Dog Dental Care: A Vet's Guide to Healthier Teeth and Gums

Dental disease is one of the most common (and easily overlooked) health issues in dogs. But here’s the good news: with a little routine care, you can prevent most problems before they start.

By age three, around 80% of dogs show early signs of gum disease. Left unchecked, this can lead to bad breath, sore gums, tooth loss, and even infections that affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. But it doesn’t have to get that far.

This guide will walk you through the most common dental problems in dogs, how to spot the early signs, and the simple steps you can take (both at home and with your vet) to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and pain-free.

Understanding the most frequent dental conditions helps you catch issues early and seek treatment before they escalate.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

This is the most common dental illness in dogs over three years old. It starts when plaque accumulates along the gumline and hardens into tartar, causing gum inflammation, infection, and eventually destroying the tissues that support the teeth.

Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms soon after your dog eats. If not removed by brushing or chewing, it mineralises into tartar, which irritates the gums and accelerates periodontal disease.

Tooth Fractures and Decay

Dogs that chew on hard objects — like bones, antlers, or stones — can easily crack or break their teeth, exposing the sensitive pulp inside. Though true cavities are rare in dogs, decay can occur and may require extraction.

Malocclusions and Retained Baby Teeth

Crooked teeth or baby teeth that don’t fall out properly can create tight spaces that trap food and plaque, increasing the risk of gum disease.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

While mild “doggy breath” is normal, persistent foul odour is usually a sign of bacterial build-up and should never be ignored.

Tooth Root Abscesses and Oral Masses

These deep infections around the tooth roots can lead to swelling, discharge, or even pain when your dog eats or chews. Less commonly, oral lumps or ulcers may indicate tumours that require prompt veterinary assessment.

Dogs often suffer silently with dental disease. Being able to spot the signs early makes a huge difference.

Look out for:

• Changes in eating habits: chewing on one side, dropping food, slower eating, or avoiding dry kibble.
• Sensitivity around the mouth: pawing at the face, chattering teeth, or shying away when you touch their head.
• Excessive drooling or bleeding: seen on toys, water bowls, or bedding.
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums: particularly around the back teeth.
• Bad breath: a strong, unpleasant smell that doesn’t go away.
• Facial swelling, nasal discharge, or pus: especially near the molars or under the eye.

Understanding what drives dental problems in dogs helps you stay ahead of them. The most common causes include:

Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

Plaque forms when bacteria mix with saliva and food particles. If it’s not removed by brushing or chewing, it hardens into tartar within days. Tartar above the gumline irritates the gums, while below it leads to more serious periodontal disease.

Diet and Chewing Habits

Dogs that eat primarily soft foods or get minimal chewing opportunities often develop more plaque. Chewing on appropriate dental treats or toys can help mechanically clean teeth.

Genetics and Breed Predispositions

Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Toy Poodles are especially prone to crowded teeth, which trap more plaque. Certain flat-faced breeds (like Bulldogs or Cavaliers) also have misaligned jaws that make them more vulnerable.

Age and Lack of Preventive Care

As dogs age, years of unchecked plaque and tartar build-up start to show. Routine brushing and annual vet cleanings are the best defence.

You might also like our guide on dog arthritis signs and care to help spot other age-related problems early.

Dental problems in dogs often lie below the gumline, so a quick look inside the mouth isn’t enough.

Comprehensive Oral Exam

Your vet will first check your dog’s mouth while awake to assess tartar, gingivitis, and obvious tooth fractures. However, this only gives part of the picture.

Examination Under Anaesthesia

To fully evaluate dental health, your dog will need to be anaesthetised. This allows the vet to probe around each tooth and check for hidden pockets of infection or loose teeth.

Dental X-Rays

Roughly 60% of dental disease lurks below the gumline. Dental radiographs are essential to spot abscesses, bone loss, or tooth root problems that would otherwise be missed.

Grading the Severity

Dental disease is often graded from mild gingivitis (stage 1) to advanced periodontitis (stage 4), which guides decisions on cleaning vs extraction.

Once your dog’s dental disease is diagnosed, your vet will recommend a tailored plan.

Professional Cleaning

A scale and polish under anaesthesia is the first line of treatment. This removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, reducing bacteria that drive gum disease.

Tooth Extractions

If teeth are loose, fractured, or surrounded by infected bone, extraction is usually the kindest option. Dogs adapt surprisingly well — many owners notice they’re happier and eat better without the painful teeth.

Medications

Pain relief and antibiotics may be prescribed if infection or severe inflammation is present, especially after extractions.

