Social media and trusted friends are full of DIY pet dental care tips, from using baking soda as toothpaste to feeding raw bones for clean teeth. While some home remedies can support oral health, others can be ineffective or even dangerous for your pet.

At SimpleVet Pet Hospital in Little Elm, we often hear pet owners ask, “Can I clean my pet’s teeth at home?” The answer is yes—but with the right methods. For Pet Dental Health Month, we will break down which DIY pet dental hacks actually work and the safest ways to keep your companion’s teeth clean.

DIY Pet Dental Hacks: Fact or Fiction?

Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide – Avoid!

Some DIY toothpaste recipes include baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, but these ingredients can be dangerous for pets. Baking soda can upset your pet’s stomach and disrupt their pH balance. Hydrogen peroxide can cause oral irritation and upset digestion. Never use these on your pet’s teeth! Stick to vet-approved pet toothpaste instead.

Water Additives for Dental Care – Helpful!

Water additives can help reduce bacteria and freshen your pet’s breath. They’re easy to use and good for pets that resist brushing or as a compliment to a tooth brushing routine. When choosing a water additive, make sure that it has been approved by your veterinarian and is being used in the correct dosage.

Feeding Raw Bones for Dental Health – Risky!

Some pet owners swear by raw bones for keeping teeth clean, but this method has serious risks.

• Fractured Teeth: Hard bones can crack teeth, leading to infections and extractions.
• Choking Hazard: Bones can splinter or become lodged in the throat.
• Contamination: Raw bones can carry bacteria, which can make pets (and humans) sick.

Stick to vet-approved dental chews as an alternative to bones.

Feeding High-Quality Pet Food – Great!

What your pet eats plays a major role in dental health. Some commercial pet foods contribute to plaque buildup, while others can promote oral hygiene. When selecting food for your cat or dog, avoid diets high in sugars. Ask your vet for recommendations on the best foods for your pet. A high-quality, balanced diet supports strong teeth and gums, and it should be combined with brushing and dental cleanings for the best results.

Giving Pets Human Toothpaste or Mouthwash – Dangerous!

Some pet owners assume that if toothpaste mouthwash works for humans, it must work for pets, too—but this is a serious mistake. Human toothpastes and mouthwashes can contain ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic to pets. Always use pet-safe products for your cat or dog’s oral routine.

What Actually Works for Pet Dental Care?

While some DIY hacks can support your pet’s oral health, the best approach is a vet-approved routine.

• Brush your pet’s teeth three or more times per week with pet-safe toothpaste.
• Use water additives if brushing isn’t possible (after consulting your vet).
• Give your pet dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
• Schedule annual pet dental cleanings with X-rays to remove deep tartar and check for issues.

Stick to Safe, Vet-Approved Dental Care

DIY pet dental hacks can be tempting, but not all of them are safe or effective. While some natural remedies can help, nothing replaces regular brushing and professional pet dental cleanings in Little Elm, TX and the surrounding communities of Frisco, Prosper, Aubrey, and Dento. The best way to keep your pet’s teeth healthy is to combine at-home care with routine vet visits to SimpleVet Pet Hospital.

 

Schedule an appointment today and give your pet the best dental care possible!