{"id":24662,"date":"2026-02-05T10:45:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T16:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetmed.tamu.edu\/news\/?p=24662"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:45:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T20:45:45","slug":"why-pet-dental-care-is-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetmed.tamu.edu\/news\/pet-talk\/why-pet-dental-care-is-important\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u2018Tooth\u2019 Of The Matter: Why Pet Dental Care Is So Important"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dental issues are extremely common in pets, and they often cause significant pain. However, most pets show few to no outward signs, and their discomfort can go unnoticed even as it affects their quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, most dental problems can be avoided. Regular, at-home preventative care paired with routine veterinary checkups is key to preventing disease and protecting pets\u2019 long-term health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Leah Taylor<\/a>, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences<\/a>, shares insights on common dental problems and dental care both at a veterinary clinic and at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Dental Problems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common dental concerns in dogs and cats is periodontal (gum) disease, which happens when bacteria build up on the teeth and under the gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt results in tooth loss, bad breath, and dental calculus \u2014 the hard, brown buildup you see on teeth when plaque isn\u2019t removed,\u201d Taylor said. \u201cIn most animals, this disease comes from a lack of oral hygiene practices, such as regular tooth brushing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetics is also a key factor in the development of gum disease, with small dogs being the most at risk. Because home dental care may not be sufficient to prevent tooth loss and gum disease in these dogs, annual dental cleanings by a veterinarian are strongly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cats also commonly develop tooth resorption lesions, a painful condition that looks and feels a lot like a cavity. However, unlike human cavities, these lesions aren\u2019t because of poor hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat happens is the cat\u2019s body degrades the enamel and dentin \u2014 the hard layers of the tooth \u2014 which can lead to infection within the tooth,\u201d Taylor said. \u201cThere is no known underlying cause at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large-breed dogs often fracture their teeth, which can expose the center of the tooth \u2014 the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe pulp becoming exposed is painful and can lead to infection inside the tooth and at the root,\u201d Taylor said. \u201cThis can happen from chewing on treats, toys, or other items that are too hard or inflexible. To test the safety of chews and toys, you should be able to flex them with your hands or leave a thumbnail imprint when pressure is applied.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because pets hide tooth discomfort so well \u2014 many continue to eat despite pain \u2014 spotting dental trouble early can be difficult. Some signs to look out for include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n