dogs
Dental Disease in Dogs: Signs, Prevention and When to See a Vet
How to spot dental (tooth and gum) disease in dogs, what to do day-to-day to prevent it, and when a cracked or wobbly tooth needs the vet.
Why dental care matters
Dental (tooth and gum) disease is a common and painful condition in dogs. The PDSA points out that most dogs with dental problems continue to eat anyway, which is why it’s easy to miss — and why checking your dog’s mouth regularly matters.
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth (20 upper, 22 lower). Keeping those teeth and gums healthy is a real part of everyday care.
Signs of dental disease to look out for
Any of these can point to tooth or gum trouble:
- Bad breath (halitosis) — though that can have other causes too
- Pain or difficulty eating, e.g. chewing on one side of the mouth
- Weight loss or a decreased appetite
- Plaque and tartar — a yellowish-brown covering on the teeth
- Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
- Wobbly, missing or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling, sometimes with blood in it
- A swelling on the face — this can indicate a tooth root abscess
- Pawing at or rubbing the mouth/face, head shaking, or dropping food from the mouth
If you notice several of these together, it’s worth a veterinary check rather than waiting.
Daily prevention
The PDSA’s core advice:
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily if possible. Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common causes of tooth and gum disease in dogs.
- Check your dog’s mouth regularly — look at the teeth, gums and breath.
- Have the mouth checked by a vet at least once a year as part of routine care.
When to see a vet (not later than now)
- Any broken or cracked tooth — damaged teeth are often extremely painful and vulnerable to infection, so contact your vet.
- Avoid bones and other very hard chews — they can cause “slab fractures” (when a large chunk of a tooth shears off and exposes the inside of the tooth).
- If you see a swelling on the face, blood in the drool, or your dog has stopped eating properly.
A note on cost
Dental treatment can be involved (and may need your dog under anaesthetic for a thorough clean), and insurance may not always cover dental treatment or may require extra cover — something the PDSA flags. Ask your vet for a cost estimate upfront.
Sources
- PDSA — “Dental disease in dogs”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/dental-disease-in-dogs
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.