Dental care

Pet Dental Care: Teeth, Gums & Fresh Breath

A plain-English guide to looking after your dog or cat's teeth and gums — how to brush, how to spot dental disease early, and when to see a vet.

5 guides in this topic

Hi, I'm Matt, founder of Giddy Pets. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems vets see in pets — and one of the easiest to do something about at home. By the time most dogs and cats are three, the majority already have some degree of gum disease, yet it often goes unnoticed because the early signs are quiet. The good news: a few simple habits keep teeth and gums healthy, breath fresher, and save a lot of discomfort (and vet bills) down the line.

This hub pulls together everything a UK owner needs to look after their pet's mouth, with a plain-English guide for each topic and a clear "when to see a vet" section so you're never left guessing.

This is general guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice — if you're worried about your pet's teeth or gums, contact your vet.

Why dental care matters

A pet's mouth is easy to ignore until something goes wrong. Plaque builds up daily, hardens into tartar, and inflames the gums. Left alone, that inflammation (gingivitis) can progress to periodontal disease, which damages the tissue and bone holding teeth in place. It's painful, it can let bacteria into the bloodstream, and it's the reason so many older pets need teeth removed under anaesthetic. Almost all of it is preventable with regular care.

The guides in this hub

For dogs, start with how to clean a dog's teeth — the single most effective thing you can do at home — and learn to spot trouble early with gingivitis in dogs. If your dog already has advanced disease, dog tooth extraction cost explains what's involved and how to plan for it.

For cats, see how to clean a cat's teeth and signs of dental disease in cats, because cats are especially good at hiding mouth pain.

Wondering whether chews actually help? We've covered it honestly in are dental chews worth it?. Got a puppy losing baby teeth? The puppy teething timeline and relief guide walks you through it. And if your dog's breath has turned, dog bad breath in our dog health hub explains why it's usually a dental warning sign rather than just something they ate.

A simple routine that works

You don't need anything fancy. Daily (or even a few times a week) brushing with a pet toothpaste — never human toothpaste, which is toxic to pets — does the heavy lifting. Pair it with vet-recommended dental chews, a good diet, and an annual vet dental check. Building the habit while your pet is young makes it far easier, but it's never too late to start gently.

You'll find pet toothpaste, soft brushes and finger brushes, and dental chews in our shop. Good grooming habits go hand in hand with this — see dog grooming for the wider routine.

When to see a vet

Book a check-up if you notice bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown tartar, a reluctance to eat or chew, pawing at the mouth, drooling, or any loose or discoloured teeth. These are signs disease may already be established, and a professional clean (a "scale and polish" under anaesthetic) may be needed. Your vet can also show you the best brushing technique for your individual pet.

Not registered with a practice? Our vets directory can help you find one nearby. Worried about cost? The pet emergency cost calculator and our pet insurance guide help you plan ahead so money never delays care.