A Healthier Smile for a Healthier Year: Making Pet Dental Care a Priority
January 5, 2026
February 27,2023
When a new year begins, many pet owners focus on nutrition, exercise, and preventive care. One area that’s easy to overlook. but incredibly important, is your pet’s dental health.
Dental care for pets is about far more than fresh breath. Healthy teeth and gums play a direct role in your pet’s overall health, comfort, and longevity. Whether you’re setting New Year goals in January or recognizing Pet Dental Health Month in February, now is a great time to make your pet’s oral health a priority.
Why dental health is so important for pets
By age three, most dogs (80%) and cats (70%) show signs of dental disease. Plaque and tartar build up gradually, often without obvious symptoms early on. If left untreated, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.
Poor dental health in pets has been linked to:
Heart disease, including inflammation of the heart valves
Kidney disease, as bacteria circulate through the blood
Liver disease, due to chronic infection and inflammation
Chronic pain, gum disease, and tooth loss
Pets are very good at hiding discomfort. Many continue eating and acting normally even when dental disease is present. That’s why routine dental exams and cleanings are so important; they help identify problems before they become painful or serious.
Signs your pet may have dental disease
Dental problems aren’t always obvious, but some common signs include:
Bad breath
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
Dropping food or chewing on one side
Pawing at the mouth or face
If you notice any of these signs, a dental evaluation is recommended.
What pet dental care actually involves
When pet owners hear “dental care,” it can sound intimidating. In reality, dental care is a combination of simple at-home habits and professional veterinary cleanings that work together.
At-home dental care
Depending on your pet, this may include:
Brushing with pet-safe toothpaste (even a few times a week helps)
Veterinary-approved dental chews or treats
Oral health diets or water additives, when appropriate
We recommend using products approved by Veterinary Oral Health Council for home care and treats. Your veterinary team can help you choose options that fit your pet’s age, temperament, and health.
Professional dental cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are the only way to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline, where most dental disease begins. These cleanings allow veterinarians to fully evaluate teeth, gums, and supporting structures, something that isn’t possible when pets are awake.
Dental cleanings at Onalaska Animal Hospital
At Onalaska Animal Hospital, dental cleanings are designed to be safe, thorough, and as stress-free as possible.
Each dental procedure includes:
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork (to help ensure anesthesia is safe)
Careful monitoring throughout anesthesia
A comprehensive oral exam (performed once your pet is comfortably asleep)
Full mouth dental X-rays (to find disease under the gum line)
Professional scaling and polishing
Our team takes time to explain findings and recommendations, so you know exactly what your pet needs and why. Many pets feel more comfortable and energetic after dental treatment, even if they weren’t showing obvious signs of pain beforehand.
How often do pets need dental cleanings?
The frequency of dental cleanings varies based on your pet’s age, breed, genetics, and home care routine. Some pets benefit from annual cleanings, while others may need them more or less often.
Regular dental exams allow your veterinarian to recommend the right schedule for your pet, helping prevent advanced disease and avoid more extensive procedures later.
A small step that makes a big difference
Though dental disease is one of the most preventable health issues in pets, it’s also one of the most common. Prioritizing dental care helps protect not only your pet’s teeth and gums but also their heart, kidneys, and liver, and supports their overall comfort.
Whether you’re setting health goals for the year or observing Pet Dental Health Month, it’s never a bad time to focus on your pet’s smile.
If you have questions about dental care or would like to schedule a dental exam, the team at Onalaska Animal Hospital is here to help keep your pet healthy, from nose to tail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care
Dental care helps prevent periodontal disease, tooth loss, and chronic pain. It can also reduce the risk of bacteria from the mouth contributing to inflammation and illness elsewhere in the body, including the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on teeth, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, dropping food, chewing on one side, or decreased interest in hard food or toys. Some pets show very subtle signs, so regular exams matter.
It depends on your pet’s age, breed, genetics, and home dental routine. Many pets benefit from annual cleanings, while others may need them more or less often. Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate schedule based on the oral exam.
Dental care can begin early. Many pets show signs of dental disease by age three, so early prevention is important. Your veterinarian can advise when to begin home care and when professional cleanings may be appropriate.
Anesthesia allows a thorough and safe cleaning, including cleaning under the gumline where periodontal disease begins. It also reduces stress and allows dental X-rays and treatment of painful conditions.
No medical procedure is without risk, but veterinary teams take steps to reduce risk through pre-anesthetic exams, recommended bloodwork, and close monitoring. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s individual needs and safety plan.
Often, yes. Much of each tooth is below the gumline, and X-rays can reveal problems not visible during an exam, such as root infections, fractures, bone loss, or tooth resorption.
A professional dental cleaning includes an oral exam, removal of plaque and tartar, cleaning below the gumline, polishing to smooth tooth surfaces, and, when indicated, dental X-rays and treatment of diseased teeth.
Yes. Brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to reduce plaque. Even brushing a few times a week can help. If brushing isn’t possible, your veterinary team can recommend alternatives.
Yes. Dental disease causes chronic inflammation and pain, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
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