How pet dental products enhance a healthy routine (but can’t replace the essentials)

With the growing number of pet dental products and supplements on the market, it’s easy to see why many pet owners think a quick fix is all that’s needed. However, these products should always complement, not replace, the essential steps of pet dental care, like regular brushing and professional cleanings.

At Advanced Animal Dentistry, our specialist dental team offer a full range of veterinary dental services to protect your pet’s oral health. While some dental products can help maintain teeth and gums, their role is limited. If your pet enjoys them and they suit their health needs, they can be a helpful addition to their care. Here’s what you should consider when using these products.

Pet dental product types and effectiveness

The pet dental products market is vast and varied, including specially formulated food that promotes dental hygiene, dental chews designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, water additives that help control bacteria, and an array of brushing tools, dental wipes and oral sprays. While these products can assist in maintaining good oral health, their effectiveness is limited.

“I think they have an additive effect, and every little thing we can do is helpful, but they’re not going to be the thing that solves the issue or prevents you from needing regular care,” says Dr Bec Tucker.

Ultimately, just as humans must visit the dentist regularly despite brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash, our pets also require consistent dental care. Pet dental products can certainly help and may even extend the time between treatments, but they will never eliminate the need for professional attention.

Just how effective are they?

Most products are designed for specific purposes, not for holistic dental health. For example, dog food formulated for cleaning teeth can be effective, but since dogs don’t use all their teeth to chew, it only cleans part of their mouth. Additionally, this food cannot reach under the gum line, where dental disease is most problematic.

Dental chews can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but their effectiveness is limited to the areas they can reach. Water additives can be useful, but the long-term effects are largely unknown. While these products offer some benefits, their impact is often confined to immediate mechanical action, and studies on their long-term effectiveness are limited.

The gold standard for at-home dental care remains brushing. Regularly brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth is the best way to prevent periodontal disease, gum infections and painful conditions like gingivitis.

Safety and recommendations

Generally speaking, commercially available products are safe for pets, but it’s important to be aware that some may have risks. For instance, bones and rawhide can cause tooth fractures, and they can also splinter, leading to choking or intestinal blockages. “There’s also an idea that feeding your animals raw meaty bones will completely prevent dental disease because it’s a natural diet. While a natural diet is great and gnawing on things in a safe manner does help reduce plaque and offers other health benefits like stress relief, it’s still not a perfect solution,” explains Dr Aaron Forsayeth.

Some dental products may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, like xylitol, which is commonly found in human dental products because it helps prevent cavities. However, xylitol is toxic to dogs, and other ingredients can cause issues for pets with specific health conditions, such as allergies or digestive problems. This is why it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before using any dental product for your pet and to never use human dental products, as what’s beneficial for us can be dangerous for them.

Always look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval when choosing items for your pet. “Another reason to consult with your vet is that underlying health conditions can dictate diet. For example, a dog with heart disease will need to be careful of salt content in dental products, as will dogs prone to bladder stones. If your dog is on a very strict diet for any reason, be very careful,” advises Dr Bec.

Does your pet need specialist veterinary dental services?

“I recommend them if people want to use them, but the caveat remains that you can’t rely solely on commercial pet dental products or even natural bone diets. There are a lot of options out there, and you just need to be savvy,” says Dr Aaron.

If you’re looking for pet dental products to enhance your dog’s or cat’s oral health care routine at home, there are plenty of good options. In addition to assisting with tooth health, chewing is a behaviorally beneficial activity. Just remember to keep brushing their teeth and scheduling regular professional cleanings and assessments to ensure your pet is healthy, comfortable, and living their best life.

For any dental concerns with your cat or dog, feel free to call us at Advanced Animal Dentistry or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

You can also visit our pet owners’ page and explore additional resources.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


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