The Ultimate Guide to Dog and Cat Dental Care: Oral Microbiome, Brushing Tips & More


Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy isn’t just about fresh breath - dental care for dogs and cats is essential for their overall well-being. From preventing periodontal disease to maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, good dental hygiene plays a critical role in your pet’s long-term health. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know, including how to brush your pet’s teeth, what the oral microbiome is, and expert tips for preventing dental disease in pets.

 

1. Why pet dental care is so important

Dental problems in pets are more than cosmetic. Oral health conditions are the number one clinical finding by vets, with studies finding up to 90% of dogs show signs of changes in teeth and gums by 1 year old and 70% of cats by 3 years old.1-12 Oral health has also been shown to impact other organs such as the heart, kidneys, skin and liver as well as significantly impact welfare in dogs and cats.13-25

Periodontal disease - an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues - is one of the most common conditions in adult cats and dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to:

  • Painful tooth loss
  • Bacterial infections
  • Organ damage (especially heart, liver, and kidneys)

Routine dental care reduces these risks and can extend your pet’s life.

Managing plaque is important for dental health:

Plaque build-up:
Plaque is a clear, sticky film which forms over the teeth. It is made up of bacteria, saliva and food particles. It can be removed by brushing the teeth.

Poor oral hygiene:
If left unmanaged, plaque and tartar will continue to build on your pet’s teeth and can affect surrounding structures like the gums. This can have significant consequences for their oral health.

Tartar (calculus) formation:
If plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is a brown, hard substance which coats the teeth. You cannot remove tartar by brushing your pet’s teeth.


 

 

2. Understanding the Oral Microbiome in pets

Your pet’s mouth contains a unique population of microorganisms (mostly bacteria) known as the oral microbiome.1,26-28 These good bacteria play a key role in maintaining oral health, influencing processes like digestion and immune function as well as having a more negative impact such as causing plaque.1,29 An imbalance of the oral microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to dental conditions.1,25 When this balance is disrupted by poor dental hygiene or an imbalanced diet, for example, bad bacteria thrive, causing inflammation, tartar buildup, and even systemic illness. A healthy oral microbiome helps to limit the growth of certain types of bacteria that can potentially cause oral health issues.1,25 Some dental products, such as PlaqEase®, can help support a healthy oral microbiome.

 

3. Signs your dog or cat has dental problems

Watch for these early signs of dental issues in pets:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Red or bleeding gums
  • Yellow or brown tartar buildup
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth

If you spot any of these symptoms, schedule a veterinary dental exam.

 

4. How many teeth does my pet have?

Cats and dogs have baby and adult teeth just like we do. Often, we don’t even notice the baby teeth falling out, but they tend to do so between the ages of 12 weeks to 6 months.

  Baby (deciduous) teeth Permanent teeth
Dog  28 42
Cat  26 30

 

 

 

 

Your pet's tooth has many layers:

  • Enamel - the hard, white and shiny outer covering of teeth.
  • Dentine - sits underneath the enamel and protects the sensitive pulp
  • Pulp - the innermost layer of the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels.
  • Cementum - a thin, hard layer covering the tooth root
  • Periodontal ligament - connects the tooth to the jawbone and holds it in place
  • Alveolar bone - the bone that surrounds the tooth and keeps it in place

 

5. How to brush your dog or cat’s teeth: A step-by-step guide

Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly (ideally daily) is the best way to look after their teeth. It removes plaque, helping to prevent excess build-up and tartar formation.

Here's how to do it:

  • Always use a pet-friendly toothpaste; human toothpaste can be toxic for pets
  • Ideally start when your pet is young – it is never too late though
  • Offer your pet some toothpaste to help them get used to the taste (pet toothpaste is usually meaty flavoured)
  • Gently stroke around your pet’s mouth and rub along their gums so touching their mouth becomes normal
  • Once they are comfortable with this you can try using a finger brush to gently brush your pet’s teeth

  • You can then progress to a longer handle to help you reach the back teeth more easily if they will allow it

  • Take this slowly – it may take several weeks - and give your pet lots of rewards

 

Tip: Some pets may not let you brush their teeth. 1 in 4 dog owners experience difficulties when examining their dog's teeth5 - let alone brushing them - so we know it is hard. Always keep yourself safe!

 

6. The best dental products for dogs and cats

When it comes to maintaining your dog’s dental health, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the most common and effective methods:

  • Professional scale and polish: Done under anaesthesia at a veterinary practice, these remove plaque and tartar below the gumline. This also allows for a more thorough examination and can often find issues we can’t see easily on the inside of their teeth.
  • Brushing at home: The gold standard for prevention, but can be difficult to implement consistently.
  • Dental powders: Great for daily use and some powders, such as PlaqEase, have clinically proven ingredients.
  • Dental chews: Popular and convenient, though their effectiveness varies widely and a close eye needs to be kept on calories.
  • Water additives: Increasingly used for ease of daily maintenance but have varying effectiveness.
  • Dental diets: Useful if there is no other need for a specialised diet or if your pet isn’t too fussy!


A combination approach often works best, depending on your pet’s temperament and needs.

Note: Not all products are created equal - talk to a vet so that they can recommend the best approach for your pet.

 

7. Get your pet’s teeth checked regularly by a Vet or Vet Nurse

Your pet’s mouth should be checked at least once a year to maintain good oral health. You can also help keep their teeth clean with other options such as food supplements (e.g. PlaqEase), dental chews and toys, dental diets and more. It is always best to use products recommended by your veterinary team.

 

8. Professional dental cleanings: What to expect

Veterinary dental cleanings under anaesthesia allow for:

  • Full cleaning above and below the gumline
  • Dental X-rays to detect hidden problems
  • Tooth extractions, if necessary

The regularity of cleaning needed will depend on breed, age, and home care habits. Smaller dog breeds, cats with high body weight and older pets tend to experience more frequent oral health concerns.4,23,30-32

 

9. Breed-specific considerations for dental care

Some pets are genetically more prone to dental issues:

  • Small dog breeds (e.g. Chihuahuas, Yorkies) often have overcrowded teeth.
  • Flat-faced cats and dogs (like Persians and Pugs) may struggle with misalignment.
  • Senior pets tend to have more plaque and may require gentler care.

Tailor your dental routine to your pet’s breed and age.

 

10. Daily habits that keep your pet’s mouth healthy

Good oral health comes from a consistent routine. Here are habits to build:

  • Brush teeth regularly – ideally daily as the gold standard
  • Provide extra oral health support such as a supplement like PlaqEase
  • Provide dental chews or toys
  • Schedule annual dental exams

Small daily actions make a big difference over time.

 

Final Thoughts: Invest in your pet’s smile

Caring for your dog or cat’s teeth might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and routine, it becomes second nature. A healthy mouth means a healthier, happier pet - and fewer vet bills down the road. Prioritise dental care, support the oral microbiome, and brush up on best practices to give your furry friend the best quality of life.

 

 

 

 

References:

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