiding discomfort, so a cat with a painful tooth may simply eat less or become a bit withdrawn. Many cat owners only find out about dental issues during a routine veterinary exam.
The consequences aren’t limited to the mouth, either. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Studies in veterinary medicine have shown correlations between chronic dental disease and organ damage in both dogs and cats. That’s why addressing dental problems early isn’t just about keeping teeth white; it’s genuinely about your pet’s overall health.
Signs Your Pet Might Have a Dental Problem
Some of the most common warning signs include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating or dropping food, drooling more than usual, and visible tartar (a yellow-brown buildup) on the teeth. In cats specifically, you may notice them tilting their head to one side while eating, which can signal tooth resorption, a painful condition that affects a significant number of cats over the age of five.
If your dog suddenly becomes reluctant to play tug-of-war or chew on toys they used to love, that’s worth paying attention to. Behavioural changes like these are often the first real clue that something’s off.
The tricky part is that mild dental disease often shows no obvious symptoms at all. That’s why regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian are so valuable. A thorough oral exam can catch problems well before they cause your pet noticeable pain.
Professional Dental Cleanings: What to Expect
A professional dental cleaning for a dog or cat is quite different from what you’d experience at your own dentist. Because pets won’t sit still with their mouths open for an extended period, veterinary dental cleanings are performed under general anaesthesia. This allows the veterinary team to do a thorough job: scaling tartar from every tooth surface (including below the gum line), polishing, and taking dental radiographs to check for problems that aren’t visible from the outside.
Dental X-rays are a critical piece of the puzzle. A tooth can look perfectly fine on the surface but have a fractured root or a pocket of infection underneath. Without radiographs, these issues get missed entirely.
If you’re looking for pet care services in Vancouver that include comprehensive dental work, it’s worth asking your veterinary clinic whether they offer full-mouth radiographs as part of their dental cleaning protocol. Clinics like University Veterinary Clinic provide detailed dental assessments alongside their cleaning procedures, which makes a real difference in catching hidden issues early.
Anaesthesia naturally makes some pet owners nervous, and that’s understandable. Modern veterinary anaesthesia, though, is quite safe, especially with proper pre-anaesthetic bloodwork and monitoring. A good veterinarian in Vancouver will walk you through the process, explain the risks relative to your pet’s age and health status, and make sure you feel comfortable before proceeding.
At-Home Dental Care That Actually Helps
Professional cleanings are important, but what you do at home between those visits matters just as much. The single most effective thing you can do is brush your pet’s teeth. Yes, really. It sounds ambitious, but with patience and the right approach, many dogs and some cats will tolerate regular tooth brushing.
Start slowly. Let your pet taste the pet-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that are harmful to animals). Then work up to using a soft-bristled brush or a finger brush, focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque accumulates most. Even brushing a few times a week makes a measurable difference.
For cats, a small finger brush or even a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger can work well. Many cats resist at first but settle into it if you’re consistent and gentle. The key is making it a calm, positive experience rather than a struggle.
Dental chews and water additives can be helpful supplements to brushing, but they’re not replacements for it. Think of them the way you’d think about mouthwash for yourself: a nice addition, but it doesn’t replace brushing. Look for products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, which means they’ve been tested and shown to actually reduce plaque or tartar.
How Often Should Pets Get Dental Check-ups?
Most veterinary professionals recommend a dental examination at least once a year as part of your pet’s annual wellness visit. For older pets or breeds that are prone to dental disease (small dog breeds like Yorkies, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas tend to have more dental trouble, as do certain cat breeds like Siamese and Abyssinians), more frequent checks may be warranted.
Your vet can give you a sense of how quickly your specific pet builds up tartar and whether they need cleanings more often. Some dogs need professional cleanings every year; others can go two to three years between them. It really varies from animal to animal.
The important thing is not to wait until you see a problem. By the time dental disease is visible to the naked eye, it’s often already at a moderate to advanced stage. Catching it early, ideally at the gingivitis stage, means simpler treatment, lower cost, and much less discomfort for your pet.
The Financial Side of Dental Care
Let’s be honest: veterinary dental procedures aren’t cheap. A full dental cleaning under anaesthesia can range significantly in price depending on where you live, the severity of disease, and whether extractions are needed. But here’s the thing: preventive dental care almost always costs less in the long run than treating advanced periodontal disease.
A pet that needs multiple tooth extractions, antibiotics, and pain management due to neglected dental disease will rack up a much larger bill than one that gets regular cleanings and at-home care. And that’s without factoring in the potential cost of treating secondary organ issues linked to chronic oral bacteria.
Some pet insurance plans in Canada now cover dental cleanings and procedures, which is worth looking into if you’re thinking about coverage. Ask your vet or check with insurance providers about what’s included.
Breed-Specific Dental Considerations
Not all pets face the same level of dental risk. Small and toy dog breeds are significantly more prone to dental disease because their teeth are often crowded into smaller jaws, creating tight spaces where plaque and tartar accumulate more easily. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus) also tend to have dental alignment issues that increase risk.
For cats, breeds with elongated faces sometimes experience different types of dental stress, though dental disease in cats tends to be more about resorptive lesions than overcrowding. Regardless of breed, every cat and dog benefits from consistent dental attention.
If you own a breed that’s known to be at higher risk, talk to your vet about creating a dental care plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. A veterinarian in Vancouver who sees your pet regularly will have a good sense of how their dental health is trending and can recommend the right frequency for professional cleanings.
Bringing It All Together
Dental care is one of those areas of pet health that doesn’t get the attention it deserves, partly because the early stages of dental disease are so easy to miss. But the reality is that keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy has a direct impact on their quality of life, their comfort, and their longevity.
Whether you’re just starting to think about your pet’s dental health or you’re already brushing their teeth regularly, the most important step is to make dental care a consistent part of your routine. Pair at-home efforts with regular veterinary dental exams, stay alert to changes in your pet’s eating habits or behaviour, and don’t hesitate to ask your vet questions.
At the end of the day, good dog care and cat care comes down to paying attention to the details, and your pet’s mouth is one detail that’s too important to overlook. If you’re in the Vancouver area and looking for a clinic that takes dental health seriously, University Veterinary Clinic is a solid choice for comprehensive pet dental assessments and ongoing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my dog’s or cat’s teeth?
Daily brushing is ideal, but even three to four times a week can make a significant difference. The key is consistency. Using a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush, focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque builds up most.
Is anaesthesia safe for older pets during dental cleanings?
Modern veterinary anaesthesia is generally safe for older pets, especially when preceded by thorough bloodwork and health screening. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s individual risk factors and recommend the safest approach. Age alone is not a reason to avoid dental care.
What are the signs of dental disease in cats?
Cats often hide dental pain, so watch for subtle signs: eating less or eating on one side of the mouth, drooling, pawing at the face, bad breath, and withdrawal from normal activities. Red or bleeding gums during yawning can also be an indicator.
Do dental chews really work for dogs?
Dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar, but they work best as a supplement to brushing rather than a replacement. Look for products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance, which indicates they have been tested for effectiveness.
At what age should I start dental care for my pet?
You can begin getting your puppy or kitten used to having their mouth touched and teeth brushed as early as a few months old. Starting early helps them accept it as a normal part of their routine. Your vet should begin checking their teeth at their first wellness visits.