How (and Why) You Need to Take Care of Your Pet’s Teeth to Prevent Health Problems — and Save Money
- Katie A
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
When I adopted my dog, Eddie, at six-years-old, I took him to the vet for a full checkup. The vet noticed tartar buildup, so they did dental X-rays—and the results shocked me: Eddie needed 11 teeth removed.
My first question was, “How is he going to eat?!” The vet explained that smaller dogs often have overcrowded teeth, and in Eddie’s case, his previous owners hadn’t maintained any dental care. Many of his teeth were broken or rotten.
After surgery, Eddie was left with just one top molar, his canines, and most of his bottom teeth—but the vet assured me he’d feel much better once those bad teeth were gone. They were right. The only painful part was the $1,400 bill (pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions—more on that in a future post).
After that, I promised myself I’d protect the teeth Eddie had left like they were precious jewels.
Why Dental Care Matters for Dogs
Just like humans, dogs need their teeth brushed regularly to remove plaque and prevent tartar.
· Plaque is a sticky film caused by bacteria.
· Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed through a professional cleaning.
If left untreated, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, bone damage, and even heart or kidney problems. Never use human toothpaste. It can contain xylitol or fluoride, which are toxic to pets. Choose an enzymatic pet toothpaste and a soft-bristled pet toothbrush designed for small mouths.
Prevention Helps Avoid Anesthesia in Senior Dogs
Dental cleanings under anesthesia are sometimes necessary—but they’re not without risk, especially for older dogs. As pets age, anesthesia can put additional stress on their heart, liver, and kidneys.
That’s why consistent at-home dental care is the best prevention. By brushing regularly and using enzymatic toothpaste and dental chews, you can help minimize tartar buildup and reduce (or delay) the need for professional cleanings under anesthesia.
For aging pets, prevention is truly the key to keeping them healthy, comfortable, and out of unnecessary procedures. As a dogmom of an aging dog, I will do anything to avoid having Eddie put under anesthesia. I also want to avoid him having to stay overnight at a vet after some horror stories from friends and families. In our old neighborhood, Eddie’s friend Pip, passed away after a dental cleaning. He was close to Eddie’s age at that time, around 7 years old. He got pneumonia.
What I Use for Eddie
After researching, I chose Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste (available in five flavors—Eddie’s favorite is poultry). It’s enzyme-based to help break down plaque, fluoride-free, and safe for both dogs and cats. Eddie will lick it like it is frosting.
See more options: Best Dog Toothpastes (The Spruce Pets)
It took a few weeks to get Eddie comfortable with brushing, but now, at 8 p.m. every night, he reminds me. If I forget, he waits by the cabinet for his brush and toothpaste. It’s part of our nightly routine.
I used this article from Chewy to help get Eddie comfortable with brushing.
Do Dental Treats Work?
Dental treats can help reduce plaque and freshen breath, but they’re not a replacement for brushing or professional cleanings. Look for treats that:
· Take time to chew
· Have a texture that helps scrub teeth
· Avoid rawhide, antlers, and bones (these can crack teeth or cause blockages)
For Eddie, I use Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste Mini Gluten-Free Dental Dog Treats. I give him one after brushing for an extra boost—and he loves them. The chewy texture helps polish his teeth and the minty center freshens breath.👉 Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste on Chewy
The Results
After Eddie’s initial dental surgery, I brushed his teeth consistently. At annual vet visits, I kept hearing, “His teeth look really good!” We went three years without needing a professional cleaning—until we had to see a different vet in the office, and she was super pushy about extra everything – the cleaning, lab follow-ups, and samples. I’m skeptical if he really needed the cleaning. HOw did we go three years without any issues, but now this vet thinks everything is wrong? That's a story for another time. Nowadays, I will push back because Eddie is older, and I do NOT want him under anesthesia.
Years later, Eddie eats perfectly fine with his one molar and a few canines. When I watched my sister’s French Bulldog, I gave her an Ark Naturals chew—and her fishy breath improved noticeably within a week.
💡 Takeaway
Dental care isn’t just about fresh breath. It prevents painful infections, saves money on vet bills, and helps your pet live a longer, healthier life.
And by practicing prevention, you can help your dog avoid unnecessary anesthesia as they age—keeping them happier, safer, and healthier for years to come.
Start small, be consistent, use a tasty enzymatic toothpaste, and make brushing a bonding ritual. Eddie and I have—and it’s one of the best health decisions I’ve ever made for him.
Comments