“My pet is still eating, so they must not be in pain.”
“They don’t have bad breath—it can’t be that bad.”
“Any dental chew will do the trick.”
“Non-anesthetic cleanings are just as effective, right?”

At Mid-Valley Veterinary in Orland, CA, we hear these statements all the time—and we get it. Pet dental care can be confusing, and misinformation is everywhere. But overlooking dental health can lead to serious, painful, and costly problems for your pet. Let’s break down the most common myths and reveal the truth about your pet’s oral health.

Myth #1: “My pet is still eating, so their teeth must be fine.”

Reality: Pets are masters at hiding pain. Many continue to eat despite severe dental disease. That doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting.

  • Dogs and cats may chew on one side of the mouth, drop food, or avoid hard kibble altogether.
  • Some simply swallow food whole to avoid chewing.
  • Painful infections under the gumline can persist silently for months.

Signs you might miss: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, red gums, or subtle behavior changes like irritability or sleeping more.

Learn why dental x-rays are essential for detecting hidden pain and disease.

Myth #2: “My pet doesn’t have bad breath, so their mouth must be healthy.”

Reality: While bad breath often signals dental disease, its absence doesn’t guarantee clean teeth or healthy gums.

  • Pets with early periodontal disease may have little to no odor—but still have plaque and inflammation.
  • Conversely, bad breath can also indicate kidney disease, diabetes, or liver problems.

Fresh breath is not proof of health; it’s one clue, not the whole picture. Routine exams and cleanings are the only way to know for sure.

Myth #3: “Any dental chew is fine—they’re all the same.”

Reality: Not all chews are created equal.

  • Some are high in calories or too hard, risking fractured teeth.
  • Others lack any proven dental benefit.

Look for products approved by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council). These have been tested to reduce plaque or tartar buildup.

The gold standard? Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste. Here’s how to get started.

Myth #4: “Bones and hard toys keep my pet’s teeth clean.”

Reality: Chewing on hard bones, antlers, or hooves can actually damage your pet’s teeth.

  • Fractured teeth are painful and often require extraction.
  • These chews do little to clean below the gumline, where dental disease starts.

Safe alternatives: Soft dental chews, VOHC-approved treats, and regular brushing.

Myth #5: “Non-anesthetic cleanings are just as good—and less risky.”

Reality: Anesthesia-free dental cleanings only clean visible surfaces. They can’t treat or even detect disease below the gumline.

  • No x-rays, no deep cleaning, no extractions when needed.
  • Pets may be stressed or even injured during restraint-based procedures.
  • Meanwhile, dangerous infections can go undiagnosed and untreated.

Veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are safe—even for seniors—thanks to modern protocols and pre-anesthetic bloodwork. Read more about anesthesia safety in dentistry.

Myth #6: “Dental disease only matters later in life.”

Reality: Dental disease can begin as early as age 1.

  • Puppies and kittens can develop plaque that hardens into tartar if not addressed early.
  • Small breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs are especially prone to early and severe dental issues.

Starting preventive care early prevents pain, infections, and costly dental extractions later in life.

So What Really Works? Building a Better Dental Routine

Here’s what your pet’s dental care should actually look like:

  • Daily brushing with pet-specific toothpaste
  • Annual dental exams and professional cleanings
  • Veterinarian-approved chews, rinses, and water additives
  • Monitoring for behavior changes that could signal oral pain

Remember, brushing alone won’t reach below the gumline—and clean-looking teeth can hide disease. That’s why professional veterinary care is essential.

A person wearing white gloves brushes a dog's teeth with a blue toothbrush, exposing the dog's teeth and gums for dental care.

Next Steps: Take Action for Your Pet’s Health

  1. Book a Dental Exam
    Don’t wait for bad breath or tooth loss. Schedule a veterinary dental checkup today. Contact us here.
  2. Start Brushing at Home
    Introduce brushing gradually with positive reinforcement. Always use toothpaste made for pets. Use this how-to guide.
  3. Ask About Wellness Plans
    Preventive packages can help reduce costs and keep dental care consistent. Ask your vet if a dental plan is right for your pet.
  4. Learn More
    Explore our Dental Services page to see how we can help keep your pet’s smile healthy for life.

Don’t let these common myths put your pet’s health at risk. Dental disease is more than just bad breath—it’s a painful, progressive condition that affects their quality of life. With the right care, you can protect your pet’s teeth, avoid costly procedures, and help them live longer, healthier lives.