Dental Disease in Dogs: More Than Bad Breath
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace veterinary advice or treatment.
Introduction
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs, affecting an estimated 80% of dogs over the age of three. Despite its prevalence, it is often overlooked until obvious signs appear, such as bad breath, pain, or visible tartar. By that stage, damage to the teeth, gums, and even internal organs may already have occurred.
Understanding how dental disease develops, the risks it poses, and how to prevent it is essential for maintaining your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
How Dental Disease Develops
Dental disease in dogs begins with plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth within hours after eating. If not removed through mechanical cleaning, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), which provides an even more stable surface for bacterial colonisation.
As bacteria proliferate, they trigger gingivitis—inflammation of the gums. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, a condition where the supporting structures of the teeth (ligaments, bone, and connective tissue) are damaged. This process is not only painful but also irreversible once significant tissue loss has occurred.
Systemic Consequences of Dental Disease
Dental disease is not confined to the mouth. The chronic bacterial load associated with periodontal disease has been linked to systemic health problems in dogs, including:
Heart disease: Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and colonise the heart valves, leading to infective endocarditis.
Kidney and liver disease: Chronic exposure to bacterial toxins may contribute to organ inflammation and reduced function.
Worsening of diabetes mellitus: Inflammatory mediators associated with periodontal disease may exacerbate insulin resistance.
Thus, dental disease is not just a quality-of-life issue but also a serious medical concern that may shorten lifespan.
Recognising Dental Disease in Dogs
Signs of dental disease may include:
Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
Red, inflamed gums
Yellow or brown tartar deposits on teeth
Difficulty chewing or dropping food
Pawing at the mouth
Loose or missing teeth
Many dogs, however, show no obvious outward signs until disease is advanced, which is why routine monitoring and preventive care are crucial.
Prevention and Management
1. Daily Tooth Brushing
The gold standard for preventing plaque buildup is daily tooth brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste. Even brushing several times a week can significantly reduce plaque accumulation.
2. Professional Veterinary Dental Care
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential. Most dogs will require a professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia at intervals determined by their individual risk factors, such as age, breed, and diet.
3. Diet and Chewing Behaviours
Appropriate chew materials such as raw meaty bones (fed with caution and under guidance) or veterinary-approved dental chews can provide mechanical abrasion that helps limit tartar buildup.
Avoid inappropriate items such as cooked bones, antlers, or hard nylon toys, which carry a high risk of dental fractures.
4. Water Additives and Oral Rinses
Some veterinary-formulated oral rinses or water additives contain antibacterial agents that reduce plaque bacteria and may be useful adjuncts to brushing.
Risk Factors for Dental Disease
Breed: Small and toy breeds are predisposed due to tooth crowding and jaw structure.
Age: The risk increases significantly after three years of age.
Diet: Diets lacking in abrasive chewing opportunities, such as soft or highly processed foods, may accelerate plaque accumulation.
Underlying health conditions: Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, may increase susceptibility.
Conclusion
Dental disease is one of the most preventable yet impactful conditions in dogs. Left untreated, it can cause pain, tooth loss, and systemic health problems that affect multiple organs. Preventive care—including daily tooth brushing, appropriate diet and chewing, and regular veterinary dental checks—can dramatically improve both quality of life and longevity.
Owners should view dental health as an integral part of overall care, equal in importance to nutrition, vaccination, and exercise.
References
Harvey, C. E., & Emily, P. P. (1993). Small Animal Dentistry. Mosby.
Niemiec, B. A. (2008). Periodontal therapy. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 25(4), 226–234. https://doi.org/10.1177/089875640802500401
Pavlica, Z., Petelin, M., Juntes, P., Eržen, D., Crossley, D. A., Skaleric, U., & Sentjurc, M. (2008). Periodontal disease burden and pathological changes in organs of dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 25(2), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.1177/089875640802500205
Glickman, L. T., Glickman, N. W., Moore, G. E., Lund, E. M., Lantz, G. C., & Pressler, B. M. (2009). Evaluation of the risk of endocarditis and other cardiovascular events on the basis of the severity of periodontal disease in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 234(4), 486–494. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.234.4.486
Wiggs, R. B., & Lobprise, H. B. (1997). Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice. Lippincott-Raven.