Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Canine dental health is an important aspect of your dog's overall health that many pet owners overlook. One recent study found that at least one in every eight dogs suffers some type of dental disease every year.1 Some experts believe it's even more prevalent than that.2 Sadly, when untreated, dental issues such as periodontal disease not only cause pain, but have also been linked to the development of even bigger health problems like liver and heart disease.
Regular veterinarian appointments, along with knowing the signs of dental disease in dogs, can help you get your pup treated faster before more problems develop down the line.
What is periodontal disease in dogs?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when bacteria (known as plaque) accumulate along your dog's gumline, leading to inflammation of the gums, ligaments and bone. Over time, as the bacteria increase, the tissue damage worsens until your dog is at risk of losing his teeth. This is the most common dental issue our canine companions face.3
Unfortunately, periodontal disease is very difficult to recognize in the early stages. The golden brown color you might see on your dog's teeth actually isn't a sign of the disease. That's tartar. And while it has bacteria too, the real problem is from the plaque, which is an invisible biofilm of bacteria around the gumline.2
Stages of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease can develop in stages:4
- Gingivitis: This is the first stage, when plaque is just accumulating and bacteria are beginning to irritate your dog's gums. Symptoms are mild, but early signs might include redness around the gums, minor bleeding and bad breath.
- Early periodontitis: Stage 2 occurs when inflammation spreads, forming pockets that trap bacteria and food under the gumline. This can cause swelling, pain and the loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
- Moderate periodontitis: At stage 3, pockets of infection deepen and bacteria begin to reach your dog's teeth roots and bone. There's more damage to tissue and bones that support the teeth, and abscesses and tooth loss may occur.
- Advanced periodontitis: At stage 4, extensive damage has been done to bone and tissues, causing tooth loss, ulcers and infections. Your dog may be in severe pain and other organs in the body might be affected. However, some dogs don't show outward signs of pain, even at this stage.
Periodontal disease can progress fast.5 While it's not clear exactly how long an untreated dog can live with the disease, some experts estimate that it might reduce your pet's life by as much as two years.6 And unless it's caught early, it's not reversible, although further damage can be prevented.5
Signs of dental disease in dogs
Knowing how serious periodontal disease can be, it's important to spot the early warning signs. These are some of the most common signs of developing dental disease:
- Bad breath (halitosis): Frequently, this is the first sign of dental problems.7
- Changes in eating habits: Dogs may have trouble chewing, or they may drop food from their mouth while eating.8 They might start eating on one side of their mouth or begin to prefer soft food.9
- Pawing at the mouth or face: This can indicate oral pain.2
- Excessive drooling: While all dogs drool, excessive drooling can be a sign of a dental problem.2
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Periodontal disease in dogs: Treatment
If your veterinarian determines that your pup has periodontal disease, several different approaches might be taken to help treat the problem.
Professional dental cleaning
Dogs with periodontal disease need an intense, professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian. Under general anesthesia, ultrasonic scalers will be used to clean out plaque above and below the gumline.7 After the cleaning, your dog's teeth will be polished, fluoride will be applied and some dogs may be given a sealant to help prevent plaque.2
More extensive dental procedures and surgeries
In more severe cases, your dog may need additional dental procedures. This may include tooth extractions, crown repairs or a rare cavity fix.7
Antibiotics and medications
After a professional dental cleaning, your dog may be prescribed oral antibiotics to make sure no infections develop.2
Other types of dental diseases in dogs
Periodontal disease isn't the only dental disease dogs can suffer from, although it's the most common. Some other dental diseases include (but aren't limited to):
Gingivitis
With gingivitis, gums are inflamed from plaque and may redden or bleed, but the ligaments and bones aren't yet affected. This can be treated with professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia, followed by a sealant.3
Tooth abscesses
A severe infection in the root of your dog's tooth is known as a tooth abscess. This occurs when bacteria enter a fractured or diseased tooth and become surrounded by pus that isolates the bacteria into an abscessed cavity. It can be a result of periodontal disease, tooth trauma, cysts, tumors or cavities.10
Symptoms include bad breath, drooling, facial swelling or trouble eating. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, pain medicine and tooth extraction via dental surgery.10
Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs when your dog's teeth and bite are misaligned.8 It can be skeletal (related to jaw length) or dental (related to badly positioned teeth). It can also be breed-related (for example, every Bulldog may have this issue.) Abnormal cases may require extraction or surgery to create additional space or reposition the teeth.11
Preventive measures for healthy dog teeth
Although periodontal disease is common, it's not a foregone conclusion that your pup will develop it. Here are three actions you can take to help prevent dental disease.
