Home Dental Care Options for Your Pet

Home dental care for your pet has the same goal as home dental care for you: to remove plaque (the gummy whitish film that builds up on teeth). Plaque will harden to form tartar. Plaque accumulation causes infection of the gums (gingivitis) and of the supporting bone (periodontitis). Your pet depends on you to provide home dental care and regular professional examinations.

Daily Tooth brushing

This is the very best dental home care you can provide for your pet. Tooth brushing removes plaque above and below the gumline. Daily removal of plaque slows the accumulation of tartar and helps prevent gum and bone infections. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste intended for pets. Pet toothbrushes are soft and shaped to fit your pet’s mouth and teeth. Pet toothpastes are made to be swallowed, unlike toothpastes for people. This is important because your pet cannot “rinse and spit”. Pet toothpastes also have flavors that appeal to dogs and cats. Pet toothpastes are usually packaged with an instructional booklet included to help you get started. Take your time, be patient and always use positive reinforcement (praise and rewards). From your pet’s perspective, tooth brushing means attention from you, tasty toothpaste on a soft brush, and a reward afterward.

Chew Toys

Chew toys provide some benefit by partially removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. Any toy can lodge in the throat or stomach and cause problems, so always watch your pet when he or she has a chew toy. Never give your dog hard chew toys such as cow hooves or “petrified bones.” Hard chew toys can break your dog’s teeth. Relatively safe toys for dogs are Gumabones, Greenies, rawhide strips, Plaque Attackers, and Rhinos. Some rawhide strips (CET Chews) are treated with enzymes that generate antibacterial activity. For cats, the CET Forte Cat Chew is an abrasive, resilient chew treat that helps remove plaque above the gumline and also contains the enzymes that generate antibacterial activity.

Oral Rinses and Gels

Some pets need an oral rinse or gel. Oral rinses and gels formulated for cates and dogs are available from your veterinarian. Daily use can help slow accumulation of dental plaque. Examples of popular products are CHX Guard Rinse, CHX Guard LA (Long Acting) Gel, and Maxi-Guard gel.

Dental Checkups

Home dental care and regular professional examinations help protect your pet’s health. Most pets need a dental exam every six months. Ask your veterinarian how often your pet needs a dental exam. Even if your pet appears normal, provide regular professional examinations because pets can effectively hide severe dental problems.

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