By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Periodontal disease is the most common health problem vets find in adult dogs, and by around three years of age most dogs have at least early changes. The part you can see, yellow tartar and red gums, is only half the story. The real damage happens below the gumline, where bacteria break down the tissues holding each tooth in place. Left alone, that means chronic pain, loose teeth and infection, often in dogs who are still eating normally.
Key takeaways
- Bad breath is not normal. Persistent odour usually means bacteria and gum inflammation.
- Dogs rarely stop eating because of dental pain, so a good appetite does not mean a healthy mouth.
- Small and toy breeds, brachycephalic dogs and older dogs are at higher risk.
- Proper assessment and cleaning need a general anaesthetic so the vet can probe and X-ray below the gumline.
- Daily tooth brushing is the most effective home prevention.
What causes gum disease
After a dog eats, a film of bacteria called plaque forms on the teeth within hours. If it is not removed, minerals in saliva harden it into tartar (calculus) within days. Plaque bacteria trigger inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. At this stage the changes can reverse with professional cleaning and home care. If inflammation continues, it spreads to the ligament and bone around the tooth, now called periodontitis, and that loss is permanent.
Crowded teeth in small breeds, retained baby teeth, mouth breathing, soft diets and genetics all make it easier for plaque to build up.
Signs to look for
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gum margins, or gums that bleed when touched
- Brown or yellow tartar, especially on the upper back teeth and canines
- Receding gums or visible tooth roots
- Loose, broken or missing teeth
- Chewing on one side, dropping food, or reluctance to chew hard treats
- Pawing at the face, drooling, or a swelling under the eye (which can mean a tooth root abscess)
Our guide to bad breath in dogs covers other causes of mouth odour worth ruling out.
When to see a vet
Emergency or same day: facial swelling, a draining wound under the eye or on the jaw, bleeding from the mouth that does not stop, a freshly broken tooth with pink or red showing in the centre, or a dog who suddenly will not eat.
Within a week or two: red gums, obvious tartar, loose teeth, or bad breath that has been building.
At routine checks: your vet should look in your dog's mouth at every annual health check, so mention any changes you have noticed.
How vets diagnose and treat gum disease
A conscious look in the mouth gives a rough idea, but a full assessment is done under general anaesthetic. This lets the vet chart every tooth, measure pocket depth around each one with a probe, and take dental X-rays. In dogs, a large share of dental disease is only visible on X-ray.
Treatment usually includes scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and extracting teeth that are too damaged to save. Your vet may also prescribe pain relief and, in some cases, antibiotics, depending on what they find. Many owners are surprised to see how much brighter and more playful their dog is once painful teeth are dealt with.
Anaesthetic-free scaling is sometimes offered by non-veterinary groomers. It removes visible tartar but cannot clean below the gumline, where the disease actually is, and it can give a false sense of security. Veterinary dental groups do not recommend it.
Prevention at home
- Brush daily if you can. Use a soft brush or finger brush and a dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which may contain xylitol or foaming agents that are not meant to be swallowed.
- Start slowly. Let your dog lick the paste, then touch the front teeth, then gradually work back over a couple of weeks with lots of praise.
- Focus on the outer surfaces of the upper teeth, where tartar builds fastest.
- Add dental support. Dental diets and chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal have evidence behind them. Our list of dental chews for dogs may help.
- Avoid very hard chews such as antlers, cooked bones and hard nylon toys, which commonly fracture teeth.
FAQ
Is anaesthesia safe for older dogs having dental work?
Age is not a disease. Your vet will assess your dog's health with an exam and usually blood tests and will tailor the anaesthetic plan. For many older dogs, removing chronic mouth pain is well worth it.
Can gum disease affect other organs?
Ongoing oral infection and inflammation have been linked with changes in organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart in dogs. Keeping the mouth healthy supports overall health.
How often does my dog need a professional clean?
It varies widely. Some dogs need one every year, others far less. Your vet will advise based on exam findings and how well home care is going.
Are raw bones good for teeth?
Bones can remove some tartar but carry risks of tooth fractures, gut blockages and constipation. Discuss safer options with your vet.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has bad breath, red gums or is chewing oddly, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk you through what you are seeing and how soon your dog should have a dental check. Chat with Dial A Vet. Facial swelling, bleeding or a dog who cannot eat needs an in-person vet promptly, and emergencies need an emergency clinic.
References
- WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA): Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC): Accepted products list
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Periodontal disease in small animals
- Australian Veterinary Dental Society: Pet dental health information
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.