1. Regular dental checkups and cleanings
Regular dental checkups are a great way to help prevent dental disease2 and catch problems like periodontal disease early.4
Your veterinarian will also want to do regular professional cleanings when needed. These require anesthesia and involve removing tartar and plaque, performing dental radiographs and polishing your dog's teeth.4 Your veterinarian can help you determine how frequently this needs to be performed. Some dogs require annual cleanings; others may need less frequent cleaning.
2. At-home dental care
Your veterinarian will walk you through preventive measures you can take at home, too. These may include:
- Toothbrushing: Brush your dog's teeth daily with a veterinary toothpaste she can swallow.2 If your dog doesn't allow brushing, wipe her teeth with gauze every two or three days.3
- Waxy tooth sealant: Your veterinarian may recommend applying this weekly.2
- Dental chews and treats: These can help fight plaque.3
- Water additives and rinses: Your veterinarian may recommend this for dental health.4 There are also many fantastic oral rinses that contain enzymes to disinfect plaque.
- Teeth-friendly toys: Thin rawhide strips and rubber toys may help strengthen your dog's teeth, while harder toys can cause tooth chipping. Ask your veterinarian what's best for your pup.5
If you're curious about other remedies, talk to your veterinarian.
3. Balanced diet for dental health
A balanced diet is great for your dog's overall health. Your veterinarian might recommend a prescription food for plaque and tartar control in some cases.2
Dental care tips for different life stages
Of course, dogs' dental needs will change throughout their lives. Here are a few things to keep an eye on based on your dog's age:
- Puppies: Even though a puppy's baby teeth will fall out, brushing them can help your pup get used to the sensation early. Your veterinarian will also want to make sure the baby teeth fall out normally, making room for adult teeth.12
- Adult dogs: Start brushing your dog's teeth daily the day after all his adult teeth emerge.2
- Senior dogs: Continue with your home care routine. Some senior dogs may need more frequent dental checkups (every six months).13
Canine dental health has far-reaching consequences. Poor teeth and bacterial infections can end up affecting your dog's overall health, including vital organs like the heart. That's why it's so important to be proactive with your dog's dental care, visiting your veterinarian regularly. Prevention is easier than treatment, and can greatly improve your dog's quality of life.
Pets Best can help you to keep your dog's teeth healthy
At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs, including by adding dental coverage that covers teeth cleaning. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline. This can be a big help if you have questions about your dog's dental health.
Sources/Citations
1. "New RVC research gets to the root of dental disease in dogs," (8/2021), Royal Veterinary College, https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-rvc-research-gets-to-the-root-of-dental-disease-in-dogs#, accessed January 19, 2024.
2. "Periodontal disease," (10/2023), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/periodontal-disease, accessed January 19, 2024.
3. "Dental disorders of dogs," Alexander M. Reiter (10/2022), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-disorders-of-dogs, accessed January 19, 2024.
4. "Stages of periodontal disease in dogs," Emily Baldwin (6/2023), Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery, https://www.wellpets.com/blog/185-periodontal-disease-stages-dogs, accessed January 19, 2024.
5. "Dog periodontal disease: stages and treatment," (5/2021), Forever Vets, https://forevervets.com/blog/dog-periodontal-disease-stages-and-treatment, accessed January 19, 2024.
6. "Does teeth cleaning help dogs live longer?" Vista Hills Animal Hospital, https://www.vistahillsanimalhospital.com/blog/does-teeth-cleaning-help-dogs-live-longer.html, accessed January 19, 2024.
7. "Dental disease and home dental care," Brian Collins (2/2023), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/dental-disease-and-home-dental-care, accessed January 19, 2024.
8. "Pet dental care," (2/2020), American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care, accessed January 19, 2024.
9. "Pet dental health: fact or fiction?" (2/2023), Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/pet-dental-health-fact-or-fiction, accessed January 19, 2024.
10. "Tooth abscess in dogs: How to cure a tooth root abscess," Brad Hinsperger (4/2023), Kingsdale Animal Hospital, https://www.kingsdale.com/tooth-abscess-in-dogs-how-to-cure-a-tooth-root-abscess, accessed January 19, 2024.
11. "Malocclusions in dogs — when teeth are misaligned," Lorraine Hiscox and Jan Bellows, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/malocclusions-in-dogs-when-teeth-dont-align, accessed January 19, 2024.
12. "Puppy dental care — where do I start?" Kathryn Burton (3/2021), VetHelpDirect, https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2021/03/18/puppy-dental-care-where-do-i-start/, accessed January 19, 2024.
13. "Dental care for older dogs," Orvis, https://www.orvis.com/dental-care-for-older-dogs.html, accessed January 19, 2024.