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Top Dental Tips

Top Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Mouth

Although they may be small, your pet’s teeth are more important than you might think. It can be easy to forget about your pooches’ pearly whites or your cat’s canines, and as February is Pet Dental Health Month, it’s the perfect time to look at the benefits of keeping on top of your pet’s dental care. 

If pets could take themselves to the dentist, they probably would. Just like us, they benefit from maintaining good oral hygiene. Let’s take a look at how staying on top of your pet’s dental needs helps to keep them happy and healthy.

Why Should I Brush My Pet’s Teeth? 

Cleaning your pet’s teeth is the most effective way to prevent them from developing oral health problems. Brushing their teeth lowers the risk of them developing gum disease, dental disease, and many more dental-related illnesses.

Regular brushing will not only help to keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy, by taking preventative action you could also save money in the long run. Investing in good quality toothpaste could prevent the need for big vets bills for advanced dental procedures. 

It’s important for our pets to receive dental care. Keeping on top of their dental needs and maintaining good oral hygiene should be as much a part of your pet’s life as it is yours.

Not sure how to start brushing your pet’s teeth? We’ve got you covered. Check out our step-by-step video guides below.

Watch Now: How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Watch Now: How To Brush Your Cat’s Teeth

How Often Should I Brush My Pet’s Teeth? 

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, we recommend that you brush your pet’s teeth 2-4 times a week. For best results, brush their teeth every day; the cleaner their teeth are, the lower the risk of developing dental diseases. 

Regular tooth brushing helps to remove plaque and combat bad breath. If plaque builds up on your pet’s teeth, it can become hardened plaque, which only your vet can remove.  

Browse our online shop to view our AniDent range of Vet approved products to help keep your pet’s teeth and mouth in tip-top condition. You’ll be able to find the best quality toothpaste, toothbrushes and more.

How To Maintain Healthy Teeth 

Alongside regular brushing, to maintain healthy teeth and gums you should feed your pet a nutritious balanced diet. Here are three diet tips that will keep your pet smiling. 

Use a dental diet: Some dry pet foods are specially designed to keep your pet’s teeth clean by scraping away plaque as they eat. Speak to your vet about the best and most reliable dental diets for your pet.

Dental chews and treats: These also work by scraping plaque from your pet’s teeth – most chews and treats contain lots of calories so it’s best to use them sparingly.

Avoid too many sugary snacks: Human treats are meant for humans, not pets! By all means treat your pet, but be careful not to overdo it, even if your pet is giving you the puppy dog eyes.

Dental Needs for Different Types of Animals

This article focuses primarily on dental care for domestic cats and dogs. If you would like to find out more about how to look after the teeth of a horse or rabbit, see the links below to get some handy tips on keeping their teeth in top condition. 

Read More: Looking After Your Rabbit’s Teeth

Read More: Looking After Your Horse’s Teeth

Need more info?

If you have any concerns about cleaning your pet’s teeth, contact us for more advice.

Ellen Whale

Ellen Whale

Patient Care Assistant/ Receptionist
PCA

Ellen joined us in 2026 after previously working in another vet practice and an animal sanctuary.

She loves horses and has two of her own called Molly and Abbie.  she also has four dogs who she enjoys walking in the Norfolk countryside. 

Adri Rossouw

Adri Rossouw

Locum Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc CertAVP (FelMed) MRCVS

Adri qualified as a Vet Surgeon in South Africa in May 1992 before moving to the UK in 1998.  She was partner in a small animal vet practice in Norfolk before retiring in May 2023.  She missed working with animals so now works as a locum part time.  She brings a wealth of experience to the team.  She achieved a CertAVP Small Animal Medicine (feline medicine) certificate in 2023.  She also enjoys orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. 

Outside work Adri enjoys gardening, cycling and walking as well as being involved in the Gateway Church in Kings Lynn.  Adri has a tuxedo cat called Karolus and the village peacock Bob has claimed her garden.

Helen Manson

Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S CertVOphthal MRCVS

Helen moved to Norfolk after graduating from Edinburgh Vet School in 2003. After working in practices around King’s Lynn, she joined the practice in 2023.


Helen enjoys small animal medicine and has a special interest in Ophthalmology. Helen gained her post graduate RCVS certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2012 and offers internal and external referrals for eye cases at the practice.


Outside of work, Helen is kept busy with her three children, Daisy the Labrador and Maggie the cat. She is married to Liam.

Ben Mcdonnell

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc, BSc, Cert AVP (GSAS)MRCVS

Following his graduation from Liverpool University in 2008 Ben returned to his roots in Cumbria, where he spent a short period working in mixed practice, before making the decision to work solely as a small animal veterinarian. He moved to Norfolk in 2022, when he joined our team at Swaffham, becoming a clinical director in 2025. Ben enjoys all aspects of first opinion small practice work, but especially enjoys the surgical side of the job and achieved the Royal College Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery) in 2021.


Outside work Ben is often found exploring the Norfolk countryside and coastline with his son Joey. His other interests include mountain biking, walking, running and more recently paddle boarding.

Emily Neep

Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed BSc(hons) MRCVS

Emily joined Swaffham Veterinary Centre in 2023, having worked as a vet in Wales. Originally from Norfolk, she was very excited to move back home! She has a keen interest in exotic animal care and also is trained in acupuncture.


In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring her creative side with various craft projects, from crochet to jewellery making and can often be heard singing along to her favourite musical (much to the nurse’s dismay!). She has always had pets at home, ranging from various cats and dogs to a pet toad!

Liam Manson

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S GPCert (SAS) MRCVS

Liam founded Swaffham veterinary Centre in 2014, having worked in mid-Norfolk since graduating from Edinburgh University in 2003.  He completed a surgical certificate in 2007 and continues to have a keen interest in surgery but does enjoy the variety that a busy first opinion small animal practice gives each day.

Out of work Liam enjoys spending time with his wife and children, who all enjoy travelling in the UK and abroad.  he also enjoys exploring the beautiful Norfolk countryside with his Labrador Daisy.  When given the opportunity Liam is a keen gardener.