The Science Behind Dog and Cat Dental Care
by Dr. Molly Shelton
According to the American Veterinary Dental Association, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop dental disease by the age of three. Yet owners often don’t realize anything is wrong until their pet is already in distress, which makes treatment more complex and costly. Brushing your pet’s teeth may feel like a major hassle, but daily home dental care is one of the most effective ways to support their long-term well-being. Dental disease is far more than bad breath; it can cause pain, infection, and even harm vital organs like the heart and kidneys.
As a veterinarian, I routinely examine pets who seem perfectly healthy until we look inside their mouths. Dogs and cats are both remarkably good at hiding discomfort, which makes preventive care essential.
Why Dental Care Matters
Dental disease begins with plaque, a thin bacterial film on the teeth. When it’s not brushed away, plaque hardens into tartar, triggering gum irritation and gingivitis. Over time, inflammation spreads deeper into the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, leading to bone loss, chronic pain, and ultimately tooth loss. Once oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can affect whole-body health.
Maintaining your pet’s oral health is truly part of maintaining their overall health.
Dogs vs. Cats: Tailoring the Approach
Dental care is equally essential for dogs and cats, but their behavior around pain and their tolerance for care differ.
Cats: subtle and easy to miss
Cats excel at hiding discomfort. Early signs may be minor: drooling, eating less, pawing at the mouth, or acting slightly withdrawn. Brushing can be more challenging with cats, so owners may rely more on dental diets, treats, gels, and slow, gentle desensitization techniques.
Dogs: more obvious signs, more brushing success
Dogs tend to display more evident signs of dental issues, such as difficulty chewing, visible tartar, or dropping food from their mouths. With patience and consistency, most dogs adjust well to brushing (and even enjoy it as a bonding experience), making regular plaque control more achievable.
Recognizing these differences helps owners catch issues earlier and create routines that actually work.
The Power of Daily Home Dental Care
Brushing remains the most effective way to prevent dental disease. Dental treats, chews, toys, and special diets can support oral health, but none can replace brushing or clean below the gumline.
Tips for getting started:
Choose a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush.
Begin slowly and build comfort over time.
Keep brushing sessions short and positive.
Focus on the outer tooth surfaces.
Aim for several brushing sessions per week.
Even small, consistent efforts make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to brush your pet’s teeth daily, or your pet will not tolerate brushing, I recommend choosing a daily product approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
The VOHC Seal of Acceptance means that the product has been reviewed by a group of veterinary dentists and found to demonstrate dental efficacy to help reduce plaque and tartar. There is an extensive list of recommended dental products on their website. Options include dental treats, prescription dental diets, water additives, powders, and more.
Professional Dental Cleanings (COHAT)
Most cats and dogs benefit from an annual professional dental cleaning — known as a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) — which provides a deeper level of care than brushing alone. A COHAT includes careful anesthesia, full-mouth X-rays, cleaning above and below the gumline, polishing, and any necessary treatments such as extractions.
Advanced periodontal treatments, such as root planing and guided tissue regeneration, can slow the progression of periodontal disease for teeth affected by mild to moderate disease. When dental disease is identified early, periodontal treatments other than extraction may be offered to reduce the risk of future tooth loss.
Some pets are at higher risk and may require more frequent cleanings. These include small and flat-faced dogs, such as Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Poodles, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, as well as flat-faced cats like Persians and Himalayans. Cats prone to early tartar, gingivostomatitis, or resorptive lesions also need closer attention. Breeds with unique jaw structures, such as Greyhounds and Dachshunds, may require additional monitoring, too.
Modern anesthesia protocols are extremely safe when accompanied by appropriate monitoring from a trained dental team, and the health benefits of thorough dental care far outweigh any risks. Routine COHATs in the early stages of dental disease are short procedures. Once dental disease becomes significant, procedures become lengthy. Thus, it is better for your pet if you pursue dentistry for them early in the disease process for many reasons.
Signs It’s Time for a Dental Check
Subtle changes can be the first indication of trouble. Watch for:
Persistent bad breath
Yellow or brown tartar
Red or bleeding gums
Dropping food or chewing differently
Pawing at the face
Reduced appetite
Early intervention helps prevent pain and reduces long-term treatment costs.
Brushing your pet’s teeth may not feel easy at first, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Strong oral care helps prevent discomfort, infection, and systemic disease, giving you more years — and better-quality years — with your dog or cat. With patience and consistency, most pets can learn to tolerate brushing. Combined with annual professional cleanings, a simple home routine keeps them comfortable, healthy, and thriving well into the future.
Molly Shelton, DVM, serves as co-medical director at Harmony Animal Hospital Pet Resort & Spa in Apex, NC.
