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Paws-itively Perfect Smiles: Dog Dental Health

dog vaccination. puppy vaccination

What Is Dog Dental Disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very common health issue in dogs. It typically begins with plaque accumulation. Over time, if not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to gingivitis (gum inflammation).

If left unaddressed, dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, jaw bone degeneration, and even contribute to other serious health problems affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

A close-up, high-angle shot shows the open mouth of a small, light-colored dog, likely a poodle mix, undergoing a dental procedure. A blue glove is visible on the left, holding the dog's muzzle open to reveal its upper and lower teeth. Many of the teeth, especially the canines and molars, are heavily stained with yellow and brown tartar and plaque buildup. The gums appear inflamed and red, particularly along the gumline, indicating significant periodontal disease. Some areas show a darker, almost black discoloration on the gums or inner lips. The dog's tongue is visible at the bottom of the frame, and a dental instrument, possibly a scaler, is visible on the lower right, near the lower jaw. The lighting is bright and clinical.
Illustration of a tooth with soft, pale yellow plaque buildup on the sides.

Plaque

This is a sticky, colourless film made up of saliva, food debris, and bacteria. You might feel it as a “slimy” or “furry” coating on your teeth at the end of the day. If plaque isn’t consistently removed manually, it can harden into tartar.

Illustration of a tooth with yellow-brown tartar buildup.

Tartar

Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on teeth. It forms after minerals from saliva cause plaque to harden, usually within 24 to 72 hours. The longer the teeth are not cleaned and cared for, the more tartar that forms. Unlike plaque, which can be brushed away, tartar requires professional dental tools for removal.

Illustration of a tooth with soft, pale yellow plaque buildup on the sides.

Gingivitis

Gum inflammation is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup along the gum line. The gums may appear red, swollen, and sore, bleed, and become infected. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to further gum disease, irreversible gum recession, root exposure, jaw bone degradation, and tooth loss.

An illustration contrasting a healthy tooth and gums with a tooth affected by periodontitis. On the left, a

What Causes Dental Disease In Dogs?

Several factors contribute to dental disease in dogs, including:

Limited Dental Care

Unlike humans, dogs don’t receive daily dental care unless their owners provide it. Without regular brushing, plaque and tartar build up quickly.

Diet

Dogs primarily fed soft or wet foods are often more prone to dental issues, and traditional kibble also doesn’t help prevent dental disease as it tends to crumble or be swallowed whole.

Age

The risk of dental disease increases with age. By age three, most dogs show signs of periodontal disease.

Breed & Genetics

Some breeds are more predisposed to dental problems. Smaller dog breeds and short-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are often more susceptible due to tooth overcrowding. The fur of breeds with “beards”, such as Schnauzers, can ‘wick’ bacteria into and around their gums.

Chewing & Tennis Balls

Dogs who chew on hard treats, like antlers, hooves and bones, are at risk of fracturing their teeth. If you cannot make an indentation in the item with your thumbnail, it is too hard for a dog’s teeth.

The fuzz on tennis balls is abrasive on its own, but it also traps sand and dirt. As the dog chews, this creates a sandpaper effect that wears down the enamel.

What Are The Signs?

    • Bad breath (halitosis)
    • Red, inflamed or bleeding gum lines
    • Yellow or brown staining or buildup on the teeth
    • Drooling
    • Loose or missing teeth
    • ​​​​​​​Pawing at the mouth
A close-up, eye-level shot shows the open mouth of a tan and dark brown dog, revealing its teeth and gums. The most prominent feature is a large, discolored canine tooth in the foreground, stained yellowish-brown with visible plaque buildup, particularly near the gum line. The gums around this tooth and others are noticeably red and inflamed, indicating gingivitis or periodontal disease. Some smaller white teeth are visible further back in the mouth. The dog's dark lips and some light brown fur around the mouth are also visible. The lighting is bright and direct, highlighting the dental issues.

They Still Eat! It’s a common misconception that if a dog is still eating, their mouth isn’t sore. However, animals are very good at hiding discomfort. Their instinct to eat for survival is strong, so dogs will keep eating even if chewing is painful.
If a pet shows obvious signs like difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat, the dental disease is already advanced.

Beyond The Mouth

Dental disease is more than just bad breath and dirty teeth. It can lead to serious health issues that affect a dog’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Dogs with dental disease carry a higher bacterial load in their mouths. When gums are inflamed, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream directly through tiny breaks in the tissue. Once in circulation, this temporary presence of bacteria can cause systemic inflammation and potentially damage internal organs, particularly the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Studies show that dogs with dental disease have an increased risk of developing endocarditis, a potentially fatal infection of the heart’s inner lining.

How To Look After Your Dog’s Teeth

 

Daily Toothbrushing

The gold standard. Toothbrushing is the most effective way to remove plaque, and it is also the cheapest! Use a soft pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). It may take time to train your dog, but using positive reinforcement and cooperative care techniques can help your dog learn to accept brushing.

