Dental disease causes chronic pain in the majority of adult cats and dogs. Prevention through daily toothbrushing and professional cleaning dramatically improves animal welfare.
Companion animal dental welfare is a silent epidemic. Because animals mask pain, dental disease can cause months or years of chronic discomfort before being identified. An animal with severe periodontal disease - abscessing teeth, receding gums, painful chewing - experiences ongoing suffering that daily dental care could have prevented. The welfare argument for toothbrushing from puppyhood and kittenhood is compelling: a few minutes per day prevents a lifetime of chronic pain and reduces the need for anaesthetic dental procedures. The challenge is habit formation: owners who establish toothbrushing as a puppy routine maintain it; those who do not rarely start as adults. Veterinary practices that promote dental health from the first puppy appointment make a significant welfare contribution.