The Pet Mindset Show: Why Dental Health Matters More Than You Think

If there is one thing I have learned over the past five decades as a veterinarian, it is this. Problems rarely start where they finally show up. That is exactly why we opened the very first episode of The Pet Mindset Show talking about the mouth.

In Episode 1, Archie and I focus on a statistic that surprises almost every pet parent who hears it. By three years of age, most pets already have dental disease. About 85 percent of dogs and up to 70 percent of cats show signs of gingivitis. That means inflammation, discomfort, and a doorway to much bigger health problems if nothing is done.

This episode is not meant to scare anyone. It is meant to help you understand what is happening early, while you can still do something about it at home.

Dental disease is the tip of the iceberg

I often describe dental disease as the tip of the medical iceberg. What you see in the mouth is only a small part of what is going on inside the body.

When bacteria and inflammation live along the gumline, they do not stay politely in one place. Over time, they can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, intestines, and even the immune system. I have seen pets develop chronic pain, lose teeth, and struggle with diseases that could have been reduced or avoided with better preventive care.

The good news is this. When we focus on prevention early, pets stay healthier and they spend a lot less time in animal hospitals later in life.

Signs of dental trouble are often subtle

One of the challenges with dental disease is that pets are very good at hiding discomfort. The signs are often quiet and easy to miss.

Some pets stop eating the way they used to. Others develop bad breath, drool more than usual, or chew on one side of the mouth. Sometimes they just seem a little less happy, a little less themselves.

Archie is a great example of what early and consistent dental care can do. He has had a lot of attention paid to prevention, and it shows in his comfort and attitude.

Do pets really need daily cleaning?

This is a question I hear all the time. And the short answer is yes. Pets need daily mouth cleaning in some form, just like we do.

That said, I struggle with the word brushing when it comes to animals. A toothbrush works for people because we rinse and spit, and because our gums tolerate bristles. Dogs and cats are different. They have far more nerve endings in their gum tissue, and bristles can be uncomfortable or even painful for them.

When an experience hurts, pets remember it. That is why so many owners tell me they were able to brush once or twice, and then never again.

Why many common dental products fall short

In the episode, we also talk about some of the products that are popular but problematic. Hard bones, rawhides, and similar chew items can damage teeth, get swallowed, and create emergencies. Even worse, many of these products do not remove plaque at all. In some cases, they actually add to it.

Plaque is sticky. It needs to be removed from the mouth, not pushed around. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar and settles right at the gumline, which is where disease begins.

Toothbrushes tend to move debris without removing it. And since pets do not rinse and spit, that debris often ends up right back where it started.

What pets need is a gentle, effective way to lift plaque out of the mouth without causing pain or fear.

Prevention protects the bond

Everything we talked about in Episode 1 comes back to one simple idea. Preventive care protects the bond you share with your pet.

When pets are comfortable, they are happier. When they are healthier, they live fuller lives. And when care at home is gentle and positive, it becomes an act of love instead of a daily struggle.

That is the mindset behind this show. Teach early. Keep it simple. Focus on prevention. And help pets stay by our sides for as long as possible.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

If you have not seen Episode 1 yet, I encourage you to watch it in full. Archie and I go deeper into the myths, the science, and the practical steps you can start using right away.
👉 Watch Episode 1 of The Pet Mindset Show on YouTube

Read more stories and lessons in my book

Many of the ideas we talk about on the show come from real experiences over a lifetime in practice. If you enjoy these stories and want to understand pets on a deeper level, you can find my book on Amazon.
👉 Buy Off the Leash: Tales From a Lifetime of Healing Pets and Wonder on Amazon

Explore the products I actually recommend

Not everything on the market works the way it promises. On our website, you will find a curated list of products I personally recommend, including the tools mentioned on the show, along with links to the episodes where they are discussed.
👉 View Dr. Lynch’s recommended products

Thank you for spending this time with us. This show is about building a community that believes in prevention, kindness, and caring for pets the way they deserve. Archie and I are glad you are here.