All other options (below) are not a substitute for regular brushing and work best as a complementary treatment.

hand brushing dog's tooth for dental care

Dental Diets

Look for food approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products are scientifically designed and proven to reduce plaque and/or tartar buildup. We regularly recommend dental diets such as Hill’s and Royal Canin.

A picture of a bag of Hills Dental Care dog food

Treats

Look for treats approved by the VOHC, such as Oravet Dental Chews. The chewing action removes plaque on the teeth all the way down to the gumline. As this occurs, delmopinol is released and coats the teeth to help prevent bacterial attachment.

A photo of a bag of Oravet Dental Dog Chews

Water Additives, Oral Powders and Oral Rinses

These products can help reduce bacterial load and freshen breath. Plaque Off Powder can help prevent new plaque and tartar from forming while softening existing buildup over time, making it easier to remove and helping to reduce bad breath. Stick to those on the VOHC list and use as directed.

A picture of Plaque Off Powder for Dogs

Bones…?

Giving dogs bones for dental health is controversial, as the risks can outweigh any potential benefits.

Studies suggest that chewing bones might help remove tartar from the tips of a dog’s teeth. However, it does not clean the base of the tooth, areas below the gumline, or effectively prevent plaque buildup.

Chewing bones can cause serious problems such as tooth fractures, gum damage, choking, and gastrointestinal issues, including tears and blockages. Uncooked bones can harbour bacteria, and cooked bones can splinter.

Because of these risks, the RSPCA advises against feeding bones. You can learn more Here

A close-up, eye-level shot captures a large Bernese Mountain Dog lying on vibrant green grass, its gaze directed straight at the camera. The dog, predominantly black with distinctive brown and white markings, is deeply engrossed in chewing on a sizable bone, its mouth wide open to reveal its teeth. The lush green lawn fills the foreground and midground, while a hint of blurred, sunlit greenery suggests trees or bushes in the background. The lighting is bright and even, highlighting the dog's fur and the texture of the grass.

Veterinary Dental Exams

Annual dental check-ups with your veterinarian can catch problems early. If needed, your vet may recommend professional dental cleanings under anesthesia. This allows for thorough cleaning and prevention before serious dental problems occur.

A very close-up, low-angle shot focuses on a dog's snout, capturing it from its nostrils to its exposed teeth and tongue. The dog's fur is a mix of white and shades of brown, with some darker markings around its eyes and nose. The canine's upper lip is curled back, revealing its front teeth and gums, while its lower jaw is slightly agape, showing a bit of its tongue and lower teeth. The background is softly blurred, hinting at a light-colored, possibly fabric, surface. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting the textures of the dog's fur, nose, and teeth.

Dental Cleaning By A Vet

Dogs, unfortunately, require general anaesthesia for dental procedures. Taking dental X-rays, probing the gumlines, using loud, vibration-based instruments like scalers, injecting local anaesthetic, and removing a tooth from a dog while they are awake would be impossible and dangerous.

It would also be incredibly stressful and unsafe for the pet and wouldn’t allow for proper treatment.

​Dental cleaning by a veterinarian usually includes the following services:

    • Oral health examination to assess the condition of the teeth, roots, gums, and overall mouth
    • Full-mouth dental X-rays to check the health of tooth structures and root systems
    • Scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar, including under the gum line
    • Local anesthetic application to numb the area
    • Tooth/teeth extraction
    • Suturing the gum line closed (if required)
A side-by-side comparison image shows the "BEFORE" and "AFTER" results of a dog's dental cleaning. On the left, labeled "BEFORE," a close-up shot of a dog's open mouth reveals severely neglected teeth. The teeth are heavily coated in yellow and brown tartar and plaque, particularly at the gum line. The gums appear red and inflamed, indicating significant periodontal disease. The dog has long, reddish-brown and black fur around its muzzle. On the right, labeled "AFTER," the same dog's mouth is shown after a professional dental cleaning. The teeth are now remarkably clean, white, and free of tartar and plaque. The gums appear much healthier, with a pinker, less inflamed appearance. The contrast between the two images is stark, effectively demonstrating the dramatic improvement in the dog's dental health after the cleaning. In both images, a hand is gently holding the dog's muzzle open.

Dental Staging

We use a two-stage protocol for our dental procedures to address varying degrees of dental disease in pets. This is becoming a more common practice in veterinary medicine. But what is dental staging, and why do we do it this way? Learn more in our blog, Dental Staging: Sometimes 2 Is Better Than 1

A close-up shot of a dental scaling procedure being performed on a cat's tooth. A gloved hand holds a lit dental scaler, which is vibrating against a discolored canine tooth, presumably removing plaque and tartar. Fine mist or water droplets are visible around the scaler tip, indicating the use of an ultrasonic scaler. The surrounding gum tissue appears somewhat red.

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