Why do our pets not have cavities or black teeth even without brushing?

Hello everyone, today I would like to talk about something that many people may have wondered about but have not really looked for the answer to, which is "Why do our pets not have cavities or black teeth even if they are not brushed?" It sounds strange, right? But in fact, this topic is very interesting. I have interesting research that is relevant to this topic to present. Because we ourselves have to brush our teeth at least 3 times a day or use dental floss regularly, but we still have cavities... But the dogs and cats at home seem to have no problems at all, even though we have never brushed their teeth. Today, let's clear up the doubts. :)

The nature of dental care for pets

First of all, we must understand that the teeth of almost all breeds of pets, especially dogs and cats, are designed to support natural functions. They do not eat food that is mainly sugary or substances that cause bacteria like humans. In addition, their tooth structure has much thicker enamel than ours, making their teeth more resistant to wear and tear.

In addition, wild animals also help take care of their teeth through eating behaviors such as chewing bones or tearing meat, which helps remove plaque naturally, unlike people who eat mostly soft and processed foods. These foods tend to stick to the teeth easily and are a good breeding ground for bacteria.

Interesting research in the past and present

Back in the past, researchers began to be interested in the dental health of animals since the beginning of the 20th century. There was an interesting study in 1920 by a scientist named Weston A. Price. He studied the teeth of animals in nature and compared them to domestic pets. He found that animals that ate traditional foods such as bones, fresh meat, or unprocessed food had strong teeth and rarely had tooth decay. While pets that ate processed food began to have more dental problems. Nowadays, research has expanded to designing pet food to help take care of dental health in particular. Kibble has been developed to have the ability to help brush teeth. A recent study from the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry stated that kibble with special ingredients can reduce plaque and tartar by 20-30% compared to regular food.

Notes to pay attention to

1. Food directly affects your teeth.

The food your pet eats plays a very important role. If you feed your pet liquid or processed food that is high in sugar or starch, you may develop plaque buildup and tooth decay, just like people.

2. Chewing behavior

Animals that are given the opportunity to chew on bones or dental toys tend to have healthier teeth, but be aware that some bones can break or damage teeth.

3. Dental checkup

Even if your pet’s teeth don’t seem to have any problems, regular dental checkups with your veterinarian are still essential, as tartar and gingivitis can occur without your noticing.

What People Often Overlook About Your Pet's Oral Health

1. Bad breath is a warning sign

Many people think that their pet's bad breath is normal, but it could actually be a sign of dental or digestive problems.

2. The importance of saliva

Pet saliva contains enzymes that help reduce bacteria in the mouth, acting like a natural mouthwash.

3. Use of dental care products

For example, pet toothpaste or breath spray, many people don’t realize that these products can help take great care of your teeth.

Thought-provoking questions

1. Can we mimic our pets’ natural instincts by eating less sugar or sweets to improve our own dental health?

2. In the future of pet food design, how far do you think it will go?

3. Are our pets starting to have dental problems because humans have changed their lifestyles too much?

Finally, before we leave, don't forget that taking care of your pet's teeth is our responsibility too! Although nature helps to some extent, paying attention to their diet, health check-ups, and using supplements will help our beloved friends have strong teeth for a long time! :)