As the pet tech writer here at WIRED, I know just how far we've come as a pet-obsessed society. From automatic litter boxes with built-in cameras to interactive pet cameras on wheels that shoot out treats, if a human has dreamed it, our pets have probably been subjected to it.
For a while, pet influencers were all about hydration. My FYP was filled with tricks and tips to increase chronically dehydrated cats' water consumption, including via pet water fountains, which have since flooded the market. Most recently, I was influenced to try at-home pet DNA test kits. The most interesting finding from this testing was the discovery that both of my cats' oral health was poor. That sent me down a rabbit hole of information and countless queries for “how to brush your dog's teeth.”
So, I did lots of research, tested some oral health pet products, talked with experts, and found that you really should be brushing your pet's teeth—daily if possible, or at least several times a week. Let me share my hard-won knowledge, so you can improve your pet's quality of life without losing a finger.
Benefits to Brushing a Cat and/or Dog's Teeth
Just like in humans, a cat or dog's oral health is closely tied to the rest of their body, significantly impacting their overall health and potentially leading to longer lives. Here are some of the most significant benefits of brushing their teeth:
Preventing dental disease : Brushing regularly helps clean the teeth, reducing plaque buildup that can develop into tartar within a matter of days. “Tartar traps bacteria under the gum line, leading to gingivitis, tooth decay, and ultimately periodontal disease,” says veterinarian Berkcan Yanar. Periodontal disease causes mouth pain and leads to gum recession, tooth loss, and sometimes even damages the jawbone. Cats can even develop resorptive lesions if left untreated—painful areas where the tooth actually starts breaking down and the mouth is severely inflamed.
: Brushing regularly helps clean the teeth, reducing plaque buildup that can develop into tartar within a matter of days. “Tartar traps bacteria under the gum line, leading to gingivitis, tooth decay, and ultimately periodontal disease,” says veterinarian Berkcan Yanar. Periodontal disease causes mouth pain and leads to gum recession, tooth loss, and sometimes even damages the jawbone. Cats can even develop resorptive lesions if left untreated—painful areas where the tooth actually starts breaking down and the mouth is severely inflamed. Helping with bad breath : Not only is bad breath unpleasant, it can be an indication of an infection or potentially harmful bacterial imbalance in your pet's mouth. Brushing helps keep things fresh so you will actually want to kiss your fur baby again.
: Not only is bad breath unpleasant, it can be an indication of an infection or potentially harmful bacterial imbalance in your pet's mouth. Brushing helps keep things fresh so you will actually want to kiss your fur baby again. Preventing further health issues : Infections can also spread beyond the mouth. Bacteria from the mouth can travel in the bloodstream and infect vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.
: Infections can also spread beyond the mouth. Bacteria from the mouth can travel in the bloodstream and infect vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Improving their quality of life: Teeth brushing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to maintain your pet's overall health and reduce the need for costly (or traumatic) trips to the vet. And as you get in the habit of brushing and become more aware of what the inside of your pet's mouth usually looks like, you can more easily catch anything before it becomes a bigger issue.
Warning Signs of Poor Oral Health
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