Dental disease is the most common health problem in adult dogs — and the most overlooked. Research shows that approximately 80% of dogs develop some form of periodontal disease by the age of two. Yet most owners never look inside their dog’s mouth, and many dogs suffer in silence with painful teeth, infected gums, and chronic oral bacteria that can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Why Dental Disease Matters
Periodontal disease is not just “dirty teeth”:
- Plaque hardens into tartar within 24–48 hours
- Tartar pushes under the gum line, causing gingivitis (inflammation)
- Untreated gingivitis progresses to periodontitis — destruction of the tooth-supporting bone
- Teeth loosen and fall out. Abscesses form. Jaw bone can fracture (especially in small breeds)
- Oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys
Signs Your Dog May Have Dental Disease
- Bad breath (not normal — healthy mouths don’t smell)
- Yellow or brown tartar visible on teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating, dropping food, chewing on one side
- Drooling more than usual (sometimes blood-tinged)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Facial swelling (tooth root abscess)
- Reduced appetite, weight loss
- Irritability, reluctance to have head touched
Prevention — Daily Teeth Brushing
Daily brushing is the gold standard for preventing dental disease:
- Get the right equipment: Use a dog-specific toothbrush (finger brushes work well for beginners) and enzymatic dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste — fluoride and xylitol are toxic to dogs
- Introduce gradually: Let your dog taste the toothpaste as a treat. Touch their lips, then gums, then teeth over several days
- Brush technique: Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth (the side facing the cheek). Use gentle circular motions. The tongue side is naturally cleaned by saliva
- Make it routine: Same time every day, same place. Keep it under 2 minutes. Reward afterwards
Additional Prevention
- Dental chews: VOHC-approved chews (Veterinary Oral Health Council) have evidence of reducing plaque
- Dental diets: Kibble specifically designed to mechanically clean teeth as the dog chews
- Annual dental check: Your vet should examine your dog’s teeth at every annual health check
Professional Dental Cleaning
When tartar has built up beyond what brushing can manage, professional cleaning is needed:
- Performed under general anaesthesia (necessary for thorough cleaning below the gum line)
- Includes scaling (removing tartar), polishing, and a full oral examination
- Extractions may be needed for damaged teeth — this increases cost
- UK cost: £175–£500+ (varies by practice, dog size, and complexity)
- Beware “anaesthesia-free” dental cleaning offered by some groomers — these cannot clean below the gum line where disease actually occurs, and are not a substitute for veterinary treatment
FAQs
Which breeds are most prone to dental disease?
Small and toy breeds are significantly more prone: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Shih Tzus. Their teeth are the same size as larger dogs’ teeth but crammed into a much smaller jaw, leading to overcrowding, food trapping, and accelerated plaque accumulation. Greyhounds are also highly prone for genetic reasons. If you own a small breed, daily teeth brushing is even more critical.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
