Debunking Common Dental Care Myths: What Science Really Says

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is crucial for their overall well-being, but there are many misconceptions about what truly benefits their teeth.

Let’s break down some of the most common myths and examine what scientific research actually says.

Myth 1: Dry Food Cleans a Cat’s Teeth

Many believe that feeding dry food helps keep pets’ teeth clean. While it’s true that kibble can provide some mechanical cleaning, studies show that this effect is minimal. Most dry food breaks apart too easily, failing to provide the necessary abrasion to remove plaque effectively.

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that animals fed dry food still had significant plaque and tartar build-up, leading to periodontal disease (Harvey et al., 1996).

This is down to two reasons:

1. When eating kibble cat's will use their pre-molars and molars to masticate the food. Meaning that even if it had an effect of cleaning teeth, the canines and the incisors will not benefit from the "cleaning."

2. The possible abrasion caused by the edges of kibble that scrape along the surface of the teeth will only scrape above the gumline. It cannot clean under the gumline and that's where dental disease occurs.

That being said, we cannot prevent dental disease with food. Only toothbrushing.

Myth 2: Anaesthesia Dental Cleanings Aren’t Safe

Some pet owners worry that anaesthesia used during dental cleanings is dangerous. However, scientific research supports its safety when performed by trained veterinary professionals.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Brodbelt et al., 2007) found that the risk of anaesthesia-related death in healthy dogs and cats was extremely low—0.05% for dogs and 0.11% for cats.

The benefits of professional dental cleanings, which include thorough removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline, far outweigh the minimal risks when proper protocols are followed.

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) states that dental disease left untreated poses a greater risk to pets than anaesthesia itself. Periodontal disease can lead to severe infections, tooth loss, and systemic health issues affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys (Niemiec et al., 2020).

Modern veterinary anaesthetic procedures, including pre-anaesthetic assessments and monitoring, significantly reduce risks, making dental cleanings both safe and essential.

Myth 3: Cats Don’t Feel Dental Pain

Many believe that if a pet is still eating, they are not experiencing dental pain.

This is false. Pets instinctively hide pain, making it difficult for owners to recognize signs of discomfort.

Research from the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that dogs with advanced periodontal disease continued to eat despite significant dental pain (Boyce & Logan, 1994). Additionally, a study on oral pathology in pets (Pavlica et al., 2008) linked untreated dental infections to systemic health problems, reinforcing the importance of regular dental care.

Myth 4: Eating Bones and Hard Chews is Good Dental Care

A study of 300 feral cats showed that raw feeding did not prevent periodontal disease. These feral cats on raw diets were not able to prevent plaque forming under the gumline and thus suffered from dental disease.

Chewing on bones or hard toys actually pose a risk of dental fractures.

According to the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, fractured teeth are common in pets that chew on hard objects like bones and antlers (Logan et al., 2006).

Another study found that aggressive chewing on hard materials significantly increased the risk of tooth fractures and oral injuries (Gawor et al., 2006). Veterinary dentists recommend softer dental chews that are designed to clean teeth without damaging them.

Myth 5: Bad Breath in Cats is Normal

Many pet owners assume that bad breath is a normal part of pet ownership, but halitosis is often a sign of underlying dental disease.

A study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry (Debowes et al., 1998) linked bad breath to bacterial infections in the gums, which can lead to systemic health issues affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.

A further study confirmed that regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, significantly reduces halitosis and its associated health risks (Tang et al., 2017).

Myth 6: Toothbrushing Doesn’t Help

Some pet owners believe that brushing their pet’s teeth is unnecessary or ineffective. However, research shows that daily brushing is the gold standard for maintaining oral health.

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) states that daily tooth brushing is the most effective method of plaque removal. Studies confirm that pets who receive regular brushing experience significantly lower levels of plaque and tartar compared to those who do not (Niemiec et al., 2020).

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Conclusion: Science-Based Dental Care for Cats

To keep your pet’s mouth healthy, focus on evidence-based practices:

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste.

• Schedule professional cleanings with your veterinarian.

• Monitor for signs of dental disease, such as bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating.

By debunking these common myths and following scientifically supported dental care practices, you can help ensure your pet enjoys a healthier and happier life.

References

Brodbelt, D. C., Pfeiffer, D. U., Young, L. E., & Wood, J. L. (2007). Results of the confidential enquiry into perioperative small animal fatalities regarding risk factors for anesthetic-related death in dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 233(7), 1096-1104.

Debowes, L. J., Mosier, D., Logan, E., Harvey, C. E., Lowry, S., & Richardson, D. C. (1998). Association of periodontal disease and histologic lesions in multiple organs from 45 dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 15(4), 137-140.

Gawor, J. P., Reiter, A. M., Jodkowska, K., Kurski, G., Wojtacki, M. P., & Kurek, A. (2006). Influence of diet on oral health in cats and dogs. Journal of Nutrition, 136(7), 2021S-2023S.

Harvey, C. E., Shofer, F. S., & Laster, L. (1996). Association of age and body weight with periodontal disease in North American dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 13(3), 101-105.

Logan, E. I., Boyce, E. N., & Ralston, S. L. (2006). Fractured teeth in dogs and cats: Prevalence and risk factors. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 23(4), 208-215.

Niemiec, B. A., Gawor, J. P., Nemec, A., Clarke, D. E., & Springer, K. (2020). Veterinary periodontology: The global impact of periodontal disease on health and well-being. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 485.

Pavlica, Z., Petelin, M., Juntes, P., Erzen, D., & Crossley, D. A. (2008). Periodontal disease burden and pathological changes in organs of dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 25(2), 97-105.

Tang, S., Prem, A., & Wang, L. (2017). Evaluation of oral malodor in dogs and the effect of dental care. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 34(1), 18-24.