Pet Dental Care Basics, What the AVMA Recommends
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet's dental health.
Dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of pet health, partly because most of the problem is hidden. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says dental health is a very important part of a pet's overall health, and that dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.
1. The most common problem: periodontal disease
According to the AVMA, periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. Its timeline is the number to remember: by the time a pet is 3 years old, it will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which worsens with age if effective prevention is not in place.
AVMA explains how it develops. It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline is often easy to see and remove, but plaque and tartar below the gumline do the damage, setting the stage for infection and harm to the jawbone and the tissues that hold teeth in place.
The AVMA also notes that the effects reach beyond the mouth: other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.
2. The stages
Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe). AVMA's client brochure describes the stages:
| Stage | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visible tartar and slight swelling and redness of the gums |
| 2 | More swollen gums; mild bone loss around tooth roots, visible only on X-rays |
| 3 | Looks similar to stage 2 on the surface, but X-rays show more severe bone loss |
| 4 | Severe tartar, receding gums, tooth damage and decay, and bone loss |
The key detail is in stages 2 and 3: the difference shows up only on X-rays. The AVMA brochure puts it plainly: most dental disease happens below the gumline, and damage may already be occurring even when teeth look healthy.
3. Signs to watch for at home
The AVMA says your pet's teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by a veterinarian, and sooner if you notice:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling around the mouth
AVMA adds that some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any change in behavior is a reason for a visit. Its safety note: be careful when looking in your pet's mouth, because a painful animal may bite.
4. Why professional cleanings use anesthesia
Owners often ask why a dental cleaning requires anesthesia. The AVMA's explanation:
- Because most dental disease is below the gumline, a thorough cleaning and evaluation is done under anesthesia. Cleaning includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar, and polishing.
- A pet does not understand what is happening and may move, try to escape, or bite. Anesthesia allows a better cleaning with less stress and pain, and without risk of injury from dental instruments.
- X-rays of the jaw and tooth roots require the pet to be very still.
The AVMA acknowledges anesthesia always has risks, but says it is safer than ever, with risks that are very low and far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets go home the same day.
5. What about anesthesia-free cleanings?
The AVMA cites the American Veterinary Dental College, which does not recommend dental cleanings without anesthesia. They do not allow cleaning or inspection below the gumline, where most disease occurs, and they can injure the pet or the person doing the procedure.
AVMA also says dental procedures should be performed by a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist, with veterinary technicians allowed to do certain procedures under veterinary supervision, subject to state rules.
6. Home care: brushing is the big one
The AVMA calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do to keep teeth healthy between professional cleanings. It may reduce how often cleanings are needed, or even eliminate the need.
- Daily brushing is best, but not always possible; brushing several times a week can be effective.
- Most dogs accept brushing. Cats can be more resistant, so patience and training are important. The AVMA brochure says that with patience and positive reinforcement, most dogs and cats will accept it.
7. Dental chews and products
AVMA notes that many pet products claim to improve dental health, and not all of them are effective. Talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you are considering.
8. Key takeaways
- The AVMA says periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats, and most pets show early signs by age 3.
- Most damage happens below the gumline; stages 2 and 3 differ only on X-rays, so healthy-looking teeth can still be diseased.
- Have teeth checked at least once a year, sooner for bad breath, loose teeth, drooling, trouble eating, or behavior changes.
- Professional cleanings use anesthesia so the vet can clean and X-ray below the gumline; anesthesia-free cleanings are not recommended.
- Brushing daily, or at least several times a week, is the most effective home care; ask your vet before relying on dental chews.