Love Your Pet, Protect Their Smile: Dental Health Myths Debunked

When it comes to keeping pets healthy, diet, exercise, and routine checkups immediately spring to mind, but what about teeth? February is Pet Dental Month, which makes it the perfect time to show your furry friend some love by focusing on their smile—an often underestimated aspect of proper pet healthcare. To set the record straight, Dupont Veterinary Clinic, your trusted Fort Wayne vet, is here to debunk some common pet dental myths.

Myth #1: Bad breath is normal for pets.

If you’ve had pets in your life for any length of time, chances are you’ve caught the occasional whiff of offensive air, but bad breath on the daily is not normal for pets. In fact, it’s often a sign of underlying dental disease, plaque buildup, infection, or even kidney or liver issues. A professional dental exam can help identify the root cause and prevent more serious health problems down the road.

Myth #2: Chew toys and treats clean teeth just like brushing.

While dental chews can help reduce plaque, they don’t provide effective oral disease prevention. Imagine skipping your own toothbrush and relying on gum instead—it wouldn’t end well. Brushing your pet’s teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste coupled with professional dental cleanings is the best way to protect your pet’s pearly whites—and their overall health. 

Myth #3: Anesthesia for dental cleanings isn’t safe.

This is one of the most common pet dental myths. Anesthesia-free cleanings only remove surface debris and can leave dangerous bacteria hidden beneath the gum line. Under anesthesia, your vet can safely perform a thorough cleaning and take dental X-rays for pets to check for issues you can’t see. Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. Your experienced Fort Wayne vet team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic tailors each anesthesia protocol to the pet’s age, breed, and health status.

Myth #4: Pets don’t get cavities or dental disease like humans do.

They absolutely can, and they do. In fact, most cats and dogs show signs of dental disease by age 3. The trouble is, pets are experts at hiding discomfort. Red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the mouth can all signal pain. Regular dental exams help catch problems early before they cause permanent damage or lead to infections that spread to the heart or kidneys.

Myth #5: If my pet is eating normally, their mouth must be fine.

Animals instinctively mask pain to appear strong, so even if your pet is eating, that doesn’t mean they’re comfortable. Don’t wait for visible signs of trouble. Keep up with recommended dental checkups coupled with dental X-rays for pets for optimal oral disease prevention.

This Pet Dental Month, give your four-legged family member the gift of a healthy smile. Schedule a dental exam with Dupont Veterinary Clinic, your compassionate Fort Wayne vet. Contact us at (260) 637-7676.