Some brushing is better than none

Brushing your dogs (or cats) teeth removes bacteria and their biofilm from the tooth. Brushing regularly helps to inhibit bacteria in the mouth but It needs to be daily to help prevent deterioration. Follow this guide, starting slowly and establishing a regular routine, making it part of the normal day.

There is some evidence that an electric toothbrush is slightly superior to a normal toothbrush.

Some individuals need more than once daily brushing and some have dental disease despite daily brushing (e.g. some breeds like Yorkshire Terriers) !

Brushing may not be as effective for cats.

To identify areas on the teeth that have residual plaque a blue light can be used for areas missed. It works like disclosing tablets but without the mess!

Removing bacteria, protects the gums and teeth from disease, and helps remove the ‘dog breath’ that is not normal for dogs

My groomer / pet shop / kennels are offering cheap dentals

‘Anaesthesia-free dentistry’ is not in the best interests of health and welfare of pets according to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and supported by the EVDC/EVDS/BVDA.

This is ineffective in cleaning the most important part of the tooth which is under the gum (sub gingival / gingival sulcus), and can cause injury, pain and delayed diagnosis of dental disease. The oral cavity/mouth is not examined fully, no X-rays are taken to look for bone or root disease and though the teeth look clean, the process can damage the enamel.

Furthermore, the RCVS states that sub-gingival scaling is an ‘act of veterinary surgery’ so if claims are made about this they should be reported.

My pet is eating so their mouth can’t be painful

Pets will still eat despite severe dental disease and chronic throbbing low grade pain. Acute sudden onset or shooting pain is more obvious.

There are difference nerve pathways for pain and pets will often eat despite serious gum, tooth and bone disease in the mouth.

Do the seaweed supplements work?

There are a number of extracts of Bladderwrack  (Ascophyllium nodosum) on the market. These can reduce the calculus, plaque and gingival bleeding if used following a dental scale and polish under general anaesthesia.  It does not reduce gingivitis.

It can be used alongside daily brushing to maintain oral health, but not replace it.