Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health problem in dogs in the UK. Research from the Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass programme found that it is diagnosed in around one in eight dogs every year. That puts it ahead of ear infections and obesity, and many more cases go unnoticed.

The good news is that dental disease is largely preventable, and when it’s caught early, treatment is simpler and more comfortable for your dog. Here’s what to look out for, and how we can help.

What is dental disease in dogs?

Most dental disease in dogs is periodontal disease, an infection and inflammation of the tissues that hold the teeth in place.

It starts with plaque, a soft film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth every day. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar and spreads below the gumline. There, bacteria cause the gums to become inflamed (gingivitis) and, over time, damage the ligament and bone that anchor each tooth. Eventually teeth loosen, become painful and may need to be removed.

The early stage, gingivitis, can be reversed. Once the bone around a tooth has been lost, it can’t be rebuilt. That’s why catching it early matters so much.

Is my dog at risk?

Any dog can develop dental disease, but the VetCompass research found that some dogs are much more likely to be affected:

• Smaller dogs: dogs under 15kg were 2.5 times more likely to be affected than dogs weighing 30–40kg, partly because their teeth are crowded into a small mouth.
• Older dogs: dogs aged eight and over were more than three times as likely to be affected as young adults.
• Certain breeds: Greyhounds, King Charles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers and Border Terriers were among the breeds most often diagnosed.

If your dog falls into one of these groups, regular dental checks are especially worthwhile.

The early signs to look out for

Dogs are very good at hiding mouth pain. Most keep eating even when their teeth hurt, so the signs are often subtle:

• Bad breath. It isn’t normal “dog breath”. It’s usually a sign of bacteria and infection.
• Red or swollen gums, especially a red line along the edge of the teeth
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, often worst on the back teeth
• Bleeding gums, or blood on chew toys
• Chewing on one side, dropping food or eating more slowly
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face along the floor
• Not wanting the head or mouth touched
• Loose or missing teeth

Many owners only realise how much discomfort their dog was in after treatment, when they become brighter and more playful again.

How we check your dog’s teeth

We look at your dog’s mouth at every health check and vaccination appointment, and grade any gum disease or tartar we find. We’ll tell you what we see and whether anything needs doing now or simply needs watching.

A conscious check only shows part of the picture, though. Around half of each tooth sits below the gumline, out of sight. That’s why a full assessment needs a general anaesthetic and dental X-rays.

What happens during a dental procedure?

If your dog needs dental treatment, here’s what to expect at Whisker & Woof:

• A pre-anaesthetic check and, where appropriate, blood tests in our in-house laboratory, so the anaesthetic is planned around your dog.
• A calm admission. As an accredited Dog Friendly Clinic, we use low-stress handling and can arrange calming medication beforehand for anxious dogs.
• Careful anaesthetic monitoring. A dedicated nurse monitors your dog throughout the procedure and into recovery.
• Dental X-rays on our digital dental X-ray system, to find problems hidden below the gumline.
• A full mouth examination, checking and charting every tooth.
• Scaling and polishing above and below the gumline, using ultrasonic scalers.
• Treatment of diseased teeth, including extractions where a tooth can’t be saved, with local nerve blocks so your dog doesn’t feel it.

As London’s first Zero Pain Philosophy practice, we plan pain relief before, during and after every dental. Your dog goes home the same day with a written pain-relief plan and homecare advice.

Find out more about our dental care.

What about anaesthetic-free teeth cleaning?

It’s understandable to want to avoid an anaesthetic. But cleaning a conscious dog’s teeth only removes visible tartar from the surface. It can’t reach below the gumline, where the disease actually is, and it can’t include X-rays. A tooth can look clean while the problem underneath carries on.

Modern anaesthesia, with careful monitoring, is very safe for most dogs. If you have concerns, especially if your dog is older or has other health conditions, we’re always happy to talk them through with you.

Looking after your dog’s teeth at home

Daily care at home makes the biggest difference of all:

• Brush daily. Toothbrushing is the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens. Use a dog toothpaste, never a human one.
• Start slowly. Let your dog lick the toothpaste first, then lift the lip and touch the teeth, building up over a few weeks with plenty of praise.
• Choose dental products carefully. Some chews and diets are proven to reduce plaque; others make claims they can’t back up. We can recommend ones that work.
• Avoid very hard chews, such as bones, antlers and hooves, which can break teeth.
• Keep up regular checks, so small problems are found before they become painful.

Our nurses are happy to show you how to brush your dog’s teeth. Just ask at your next visit.

Worried about your dog’s teeth?

If you’ve noticed bad breath, red gums or any change in how your dog eats, book a check-up. Catching dental disease early means simpler treatment, less pain and a happier dog.

Members of our Platinum Health Plan also receive a discount on dentistry.

Quick questions

Is bad breath normal in dogs?
No. It’s usually an early sign of dental disease.

How often should my dog’s teeth be checked?
At every health check, and at least once a year.

Can I use my own toothpaste?
No. Human toothpaste isn’t safe for dogs. Use a dog toothpaste.

Will my dog be able to eat after extractions?
Yes. Most dogs eat well, often better, once painful teeth are gone.

Does my dog stay overnight?
Usually not. Most dogs go home the same day.

Source: O’Neill DG et al. (2021) Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting. Journal of Small Animal Practice. Summary from the Royal Veterinary College.