Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats, and most pets show signs by age three. Early clues include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, and red gums. Regular home care and professional dental assessments help catch trouble early and keep your pet comfortable.
For pet owners across Brentwood and the wider Burnaby area, dental care is easy to put off. Bad breath gets brushed aside as normal, and the real trouble builds quietly under the gum line. Yet dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see in dogs and cats, and it is also one of the most preventable. A little attention now can spare your pet real discomfort later and help protect their overall health.
More than just bad breath
It is tempting to treat dental problems as a cosmetic issue, but the mouth is closely tied to the rest of the body. Plaque hardens into tartar, gums become inflamed, and bacteria can work their way below the gum line. Over time this can damage the structures that hold teeth in place and add strain to organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Keeping the mouth healthy is really about keeping the whole pet healthy. Good oral health also means your dog or cat can eat, play, and rest without the nagging ache of a sore tooth.
Signs of dental disease to watch for
Pets are experts at hiding pain, so many owners do not realise there is a problem until it is advanced. Between visits, watch for signs that may include:
- Bad breath that does not improve
- Yellow or brown tartar along the gum line
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling, or dropping food while eating
- Chewing on one side, or a sudden preference for soft food
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Loose, broken, or discoloured teeth
- Reluctance to play with toys or be touched around the muzzle
Cats can be especially subtle. A cat with a sore mouth may simply groom less, become withdrawn, or eat a little less each day. If you notice any of these changes, it is worth booking an exam rather than waiting to see if things settle.
What a professional dental visit involves
A thorough dental assessment goes well beyond a quick look at the front teeth. During a full dental care visit, the veterinary team examines every tooth and the surrounding gums, and where needed uses dental X-rays to see what is happening below the gum line, which is where most disease hides.
Cleaning, or scaling and polishing, is carried out under general anaesthetic so the whole mouth can be assessed and cleaned safely, including the surfaces a pet would never allow while awake. If a tooth is badly damaged or diseased, an extraction may be recommended to relieve pain. Anaesthesia is tailored to each patient, and pre-procedure checks help the team plan for a smooth, comfortable visit. Your veterinarian can walk you through each step so you know what to expect.
Everyday care at home
Most of the work happens between professional visits, and home care is where you make the biggest difference. Daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard, and even a few times a week helps. Introduce it slowly and keep it positive with praise and small rewards. Never use human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are not safe for pets. Dental chews, specially formulated dental diets, and water additives can also help reduce plaque. If home brushing feels impossible, our team can talk you through techniques or discuss nutritional support that suits your pet’s teeth. Whatever you choose, consistency matters more than any single product.
Which pets are most at risk
Dental disease can affect any pet, but some are more prone and benefit from closer monitoring:
- Small and toy breeds, whose teeth are crowded into a small jaw
- Flat-faced breeds, where teeth are often misaligned
- Senior dogs and cats, who have had more years for plaque to build
- Cats, which are prone to painful conditions such as tooth resorption and gum inflammation
- Pets who have missed regular cleanings or eat mainly soft food
If your pet falls into one of these groups, mention it at your next wellness exam so the team can keep a close eye on their teeth and suggest a schedule that fits.
Protecting your pet’s smile in Brentwood
Between the busy stretch of Hastings Street and the quieter corners of Capitol Hill and Willingdon Heights, we care for a lot of local dogs and cats, and dental health is one of the easiest wins for their long-term comfort. Building a simple routine, watching for early signs, and pairing home care with regular professional assessments gives your pet the best chance of keeping a healthy, pain-free mouth for life. If it has been a while since your pet’s last dental check, now is a good time to book one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog or cat has dental disease?
The most common early sign is bad breath, often alongside yellow or brown tartar and red gums. You might also notice drooling, chewing on one side, or reluctance to eat hard food. Because pets hide pain so well, a veterinary exam is the most reliable way to know for sure.
Is anaesthesia necessary for a pet dental cleaning?
A proper cleaning includes the surfaces below the gum line and often dental X-rays, which cannot be done safely or thoroughly on an awake pet. General anaesthetic keeps your pet still and pain-free, and modern monitoring makes it safer than many owners expect. Your veterinarian will discuss the plan and any precautions for your individual pet.
How often should my pet have a dental check?
Most pets benefit from a dental assessment as part of their regular wellness exam, usually once a year, though some need more frequent attention. Your veterinary team can recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, breed, and the state of their mouth.
Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home?
Yes, and it is one of the best things you can do. Use a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush or finger brush, introduce it gradually, and keep sessions short and positive. Never use human toothpaste. Brushing daily is ideal, but even a few times a week makes a difference.