8 Ways to Improve Your Dog and Cats’ Dental Health

February is Pet Dental Health Month, making it the perfect reminder that your dog or cat’s dental health matters just as much as proper nutrition and regular exercise. Healthy teeth and gums don’t just support a pain-free mouth; they play a major role in your pet’s overall wellness, energy level, and longevity.

Proper dental care helps prevent dental disease, which can affect far more than your dog or cat’s mouth. When bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, they can travel to vital organs, potentially contributing to heart, lung, liver, and kidney disease.

Below are eight veterinarian-approved ways to check and improve your dog or cat’s dental health at home and during routine vet visits.

1. Have Your Veterinarian Check Your Dog or Cat’s Teeth at Every Visit

If you make a habit of checking your pet’s mouth at home and make sure that your veterinarian examines their teeth during every wellness visit, you can significantly improve your dog or cat’s long-term dental and overall health. Your vet can spot early signs of plaque buildup, gum disease, fractured teeth, or infections that are easy to miss at home.

Routine dental exams allow problems to be caught before they become painful, expensive, or dangerous. If needed, your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia to safely remove tartar below the gum line.

2. Check Your Dog or Cat’s Breath

Take a quick sniff of your pet’s breath. It doesn’t need to smell minty, but it shouldn’t be overpowering or foul. Persistent bad breath is often one of the earliest signs of dental disease.

A strong or unusual odor may indicate gingivitis, advanced periodontal disease, tooth decay, or even digestive issues. If your dog or cat’s breath suddenly worsens, call your veterinarian to discuss next steps.

3. Perform Routine Mouth Inspections at Home

Gently look inside your dog or cat’s mouth on a regular basis. Feel for loose teeth and check for unusual lumps, bumps, or sores on the tongue, under the tongue, along the gum line, and on the roof of the mouth.

As you become familiar with what’s normal for your dog or cat, you’ll notice subtle changes more quickly. Early detection can prevent minor dental issues from turning into serious health problems.

4. Look Out for Swelling or Inflammation

If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding gums, or inflammation in your pet’s mouth, schedule a veterinary exam promptly. Gum disease can worsen quickly and may lead to tooth loss, pain, or difficulty eating.

Oral inflammation can also be a warning sign of an underlying condition, including kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or viral infections.  By treating the condition promptly, it can help your dog or cat’s comfort and their overall health.

5. Address Tooth Decay and Tartar Buildup Early

Plaque-forming bacteria and certain foods can build up on your dog or cat’s teeth over time. If they are not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which contributes to gingivitis, receding gums, and eventual tooth loss.

Professional dental cleanings are the only way to safely remove hardened tartar beneath the gum line. Regular cleanings, paired with good home care, dramatically reduce the risk of advanced dental disease.

6. Try Brushing Your Dog’s or Cat’s Teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth may feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective ways to maintain dental health. Use a pet-specific toothbrush or wrap gauze around your finger, holding it at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. Use gentle, circular motions and work in small sections. 

Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque builds up most quickly. Finish with a downward stroke to help remove debris. Even brushing their teeth with your finger if your dog or cat won’t tolerate a toothbrush can make a noticeable difference.

Never use human toothpaste, as many ingredients are harmful to pets. Pet-safe toothpaste is designed to be swallowed and helps break down plaque naturally.

7. Use Chew Toys to Support Dental Health

Chew toys provide more than entertainment as they can actively support your pet’s dental health. Gnawing helps scrape away soft tartar, massage the gums, and reduce plaque buildup.

Choose chew toys that are appropriately sized and veterinarian-approved to prevent broken teeth or choking hazards. Dental chews labeled by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) are especially effective.

8. Choose Foods That Promote Dental Health

If your dog or cat is prone to dental issues, ask your veterinarian about foods formulated to support oral health. Certain kibble is designed to reduce plaque accumulation through texture and shape.

Dental diets, treats, and water additives can complement brushing but should never replace professional cleanings. Anything you can do in addition to regular cleaning is always a plus.

Final Thoughts on Pet Dental Care

If you consistently check your dog or cat’s mouth at home and make dental exams part of every veterinary visit, you can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life. Preventive dental care reduces pain, lowers the risk of systemic illness, and helps your dog or cat stay active and comfortable as they age.