Dental Issues in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

BY FURAQUA | JULY 13, 2025

Share:

Summary

  • Dental disease affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age 3, making it the most common yet preventable pet health issue.
  • The progression follows four stages: gingivitis (reversible) to advanced periodontitis (irreversible damage, tooth loss, organ complications).
  • Most pets hide pain, showing no symptoms until disease is advanced. Regular vet exams and daily home care are essential.
  • Furaqua Dental Spray provides an easy 30-second daily solution with natural enzymes that fight bacteria and prevent disease, backed by a 120-day guarantee.

What Causes Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats?

Dental health is essential for your pet's overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque and tartar buildup, causing infections, gum disease, and tooth loss. But it doesn't stop there—bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream and can damage vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Studies show that pets with severe dental disease have a 3-5 times higher risk of heart disease. By age 3, most pets already show signs of dental problems, yet many pet parents don't realize the severity until it's too late.

At Furaqua, we're dedicated to pet dental health through scientifically backed solutions. Our Dental Spray uses natural enzymes to break down plaque-causing bacteria, providing an easy way to prevent disease before it starts.

Common Dental Issues in Dogs and Cats

Understanding common dental problems helps you catch issues early and prevent serious complications.


Periodontal Disease

The #1 dental problem in pets. It starts with plaque forming on teeth, hardening into tartar within 24-48 hours. This creates pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria multiply, leading to four progressive stages:

  • Stage 1 - Gingivitis: Red, swollen gums with bad breath. Completely reversible with cleaning.
  • Stage 2 - Early Periodontitis: Infection spreads below gumline. 10-25% bone loss visible on X-rays.
  • Stage 3 - Moderate: Gums recede, teeth loosen. 25-50% bone loss. Permanent damage begins.
  • Stage 4 - Advanced: Severe infection, tooth loss, bacteria affecting organs. Requires extractions.

Tooth Resorption (Especially Cats)

Affects 75% of cats over age 5. Teeth break down below the gumline, invisible without X-rays. Cats show pain by preferring soft food, chewing on one side, or stopping grooming.

Broken or Fractured Teeth

Common in dogs who chew hard objects (bones, antlers, hard toys). Exposes nerves and creates infection pathways. Avoid anything harder than your thumbnail can indent.

Gingivitis and Oral Infections

Inflammation of gums and mouth tissues causing severe pain. Symptoms include drooling, weight loss, and difficulty eating.

"Vet-Approved Natural Spray Prevents Disease in 30 Seconds Daily.
Join 50,000+ Happy Pet Parents!"

Our doctor-formulated spray delivers results in just weeks, rated 4.9/5 by thousands of real pet owners.

Proven Natural Ingredients

  • Natural Enzymes – Break down plaque before it hardens
  • Zinc Gluconate – Fights bacteria and neutralizes odor
  • Peppermint Oil – Instant fresh breath
  • Aloe Vera – Soothes inflammation and heals gums

120-Day Guarantee: No results? 100% money back!

Warning Signs of Dental Disease

Most pets hide dental pain instinctively. Watch for these symptoms:

  • Bad breath – Indicates bacterial overgrowth
  • Visible tartar – Brown/yellow buildup on teeth
  • Red or bleeding gums – Sign of infection
  • Pawing at mouth – Indicates discomfort
  • Difficulty eating – Dropping food, chewing slowly
  • Excessive drooling – Especially if blood-tinged
  • Loose teeth – Advanced disease
  • Behavioral changes – Less playful, irritable

Important: Many pets show NO symptoms even with severe disease. Don't wait for signs—regular vet exams are essential!

How to Prevent Dental Disease
 

Prevention is simple when you have the right tools and routine.

Daily Plaque Removal

Since plaque hardens within 24-48 hours, daily removal is critical. Choose a method you'll actually use:

  • Dental Spray (Easiest & Most Effective): Takes 30 seconds. 85-90% of people maintain this habit. Enzymatic formulas break down bacteria at the source.
  • Tooth Brushing: Effective but time-consuming. Only 30-40% maintain the routine long-term.
  • Dental Wipes: Good for front teeth, harder to reach molars.

Professional Cleanings

Even with home care, annual or bi-annual cleanings are necessary. These require anesthesia to clean below the gumline and detect hidden problems with X-rays.

Dental Treats and Diet

Look for VOHC-approved treats. These help but don't replace daily plaque removal.

Regular Vet Exams

Your vet should examine teeth at every wellness visit to catch problems early.

Prevent Disease Effortlessly with Furaqua Dental Spray
 

Just 2-3 sprays per side, once daily. Natural enzymes prevent plaque, antimicrobials fight bacteria, and botanicals soothe gums. Over 50,000 satisfied customers see results in days.

Get Furaqua Dental Spray Now

120-Day Guarantee: See fresher breath and healthier gums or get a full refund. No questions asked.

Treatment Options for Dental Disease
 

When prevention fails or disease exists, several treatment options are available:

 

Professional Dental Cleaning

Includes anesthesia, oral exam, X-rays, scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment. Cost: $500-$1,200 for routine cleaning, up to $5,000+ with extractions.

 

Periodontal Therapy

Deep cleaning, antimicrobial treatments, and tissue repair for moderate to advanced disease.

 

Extractions

When teeth are too diseased to save. Pets adapt well and often feel better after removing painful teeth.

 

Cost Comparison

Daily preventive spray: $180-$365/year
Treating advanced disease: $2,000-$5,000+

 

Prevention saves thousands and protects your pet from years of pain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When should I start dental care for my pet?
Start as early as possible—ideally when they’re puppies or kittens. Early habits make dental care easier for life. By age 1–2, daily care should be routine.
Q: Is anesthesia safe for dental cleanings?
Yes, modern anesthesia is very safe with pre-screening. It’s essential for thorough cleaning below the gumline. The risk of untreated dental disease far exceeds anesthesia risk.
Q: Can I use human toothpaste on my pet?
Never! Human toothpaste contains xylitol (toxic to dogs) and fluoride (toxic when swallowed). Use pet-specific toothpaste, oral gels, or enzymatic sprays only.
Q: My pet already has bad teeth. Can I skip the vet and just use spray?
No—existing dental disease needs professional treatment first. Sprays can’t remove hardened tartar or treat infection. After a vet cleaning, sprays help prevent recurrence.
Q: How much does dental disease treatment cost?
Basic cleaning: $500–$800. With extractions: $1,200–$2,000. Advanced disease: $2,000–$5,000+. Compare that to daily dental spray prevention at $180–$365 per year.
Q: How quickly will I see results with Furaqua Dental Spray?
Most pet parents notice fresher breath within 3–5 days. Healthier gums and reduced plaque appear within 2–3 weeks of consistent daily use.
Q: Is dental spray safe if my pet swallows it?
Yes! Quality dental sprays like Furaqua are specifically formulated to be completely safe when swallowed. The natural enzymes and ingredients are non-toxic.
Title