Long-term success depends on what you do at home.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

This is the gold standard. Use Dog Toothbrushes and Dog Toothpaste — never human toothpaste, which can be toxic. Start slowly, letting your dog taste the paste before introducing gentle brushing along the gumline.

Dental Diets and Treats

Specially formulated dental dry foods help clean teeth through their unique kibble structure.

• Dental Diets 
• Dental Treats that are VOHC-approved can also help reduce plaque

Chew Toys and Water Additives

Rubber chew toys and enzymatic water additives support daily oral hygiene, especially for dogs who dislike brushing.

• Dental Chews 
• Water Additives 

Explore our complete guide to managing sensitive stomachs in dogs, often linked with dental pain or changes in eating habits: Dog Upset Stomach Signs: A Vet’s Guide to Soothing Solutions

When it comes to dental disease in dogs, prevention really is easier — and far less costly — than treating advanced problems down the track. Here’s how to protect your dog’s mouth for the long haul.

Make Brushing a Habit

Even brushing your dog’s teeth a few times a week can greatly slow plaque build-up. Use Dog Toothbrushes and tasty Dog Toothpaste to make the process more acceptable. Over time, many dogs learn to tolerate and even enjoy it.

Provide Chews and Dental Diets

Dental chews, tough rubber toys, and specially designed kibble can all help mechanically clean the teeth.

Try Dental Treats or Dental Chews to keep teeth cleaner between brushings.

Schedule Annual Vet Dental Checks

Include an oral exam in your dog’s yearly health check. Early signs of gum redness or tartar can be managed before they escalate. If your vet spots concerning changes, they might recommend a professional dental clean.

While dental chews, bones, and specialised diets can play a valuable role in maintaining your dog’s oral health, they’re not without risks. Choosing the right products—and using them properly—is essential to avoid unintended harm.

Choose Chews Wisely

Hard chews like antlers, hooves, or real bones can fracture teeth, especially in aggressive chewers. A good rule of thumb is the “thumbnail test” — if you can’t make a dent in the chew with your thumbnail, it’s probably too hard for your dog’s teeth. Instead, opt for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which are specifically tested for safety and effectiveness.

Monitor Chewing Time

Even with safer chews, supervision is key. Dogs can sometimes swallow large pieces, leading to choking or intestinal blockages. Limit chew time to 15–20 minutes, and always choose the appropriate size for your dog’s breed and chewing style.

Beware of Digestibility

Some dental treats may be tasty but not easily digestible, especially if your dog tends to gulp rather than chew thoroughly. Read ingredient labels carefully, and consult your vet about what’s suitable for your dog’s digestive health.

While most dental disease progresses slowly, there are times when urgent veterinary attention is needed. Call your vet if your dog shows:

• Refusal to eat or drink, or dropping food constantly
• Excessive drooling, possibly tinged with blood
• A swollen face or draining wound under the eye (often linked to upper tooth abscesses)
• Bad breath so foul it suggests a severe infection
• Persistent pawing at the mouth or sudden changes in temperament

Severe dental infections can spread through the bloodstream, damaging organs and becoming life-threatening. Prompt treatment gives your dog the best chance of a comfortable, healthy recovery.

Anaesthesia-Free vs. Traditional Dental Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

Traditional dental cleaning is performed under general anaesthesia, allowing vets to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and thoroughly assess each tooth for hidden disease. This is considered the gold standard in veterinary dentistry.

Anaesthesia-free cleaning only targets the visible surfaces of the teeth. While it may improve appearance, it can’t detect or treat the 60% of dental disease that occurs beneath the gumline. It may also cause unnecessary stress for your dog without delivering genuine health benefits.

Manual toothbrushes are gentle, effective, and often easier for dogs who are just getting used to brushing. They’re affordable and come in various sizes to suit different breeds and mouth shapes.

Electric toothbrushes can provide more thorough plaque removal, especially for dogs already comfortable with the brushing routine. Opt for quiet, pet-specific models to avoid startling your dog.

Bottom line: The best toothbrush is the one you can use consistently and calmly with your dog. Take it slow, use positive reinforcement, and choose what works best for both of you.

Dental care is essential to your dog’s quality of life. With regular at-home care, annual vet checks, and the right diet and chew routine, you can dramatically cut the risk of painful dental disease.

Pay attention to the early signs, keep up with preventive care, and never hesitate to consult your vet. A healthy mouth means a happier, longer life for your dog — and fewer costly surprises along the way.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe