Preventative Care Takes a Bite Out of Dental Disease

Dental disease is a common health problem in companion animals, yet it often develops gradually and can be difficult for owners to recognize.

Since outward signs may not be visible, and pets instinctively hide discomfort, dental issues can progress undetected for months or even years. Regular dental care is important for animals of all species, helping them stay comfortable, maintain proper nutrition, and avoid serious health complications.

Oral pain can also affect a pet's quality of life. Animals may stop playing with toys, avoid certain foods, become less social, or develop behavioral changes. Owners often mistake these signs for normal aging or pets being picky when the underlying cause is pain. Addressing dental issues can often improve a pet’s comfort, activity level, and overall well-being.

Understanding Dental Disease

Mammals typically develop a set of temporary teeth soon after birth, which are later replaced with permanent teeth. Preventive and specialty veterinary dental care help those teeth stay healthy throughout an animal’s life.

One of the most common dental issues in dogs and cats is periodontal disease, which is caused by a sticky layer of bacteria, food particles and saliva (known as plaque) that accumulates on teeth and beneath gums, causing inflammation. If left untreated, this can lead to infection and tooth loss. Research suggests it may also be connected to health issues beyond the mouth.

Severe dental diseases can result in tooth loss; severe bone degeneration in the mouth and jaw can lead to infection and fractures.

Prevention is Key

Veterinarians recommend annual oral examinations for most pets. This process not only evaluates the teeth, but also examines the tongue, palate, gums, and other structures looking for masses, inflammation, foreign objects, and other indicators of disease. X-rays are necessary to detect problems below the surface of the gums.

“If the animal is not receiving regular dental care, something that could have been addressed in one visit now requires more frequent visits to correct a problem that got out of hand,” said Dr. Jennifer Cassano, chief of the UC Davis Equine Field Service.

Most routine dental care can be performed by primary care veterinarians, but more advanced cases, patients with other conditions that could complicate treatment or cases that do not respond to initial treatment, may require referral to specialists.

For dogs and cats, the best thing owners can do is start oral care as soon as possible at home by brushing their pets’ teeth every day. Brushing is ideal, but if it’s not possible, owners should give products that have been evaluated by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to their pets daily.

“It’s a seal of approval similar to the American Dental Association for people,” said Dr. Maria Soltero-Rivera, a faculty member in the UC Davis Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service. “If brushing is not possible, choose two to three VOHC-approved products that work in different ways to protect your pet’s dental health.”

Unique Equine Needs

Unlike dogs and cats, horses’ teeth continuously erupt from under the gums throughout their lives to replace wear caused by chewing.

The grinding motion used to break down their fibrous food also grinds down their teeth. However, because horses’ top jaws are wider than their lower jaws, the top and bottom teeth do not wear evenly, creating enamel points. In some horses, these develop dramatically, leading to ulcerations in the mouth which cause discomfort, especially when ridden.

Veterinarians recommend annual dental exams for horses. Under sedation, an oral speculum is placed to keep the horse’s mouth open, and an instrument called a float is used to smooth the points in a process called “floating.”

Dental Care for Exotic Companions

Dental care becomes even more specialized when it comes to exotic companion animals.

Small rodents, such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice have continuously growing front teeth. Veterinarians recommend providing these pets with hard objects to chew on, such as wooden block toys, and lava stones, to help keep the front teeth filed down naturally.

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas have front and back teeth that grow throughout their lives. Dr. Krista Keller of the UC Davis Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service advises that a diet composed of hay is the best way to keep their teeth healthy, as the act of chewing hay naturally grinds their teeth.

If these animals require dental care, the procedure is similar to floating a horse’s teeth. Under anesthesia, specialized equipment is used to open the mouth and drill down the tooth crown heights to more appropriate lengths so they can chew comfortably.

Crowded or Missing Teeth

Animals with shorter noses and some dwarf breeds face increased risks for dental disease due to overcrowding of the teeth in their mouths. Pets such as lop-eared rabbits, Pugs, and American Miniature Horses, among others, may require more frequent veterinary dental examinations to prevent issues from developing.

Conversely, although teeth are important to an animal’s overall health, many pets manage fine without certain teeth, if their overall oral health is otherwise maintained. Since only small adjustments can be made at any one time without causing damage, it is important to stay on an annual schedule for oral exams, even if an animal has lost teeth or had them removed.

Myths and Misconceptions

Pet owners should be wary of certain dental care practices that may seem beneficial but can cause a false sense of security and lead to bigger problems in the future.

The popularity of “anesthesia-free cleaning” has increased in recent years, driven by lower costs and fears and misconceptions surrounding general anesthesia. Although this may seem like an advancement, anesthesia is actually necessary to perform complete oral evaluations and thorough treatments. It also makes the procedure safer for both the patient and the veterinarian.

“One challenge with anesthesia-free cleaning is that it can pose safety risks for both the patient and the operator,” said Soltero-Rivera. “It focuses on the area above the gumline, giving pet owners a false sense of security.”

Similarly, when it comes to horses, “lay floaters” are not certified or licensed. If they do not work with veterinarians, they cannot perform full oral examinations under sedation, which means they may overlook things that can lead to more severe problems in the future.

“Since dental problems are not something that can be observed externally, it’s easy to miss things,” said Cassano. “Lay floaters may not know when something is serious enough to refer to a specialist.”

Just as regular dental care is an important part of human health, it also plays a critical role in animal well-being. Healthy teeth support proper nutrition, comfort, and quality of life. Since many dental problems develop gradually and may not be visible without a thorough examination, routine veterinary evaluations remain the best defense against serious disease. Combined with consistent home care and species-appropriate diets, these preventive measures can help pets remain healthy and comfortable throughout their lives.

The UC Davis Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service is housed in the state-of-the-art Meadowview Foundation Dentistry and Oral Surgery Center and provides a full range of dental services for dogs, cats, and other species. Work with your primary veterinarian to have your animal referred to the service.

The UC Davis Equine Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service provides a full range of routine and advanced dental services for equines and other large animals. Referring veterinarians may request consultations by sending pertinent records to [email protected].