Preventive dental care in companion animals significantly reduces the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease - the most common health condition in cats and dogs. Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard, reducing plaque accumulation by 95% when performed correctly with species-appropriate toothpaste (fluoride-free). Compliance is the primary barrier: surveys indicate only 1-2% of dog owners and fewer cat owners brush teeth daily. Dental chews, water additives, dental diets, and enzymatic gels provide partial benefit with higher owner acceptance. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal identifies products with proven efficacy in clinical trials. Research demonstrates a clear link between oral health and systemic disease: periodontal bacteria are associated with cardiac, renal, and hepatic disease in dogs. Welfare-positive preventive programmes initiated in puppies and kittens (tooth brushing training from 8 weeks) achieve significantly higher adult compliance than programmes starting in older animals.