Pet dental products

National Pet Dental Health Month is February, so to raise awareness of this important part of a pet’s health and well-being, we’ve put together a spotlight on 4 pet dental products that are available on the market. From toothbrushes to toothpaste, check out these dental products and consider making product recommendations to your clients all month long.

Client adherence with at-home dental care can help maintain a pet’s oral health and prevent oral diseases from getting worse. “When I have done dental [care], I always like to provide a dental home kit because…just in a matter of a few weeks…plaque and tartar can build up, and pet parents want to be proactive,” said Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for dvm360, in an episode of The Vet Blast Podcast.

1. Cat toothbrush

Cat toothbrush. (Photo credit: RYERCAT)

RYERCAT has introduced a dual-sided toothbrush, designed specifically for cats. One side has a round micro head for everyday brushing. The bristles are soft so they won't hurt the cat’s gums. The pick on the opposite end allows owners to remove any excess food that gets stuck in the back molars. This side is also charcoal-infused, which prevents bacteria from spreading. The company was recently one of the finalists for Purina's 8th annual Pet Care Innovation Prize.

2. Dental wipes

Vetradent dental wipes. (Photo credit: Dechra)

Successfully brushing a pet’s teeth is a struggle for many clients and Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, recognizes this struggle. “Tooth brushing is a great idea. It's the gold standard, but virtually no one can pull it off,” he said. Bellows also mentions that most of the time tooth brushing is not a Fear Free experience for the pet. Dental wipes offer a gentler experience and Vetradent wipes are one of his product recommendations. The Vetradent wipes are designed to help owners remove tartar and build-up from their pet’s teeth and remove any bacterial growth.

3. Toothpaste

CET Enzymatic Toothpaste. (Photo credit: Virbac)

If your pet does take well to using regular toothbrushes and toothpaste, Virbac’s CET Enzymatic Toothpaste has been a dvm360 Top Recommended Veterinary Product (TRVP) for 2022 and 2023 in our “Canine & Feline Toothpaste” category. The enzymatic toothpaste comes in 5 appealing flavors: Poultry, malt, vanilla-mint, beef, and seafood. This pet-safe toothpaste contains no foaming agents and therefore is OK for pets to swallow.

4. Water additive

CET AQUADENT FR3SH Dental Solution water additive. (Photo credit: Virbac)

Pet water additives are not a replacement for regular toothbrushing, but rather serve as supplementary care analogous to the use of mouthwash in humans. Many water additive products that are available today are designed to freshen breath and reduce plaque-causing bacteria in the oral cavity. Owners simply add the typically liquid solution (although a few brands offer powder or gel) to their pet’s water dish. Most water additives are colorless and flavorless to ensure pets will not refuse the treated water. However, some brands offer flavors, such as peanut butter, that may add an additional incentive for pets who enjoy it. The goal is that through regular intake of water enhanced with antimicrobials, pets ultimately accumulate less bacteria, slowing the progression periodontal disease. Virbac CET AQUADENT FR3SH Dental Solution water additive is another dvm360 TRVP for 2022 and 2023. The Virbac water additive has 3 ingredients: erythritol, a natural sweetener, has a freshening effect in mouth; inulin, a natural prebiotic to help control bad breath; and pomegranate extract, a natural antioxidant.