A pet’s dental care needs change as they grow older. From teething puppies and kittens to senior pets at risk for gum disease, each life stage requires different approaches to oral health. Ignoring dental care at any age can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and costly treatments.
At Robinson Animal Hospital, we believe that proactive dental care is key to preventing problems before they start. This guide for Pet Dental Health Month will walk you through what to expect at every stage of your pet’s life and how to keep their teeth healthy from puppyhood to their golden years.
Puppies & Kittens: Teething and Early Dental Care
What’s Happening?
Puppies and kittens are born without teeth, just like humans. Baby (deciduous) teeth start appearing around 3-4 weeks old. By around 6 months, most puppies and kittens have lost their baby teeth and grown a full set of adult teeth.
Common Dental Issues in Young Pets
- Teething Discomfort: Chewing on furniture or fingers to soothe sore gums.
- Retained Baby Teeth: Some teeth don’t fall out, causing crowding and alignment issues.
- Bad Breath: Can signal early gum disease or an underlying health issue.
How to Care for Your Young Pet’s Teeth
Introduce tooth brushing early to your puppy or kitten—get them used to having their mouth handled. Provide safe chew toys to ease teething discomfort. If you have any concerns, schedule a puppy or kitten dental exam with a veterinarian to check for retained baby teeth and alleviate your concerns.
Adult Pets: Preventing Plaque & Tartar Buildup
What’s Happening?
Adult pets have a full set of permanent teeth (42 in dogs and 30 in cats). Without regular at-home and veterinary dental care, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gum disease. Early signs of gingivitis (gum inflammation) can appear. By three years old, most pets already show signs of gum disease—regular checkups and dental cleanings are crucial!
Common Dental Issues in Adult Pets
- Tartar Buildup and Bad Breath: Without regular brushing and cleanings, plaque turns into hardened tartar.
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Broken or Fractured Teeth: From chewing on hard objects like bones.
How to Care for Adult Pets’ Teeth
Pet owners should brush teeth 3-4 times per week with pet-safe toothpaste, although daily brushing is ideal. Provide your pet with dental chews and toys to reduce plaque. Schedule annual dental cleanings for your cat or dog to remove deep-set tartar.
Senior Pets: Managing Advanced Dental Issues
What’s Happening?
Gums may recede in aging pets due to advanced dental disease, exposing tooth roots. Your pet’s teeth can become more brittle and prone to fractures. The risk of serious infections and oral tumours increases in senior cats and dogs. Dental disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney infections if bacteria spreads through the bloodstream.
Common Dental Issues in Senior Pets
- Loose or Missing Teeth: Often a sign of advanced periodontal disease in pets.
- Oral Tumors or Cysts: More common in older pets, requiring early detection.
- Tooth Root Abscesses: Severe infections that cause facial swelling and pain.
How to Care for Senior Pets’ Teeth
Soft foods may be recommended by a veterinarian if missing teeth or oral health issues make chewing painful. Your pet should visit a vet more frequently for overall wellness checkups—every 6 months instead of annually. Watch for signs of pain, like avoiding food, drooling, or pawing at the mouth.
Dental Care for Life with Robin Animal Hospital
Your pet’s dental needs change at every stage of life, but one thing remains the same—good oral health leads to a longer, happier life. No matter your pet’s age, regular dental care should be a part of their routine healthcare to prevent pain and disease. Robinson Animal Hospital is ready to help your pet stay in good oral health throughout their life. Our dental services vary by location in Johnson City and Gray, TN, so give us a call to request an appointment.