09 Sep Pet Dental Health Myths Every Owner Should Stop Believing
As a board-certified veterinary dentist at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, I’ve seen firsthand how common myths about pet dental health can prevent pets from receiving the care they need. Sadly, these misconceptions often allow dental disease to go unnoticed until it causes pain, tooth loss, or even systemic illness.
Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about pet dental health so you can make informed choices for your dog or cat.
Myth 1: Pets Don’t Need Regular Dental Cleanings
Many pet owners believe that their pets don’t require professional dental cleanings or that brushing alone is enough. While daily brushing is one of the most effective things you can do, it doesn’t remove all plaque and tartar—especially below the gumline. At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, our professional cleanings under anesthesia allow us to safely and thoroughly clean every surface of the teeth, protecting your pet’s mouth long-term.
I think it is vital we ask ourselves what our mouths would look like if we went weeks, months, or even years without brushing our teeth. It would be pretty scary, right? I understand that daily tooth brushing may not be achievable for many pet owners for various reasons. If a pet owner is not willing or able to brush their dog or cat’s teeth, there is all the more reason for them to have at least annual professional dental examinations and cleanings. In fact, many dogs and cats are so prone to periodontal disease that they should have their teeth cleaned every 6 months, just as it is advised in human dentistry.
Myth 2: Bad Breath in Pets Is Normal
A common misconception is that bad breath is just part of being a pet. In truth, persistent odor is a warning sign of periodontal disease or oral infection. A healthy mouth shouldn’t smell bad. Ignoring these symptoms often allows the disease to progress, leading to pain and tooth loss. Halitosis (bad breath) in pets is caused by bacteria colonizing the oral cavity of your dog or cat. Specifically, halitosis is caused by bacteria that produce sulfur compounds and can cause your pet’s mouth to smell like rotten eggs!
Myth 3: Dry Food Keeps Teeth Clean
Kibble is often thought to scrape teeth clean, but most dry foods crumble too easily to have any real effect. While specially formulated dental diets can help reduce plaque, regular kibble does little for dental hygiene. Professional care and consistent at-home routines remain essential. Prescription dental diets are formulated with specific properties that will help reduce plaque adherence to teeth. While certainly beneficial, they will not remove the need for regular professional dental care by your veterinary team.
Myth 4: Pets Don’t Feel Tooth Pain Like People Do
Dogs and cats are experts at masking discomfort, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain. A fractured tooth, abscess, or gum disease can be just as painful for your pet as it would be for you. Pets may continue eating despite severe pain, so watch for subtle signs like chewing on one side, dropping food, or avoiding toys. Even in the absence of these obvious signs, they can still have significant oral pain. It is not unusual for me to see patients with literally rotting and infected mouths that are still eating due to their survival instinct being so strong. They simply will not stop eating. To show pain is to show weakness, and to show weakness is to be more susceptible as prey. Even strictly indoor pets still have an amazingly strong fight or flight genetic makeup that hides pain.
Myth 5: Dental Disease Only Affects the Mouth
Oral health problems don’t stay confined to the mouth. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and negatively affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Protecting your pet’s dental health is about far more than fresh breath—it’s about safeguarding their overall health and longevity. Periodontal disease has been consistently shown to have negative impacts on the heart, liver and kidneys. Also, the worse their periodontal disease is, the worse the negative tissue and functional changes in these organ systems.
The Takeaway from Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery
At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, we’re passionate about helping pet owners see through these myths so their pets can live healthier, more comfortable lives. By committing to regular professional cleanings, consistent at-home care, and early recognition of problems, you can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life.
Call us today at 719-536-9949 to schedule your pet’s dental examination at our Colorado Springs location. Together, we’ll create a customized plan to protect your pet’s smile and overall health.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (09/09/2025) Photo by Dicky Jiang on Unsplash