Ever whiffed a pet’s mouth and thought, “Phew!”? That’s more than stinky breath—it’s often the first clue of trouble. Studies show 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some degree of periodontal disease by age 3.
That’s not just about bad breath. Untreated dental disease can:
- Cause pain, leading pets to paw at their faces or drop food
- Cause abscesses, even nose discharge or vision issues for upper molars
- Affect overall health: bacteria can enter the bloodstream and impact the heart, kidneys, liver
✅ Quick Tips for Daily Dental Care
1. Inspect Weekly
- Lift lips and check for redness, bleeding, tartar, or loose teeth.
- Gums should be smooth and salmon-pink. If they’re not, it’s time to visit your vet.
2. Brush Daily (or Almost Daily!)
- Brushing stops plaque from becoming tartar. The AVMA recommends several times a week at minimum, daily is best
- Only about 20% of pet owners manage daily brushing—but it’s worth it: brushing is 3× more effective than chews or diets
- Small breeds are the most at risk and hardest to brush—but with patience (3–4 months to form a habit!), it’s doable
3. Use Helpful Aids
- Dental chews, special kibbles, water additives, dental powders and gels are all useful—but they supplement, not replace brushing
- For best results, choose products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
🐾 Professional Care: Why It’s Essential
- Yearly visits are crucial—even if your pet seems fine
- Veterinarians will perform a scaling and polishing under anesthesia—necessary to clean under the gums
- Pre-cleaning bloodwork reduces anesthesia risk, especially in older or small-breed pets
- For severe cases, procedures can cost over $1,000 in the U.S.
📊 Numbers That Hit Home
| Pet Type | % with Periodontal Disease by Age 3 | Vet Visits/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | ~80% | ~14% |
| Cats | ~70% | ~9% |
- Only 14% of dogs and 9% of cats get dental vet care each year
- Daily brushing is 3× more effective than chews alone
🌟 How to Start a Dental Routine That Sticks
- Ease into it: Begin with fingers or soft cloth, then move to brush. Add flavored toothpaste as they get used to it.
- Focus on outer surfaces—that’s where most plaque hides
- Use variety: Brush a few days a week, with daily chews, powders and dental diets—better than nothing
- Reward and reassure: Keep sessions short, upbeat, and full of praise.
🏁 Bottom Line
- Dental disease affects 7–8 out of 10 pets by age 3.
- Daily brushing makes a huge difference—and yes, it takes time and training, but it’s 3 times more effective than other solutions.
- Pair home care with annual vet cleanings to protect your pet’s teeth—and their organs.
My Bestie 
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