Most pet owners go above and beyond when it comes to feeding, grooming, and loving their animals, but oral hygiene often gets overlooked. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a vital necessity for their long-term health and well-being.
According to a recent study, only 10% of Brits care for their pets’ oral hygiene regularly. This number is alarming given what we now understand about the shared microbiome between humans and their pets.
We live in closer proximity to our animals than ever before. Pets sleep in our beds, share our living spaces, and, in many ways, have become true family members. Just as cohabiting humans share microbiota, studies now show that humans and their pets share microbiomes too. That means neglecting your pet’s oral health doesn’t just affect them—it affects you too.
We are at a turning point in both human and animal evolution. Our relationships with our pets are closer than ever, and our habits are starting to align. It’s time to extend the same care we give ourselves to our pets, including brushing their teeth.
Historically, humans didn’t always brush their teeth either. The first bristle toothbrush emerged in England in the 17th century, but even before that, ancient civilizations used chew sticks and dried iris flowers to clean their teeth. Similarly, dogs instinctively chew on sticks or bones—natural attempts at oral care. But instinct is no longer enough.
We’ve evolved. So have our pets.
As pet owners, we already invest in the best nutrition and supplements. After a nutritious meal, we take our probiotics and brush our teeth—so why wouldn’t we do the same for our pets? Dental health is deeply linked to longevity, immune function, and overall quality of life for both humans and animals.
Domestication has brought animals closer to us than ever before. They’ve adapted beautifully to our homes, lifestyles, and rhythms. Now it's time for us to support their continued evolution by introducing a new habit: daily tooth brushing.
In 15 years, we’ll look back and wonder how we ever allowed our pets to go without proper dental care. It will be as unthinkable as a human going to bed without brushing their teeth.
Let’s lead the way in forming healthier, more mindful habits—for ourselves and our beloved animals. Their health is our health. And it all starts with the simple act of brushing their teeth.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Dental health is one of the most overlooked — and most expensive — aspects of pet care. By age 3, most dogs and cats already show signs of dental disease. Brushing isn’t easy for every pet parent. That’s why we created Smarter Water: an all-natural, tasteless powder that transforms your pet’s water into a daily dental routine. Fresher breath, healthier gums, and fewer surprise vet bills — all with every drink.
Amanda Calazans
Author