You love your pet, and you want to do everything in your power to keep them healthy. You may already know that dental health is an important aspect of your dog or cat's overall well-being, but did you know that periodontal, or gum, disease is the most common clinical condition in pets over age 3?

Perhaps your veterinarian has started to recommend that you brush your pet's teeth at home. Now, you've found yourself wondering which cat toothpaste or dog toothpaste to use and how exactly to start an oral hygiene routine for your furry friend. Here's what you need to know to keep your pet's pearly whites healthy.

Should You Brush Your Pet's Teeth?

Before you jump in, check with your vet. If your dog has advanced dental disease or if your cat has tooth enamel defects (called resorptive lesions), brushing their teeth will be painful and won't solve the problem.

Brushing your pet's teeth is most effective when you start with a clean slate. If you can, start while they're young before periodontal disease begins to set in. Brushing can also work well right after your pet gets a professional dental cleaning at their vet's office. From there, cleaning your dog or cat's teeth prevents plaque buildup. Brushing alone can't remove tartar (hardened plaque), so it's all about prevention.

Brushing your pet's teeth daily not only helps to prevent gum disease but can also reduce the need for professional dental cleanings under general anesthesia. Cleaner, healthier teeth often mean fewer tooth extractions or other oral surgeries down the road as well. This is much easier on your pet, and it saves you from expensive vet bills!

What is the Best Toothpaste for Your Dog or Cat?

Pet toothpaste is different from human toothpaste, so this is one thing you can't share with your furry friend. Luckily, many toothpastes out there are formulated with your pal in mind. These pet-friendly pastes come in a variety of tempting flavors, such as beef, chicken and fish. Some brands simply make "pet toothpaste," rather than designating it as "dog toothpaste" or "cat toothpaste."

Whatever you choose, it's best to use a commercial toothpaste and skip homemade pastes. Commercial pastes are specially designed to be safe for your pet to ingest, while DIY toothpaste leaves room for error.

Ingredients to Avoid

The main difference between human and pet dental products is that cat and dog toothpaste avoids ingredients that can be harmful to your pet if swallowed. Here are some ingredients that shouldn't be on your pet toothpaste label:

• Fluoride. This key ingredient in many human toothpastes can be toxic to pets if swallowed.
• Xylitol. An artificial sweetener, xylitol is sometimes used in human toothpaste formulas. This ingredient is highly toxic and doesn't belong in anything that goes into your pet's mouth.
• Baking soda. Baking soda has a bitter taste, and it's important to make toothbrushing a positive experience for your pet. Also, it can upset your dog or cat's tummy if ingested.

The best way to pick a toothpaste for your canine or feline companion is to ask your vet for recommendations. Another reliable source is the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which lists approved products that are safe and beneficial for pet dental hygiene. The council tests the products independently and is the gold standard for pet dental health.