Dental disease is one of the most common health problems vets see in dogs. Veterinary dental organisations estimate that most dogs show some signs of periodontal disease by around three years of age. Because it develops below the gum line and causes quiet, chronic pain, many owners never realise it is happening.
This guide is part of our guide to veterinary specialists. Board-certified veterinary dentists exist for complex cases; routine dental care is handled by general vets.
Signs of dental disease in dogs
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose, broken or missing teeth
- Chewing on one side, dropping food, or reluctance to chew toys
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Swelling under the eye (possible tooth root abscess)
- Drooling, sometimes blood-tinged
Stages of periodontal disease
| Stage | What is happening |
|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Gum inflammation; reversible with cleaning and home care |
| Early periodontitis | Some loss of supporting tissue around teeth |
| Moderate periodontitis | Significant attachment loss; X-rays show bone loss |
| Advanced periodontitis | Severe bone loss; teeth often need extraction |
What a professional dental cleaning involves
- Pre-anaesthetic exam and often blood tests
- General anaesthesia with a breathing tube, which protects the airway and allows cleaning below the gum line. See our anaesthesia guide.
- Full mouth examination and charting of every tooth
- Dental X-rays, because much disease is hidden below the gum line
- Scaling above and below the gum line, then polishing
- Extractions or other treatment for diseased teeth
- Pain relief and a home-care plan
What about anaesthesia-free cleaning?
Veterinary dental bodies generally advise against anaesthesia-free dental cleaning. It removes visible tartar but cannot clean below the gum line, where disease does the most damage, and it can give a false sense that the teeth are healthy.
Home dental care
| Method | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Daily toothbrushing with pet toothpaste | The most effective home care |
| Dental chews and diets with proven plaque control | Helpful; look for products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) |
| Water additives and gels | Can help as an add-on |
| Hard bones, antlers and hooves | Commonly cause broken teeth; many vets advise against them |
Never use human toothpaste, which may contain xylitol and is not meant to be swallowed.
How to start brushing
- Let your dog lick pet toothpaste from your finger.
- Rub along the gums with your finger for a few days.
- Introduce a soft brush or finger brush, focusing on the outer surfaces of the back teeth and canines.
- Keep sessions short and reward generously.
Related guides
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
Run a veterinary clinic?
Chenil is a free vet CRM for single-doctor clinics. It sends vaccination and checkup reminders automatically, keeps patient records in one place and handles appointments. See the features or book a demo.