How can pet owners help prevent dental disease?

Preventing dental disease in pets is crucial for maintaining their overall health, and regular brushing combined with professional dental cleanings is considered the most effective approach. This practice helps remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to periodontal disease, which is a common issue in dogs and cats.

Brushing helps maintain oral hygiene on a daily basis, reducing the amount of plaque that hardens into tartar. Additionally, professional dental cleanings performed by veterinarians ensure a thorough examination and deep cleaning that can reach areas that normal brushing might miss.

While providing hard chew toys and feeding dry kibble may contribute to dental health to some extent by promoting chewing and possibly reducing plaque formation, they are not substitutes for regular brushing or veterinary care. Limiting water intake is not a recommended strategy as hydration is essential for overall health and can also affect oral health. Thus, the best way to prevent dental disease is through the combination of routine brushing and professional cleanings.