Pet Dental Myths Debunked: What Really Keeps Teeth Healthy
While there are a lot of products out there for pet owners to help keep their pets teeth clean, such as chewing on bones marketed to cleaning teeth or giving Kitty or Fido fresh breath, true dental care starts with your annual visit with your vet. Ignoring pet dental health can lead to pain, infection, and other physical problems for your pooch. That’s why we’re exposing the most common myths about cat and dog dental health and wish to share practical, vet-approved recommendations to protect your pet’s wellbeing.
In this post, we’ll answer questions like:
Is bad kitty or doggy breath normal?
Are chew toys and bones sufficient?
Why Pet Dental Care Is So Often Overlooked
Pet owners often overlook pet dental health because plaque, gum inflammation, and infection build up unnoticed. Pet dental health isn’t just about strong teeth and fresh breath; it protects the heart, kidneys, and immune system as well. Misinformation is the main reason cat and dog oral care is overlooked.
Neglected dental care allows preventable health problems to become serious conditions. Many dogs have dental disease by age three that could have been prevented.
Myth #1 – “Bad breath is normal for dogs.”
Bad breath is not a part of being a dog (Or cat!). The most common cause of bad dog breath comes from a buildup of bacteria below the gum line. It's a place where infection and inflammation quietly lead to stinky breath that compromises the cat or dog's dental health. This oral bacterium can enter the bloodstream and lead to health issues in the heart and kidneys. Bad breath is a “red flag” symptom to share with your veterinarian.
Myth #2 – “Dry kibble cleans teeth.”
Most dog owners have heard it said, “Dry kibble cleans teeth.” Dry dog food is nutritious, stores well, and is easy to dispense, but it does not provide comprehensive dental care for cats' or dogs’ teeth. The thought behind the myth is that dry kibble’s gentle abrasive action, while being ingested, combats tooth plaque. Most pets gulp their food down without chewing much, so the kibble hardly has a chance to scrub the tooth surface. Even if kibble did scrub some plaque away, it wouldn’t reach the bacteria below the gum line. There are VOHC-approved diets and
dental treats designed for cats and dogs’ dental health, but even these products just slow the progression of plaque buildup and should only be used to support both cat and dog oral care.
Myth #3 – “Chew toys and bones are enough.”
Chew toys and bones can provide some dental benefits randomly. By happenstance, some areas of dental plaque may be reduced during chewing. Still, chews and bones do very little to reach bacteria and plaque under the gum line. Some bones and chews are very hard and can cause more harm than good by breaking or cracking teeth. Using veterinary dental care, brushing at home, and using supplemental dental toys and chews offers the best dental care for dogs and cats. Chews and bones do not adequately support cat or dog teeth hygiene on their own they should not replace tooth brushing and routine dental exams.
Myth #4 – “Kittens & Puppies don’t need dental care yet.”
Another myth to bust is that puppies lose their baby teeth, so they don’t need dental care until their permanent teeth come through.
Regular wellness care visits can help catch problems early. Puppy and kitten dental care alerts veterinarians to issues such as retained baby teeth and gum inflammation, which should be addressed before causing problems. Work with your cat or pup to become accustomed to mouth handling and tooth brushing during the early years so that dental care will be easier for you and them when they are older.
Can I Skip Cleanings if I Brush at Home?
Besides providing professional dental care, brushing teeth at home is the single best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s oral care. Consistent brushing reduces plaque and tartar on the tooth surface, but it can still leave buildup below the gum line. A professional dental treatment for dogs includes a comprehensive oral exam, with dental X-rays, that reveals what’s beneath the surface before a thorough cleaning is completed under anesthesia. Professional dental care is the only sure way to protect your pet’s health.
Keep Your Pet’s Smile Healthy with Chipman Road Animal Clinic
Canine dental health extends beyond addressing bad doggie breath; it’s about overall wellness, comfort, and longevity. The team at Chipman Road Animal Clinic recommends regular exams, brushing at home, and professional cleaning will protect your cat or dog’s well-being.
Schedule a dental exam with
Chipman Road Animal Clinic when it’s time for a dental checkup, or ask about our dental care during your pet’s next visit we’re here to keep your pooch healthy.
