Small habits.
Healthier smiles.
Your pet’s mouth deserves attention too. Gentle home care, regular observation and veterinary dental assessment can all play a role in supporting their oral health.
Their mouth is part
of their health.
Dental care is not only about appearance. Paying attention to your pet’s mouth can help you become familiar with what is normal for them and notice changes that may be worth discussing with your veterinary team. The right home-care approach depends on the individual pet, so ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for yours.
Start gently.
Build gradually.
Pets can have very different comfort levels around mouth handling. Move at a pace your pet can tolerate and ask your veterinary team for guidance on an appropriate home-care routine.
Begin with trust.
Before introducing a home dental routine, help your pet become comfortable with gentle attention around their face and mouth. Keep interactions calm and stop if your pet is uncomfortable or distressed.
Keep the experience
calm and positive.
If your veterinarian recommends brushing or another form of home dental care, introduce it gradually rather than trying to do everything at once.
Start Slowly
Give your pet time to become comfortable with having their face and mouth handled.
Use Pet-Safe Products
Use dental products that are intended for pets and follow veterinary or product instructions.
Keep It Gentle
Do not force mouth handling if your pet is distressed, painful or strongly resisting.
Stay Consistent
If home dental care is appropriate for your pet, consistency can make the routine more familiar over time.
Pet teeth need
pet products.
Products made for people are not automatically appropriate for pets. Ask your veterinary team what products and techniques are suitable for your pet.
Don’t use human toothpaste for your pet.
Human dental products are designed for people, not pets. Use products specifically intended for animals and ask your veterinary team if you are unsure what is appropriate.
Get to know
their normal.
You do not need to diagnose dental problems yourself. Simply being familiar with your pet can help you recognize changes worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Notice significant or persistent changes in your pet’s breath and mention them to your veterinary team.
Changes in the way your pet eats, chews or approaches food are worth discussing.
Pay attention if your pet becomes newly reluctant or uncomfortable when their mouth or face is touched.
If you notice a change in the appearance of your pet’s mouth, discuss it with your veterinary team.
A noticeable change in drooling or other mouth-related behaviour can be worth mentioning to your veterinarian.
Changes in behaviour, comfort or willingness to eat may have many possible causes and deserve veterinary assessment when concerning.
Dental care,
simplified.
Tap each statement for a little more context about caring for your pet’s mouth at home.
Home care is only
part of the picture.
Veterinary dental assessment allows your veterinarian to examine your pet’s oral health and discuss whether further care is appropriate. If you have noticed changes in your pet’s mouth, eating or behaviour, mention them during the visit.
About dental
care at home.
The best routine depends on the individual pet. Your veterinary team can help you choose an approach that is appropriate for yours.
About this guide
This guide provides general educational information and does not replace veterinary assessment or advice. Dental-care needs vary between pets. If you notice changes in your pet’s mouth, eating, comfort or behaviour, discuss them with your veterinary team.
A healthier smile
starts with attention.
If you have questions about your pet’s teeth, mouth or home dental routine, speak with the First Pet veterinary team.