Adequate dental care is vitally important for the health of your cat and/or dog. Poor dental health can lead to a multitude of problems like tooth decay, halitosis, abscesses, periodontal disease, and even systemic problems like kidney disease and sometimes heart disease. If the possible diseases themselves aren’t scary enough the price of dental cleaning and tooth extraction should be; they’re usually upwards of $500! Pricey, right? So, whether you have a kitten or puppy, or an older animal, it’s never too late to start getting those teeth in good shape, and there are quite few products to help you start the process.

Hands down, the best way to help fight dental disease is with a toothbrush and some tasty toothpaste. It works exactly the same for animals as it does for humans, and has the same exact results and benefits. Getting into the habit of brushing your pet's teeth as early as possible is recommended, that way your pet has a lifetime to be used to it. It’s not impossible to start with older animals - it might just a take a bit of time and patience.

To help compliment your new found love of brushing animal teeth, or if your cat or dog just won’t cooperate, dental treats are your go to remedy. Dental treats tend to have abrasive edges and ingredients, like sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, that aid with abrasive action and help remove plaque from teeth. These products also usually contain alfalfa, which is a great source of chlorophyll, and spices like clove, vanilla, dill, and peppermint, all which help fight off bad breath. Plus, they’re a tasty, fun treat, that can be frozen for long lasting effects.

If treats and brushing aren’t really your style, there are alternatives that can be utilized to get your pet’s smile looking bright. Gels and foams that contain ingredients like chlorophyll and spearmint help break down plaque and tartar and freshen breath, without the hassle of brushing. There are also additives you can put in your pet’s water, which help fight plaque and tartar. You simply put a capful of the additive into your pet’s water dish everytime you fill it up and let it do the work - pretty simple.