Why you should start daily pet tooth‑brushing before plaque ruins your dog or cat’s smile

Up to 90% of cats and dogs develop dental disease. Daily tooth-brushing prevents plaque, gum disease and long-term health issues. Learn vet-approved steps. (Image: Pexels)

You adore your dog or cat, the cuddles, the playful purrs or energetic barks. But have you ever thought about the state of their teeth? Chances are, what’s hiding behind that wagging tail or content purr is a mouth full of plaque, tartar or even early gum disease. According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), faulty, or missing, oral hygiene is the single most common medical issue affecting our fluffy friends. But there’s hope: a few minutes of simple care every day can prevent a world of trouble.

Periodontal disease, as per WSAVA, is the most common medical issue in companion animals; studies show up to 90 per cent of cats and dogs suffer from it at some point. Veterinary research increasingly stresses that dental disease doesn’t just ruin a pet’s smile, it can degrade their health and comfort, and reduce quality of life.

Here’s why tooth‑brushing is so important:

Plaque, that sticky, almost invisible film on teeth, builds up daily. If left alone, bacteria in plaque produce acids that irritate gums, leading to gingivitis and eventually the more serious periodontal disease. The Whole Dog journal suggests that when plaque is allowed to harden into tartar, only a professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia can remove it.

Regular brushing, ideally every day, mechanically removes plaque before it hardens, and PubMed studies show this is significantly more effective at keeping oral disease at bay than relying on chews or special diets alone.

Here’s how to start tooth‑brushing at home: Veterinarians suggest introducing tooth‑brushing gradually and with patience. WSAVA’s Global Dental Guidelines and “Toothbrushing Toolkit” recommends the following step‑by‑step routine to help pets accept mouth handling before using a toothbrush.

• Step 1 – Touch your pet’s face: Begin by gently stroking the sides of their muzzle and lift the upper lip, just facing the teeth. Reward calm behaviour with treats or praise.
• Step 2 – Touch the teeth: Once comfortable with lip lifting, slip an index finger gently into the mouth and touch a single tooth, perhaps a canine tooth to start, building familiarity gradually. Reward them again.
• Step 3 – Massage the gums: When teeth‑touching is accepted, move on to gently massaging the gumline. This helps pets get used to the sensation and readies them for a brush.
• Step 4 – Introduce the toothbrush: Use a soft‑bristled pet toothbrush or a gentle children’s toothbrush. Dip the brush in a pet‑safe toothpaste (never human paste, toxic when swallowed), allow the pet to sniff/taste it first, then begin with slow, gentle motions along the gumline. Reward them liberally.
• Step 5 – Keep at it and schedule vet check‑ups: Brush daily if possible. Even brushing every other day is better than nothing, but daily yields the best protection. Also, remember that brushing doesn’t reach under the gumline, so an annual professional dental check or cleaning remains important.

Other benefits beyond clean teeth:

Healthier gums: Brushing prevents gingivitis and periodontal disease, which cause pain, bleeding and tooth loss.

Fresh breath and happier pets: Less plaque and bacteria mean better breath and more comfort for your companion.

Whole‑body protection: Poor oral health can lead to bacteria entering bloodstream, impacting organs like the heart, kidneys or liver.

Early warning system: Regular brushing helps owners spot cracked teeth, inflamed gums or oral growths early, before they become serious.