How do I Prevent Dental Problems in Dogs?

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs—over 80% of pups older than three have it! But since dogs rarely show clear signs of trouble, it’s up to their owners and vets to catch it early.

If your dog is struggling with dental problems, you might notice them pawing at their mouth, shaking their head, or even chattering their jaw. Eating could become painful, causing them to chew awkwardly, drop food, or have trouble swallowing. They might also drool more than usual, sometimes with traces of blood. And of course, bad breath (halitosis) is a big red flag!

Are Dental Problems the Same in Pets and People?

Just like people, dogs can have dental problems too. But while cavities are the most common issue for humans, dogs mostly struggle with periodontal disease. Cavities in dogs are pretty rare—less than 10% of all dental problems.

Instead, their biggest dental issues are gum disease and broken teeth. Factors like diet, bacteria, and environment play a role in tooth decay, but in dogs, it’s usually their gums and teeth that take the hit rather than cavities forming.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues around a dog’s teeth. These tissues include the gums, the root covering, the ligament that holds the tooth in place, and the surrounding bone.

It all starts with gingivitis—red, swollen gums. If left untreated, the infection spreads deeper, damaging the bone and loosening the tooth, which may eventually fall out.

But that’s not all. The loss of bone can lead to other serious issues, like a hole between the mouth and nose (oronasal fistula), jaw fractures, or painful abscesses that can form in the mouth, face, or under the chin. Some research even suggests that bacteria from severe dental infections can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Is Periodontal Disease Very Common?

Did you know that most dogs over three years old have some level of periodontal disease? It’s actually the most common health issue in pet dogs! Smaller breeds and short-nosed dogs (like Pugs and Bulldogs) are even more at risk because their tiny jaws and crowded teeth make it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up.

Also Read: Can I Give My Dog Vitamins or Supplements?

How does Tartar form and Why is it a Problem?

When bacteria build up on your dog’s teeth, they form an invisible layer called plaque. Over time, this plaque turns into a sticky film known as a biofilm, which is tough to remove and even harder for antibiotics to treat. Some plaque naturally gets cleared away by your dog’s tongue and chewing, but if too much stays on the teeth, it hardens into tartar.

Tartar has a rough surface that attracts even more plaque, making things worse. When plaque bacteria reach the gums, they cause inflammation—this is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, but the good news is that it’s completely reversible if treated early!

Can Plaque and Tartar be Prevented?

Some dogs develop tartar faster than others, but the best way to prevent it is daily brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste that’s made to be swallowed. Brushing is the most effective way to control plaque, yet most dog owners don’t do it regularly.

If brushing isn’t always possible, there are other ways to help. Special chew toys, treats, and even certain dog foods are designed to reduce plaque and tartar. Some water additives can also help keep your pup’s teeth cleaner.

For the best options, look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, which means they’ve been tested and proven to work. You can check their website (vohc.org) for a list of recommended products, and of course, your vet can help you pick the best one for your dog!

Will Feeding Dry Food Remove Tartar?

Some pet food brands now offer special dental diets that help slow down plaque and tartar build-up on your dog’s teeth. But once tartar has already formed, brushing or diet alone won’t be enough to remove it. In that case, your pup will need a professional dental cleaning, which includes scaling and polishing under general anesthesia.

Also Read: What are the Signs of a Healthy Dog Coat?

What is involved with a routine dental cleaning?

Your vet will start by doing a full dental cleaning, which includes scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces. Before the procedure, they’ll run blood tests to make sure your dog’s liver and kidneys are healthy enough for anesthesia.

In some cases, if your dog has a weakened immune system or other health issues, the vet may prescribe antibiotics before the treatment to help with healing.

Once your dog is under anesthesia, the vet will carefully examine their mouth, checking the alignment of the teeth and how much tartar has built up, both above and below the gumline. X-rays will also be taken to see if the tooth roots and surrounding bone are healthy. If periodontal disease is severe, some teeth may be too damaged to save, and extraction might be the only option.

The vet will then remove all tartar using a combination of hand tools and ultrasonic cleaning equipment. After that, the teeth will be polished to smooth out tiny scratches, which helps prevent plaque from sticking again. In some cases, treatments like fluoride, antibiotics, or other special applications may be used to strengthen enamel, reduce sensitivity, or fight bacteria.

For advanced cases, procedures like guided tissue or bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) may be an option instead of extraction, but these are usually performed by a board-certified veterinary dentist.

It’s important to know that proper dental treatment requires full anesthesia. While an awake dog may allow some tartar to be scraped off, this is only a cosmetic fix and doesn’t actually treat or diagnose dental disease.

What do Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Teeth look like in Dogs?

The inside of a tooth, called the pulp, is protected by a layer of hard dentin and an even tougher outer layer of enamel. When a tooth breaks, there are two main types of fractures. An uncomplicated fracture only exposes the dentin, which can be very sensitive. A complicated fracture goes deeper, reaching the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are, making it much more painful.

What Causes Fractured Teeth in Dogs?

Dogs often break their teeth by chewing on things that are too hard, like ice cubes, bones, antlers, hard nylon chews, or hooves from pigs and horses. To keep their teeth safe, always choose chew toys or dental treats that have some flexibility and give a little when you press on them.

Also Read:How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Large Breeds?

How are Fractured Dog Teeth Treated?

If the pulp inside the tooth is exposed, there are only two treatment options: either the tooth needs to be removed, or a veterinary dentist can perform a root canal. Ignoring it isn’t a good idea because bacteria can enter through the fracture, leading to a serious infection (check out the handout Does My Dog Need a Root Canal? for more details).

The good news is that with patience and consistency, you can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy and prevent dental problems. If you’re unsure how to care for your dog’s teeth, ask your vet for tips and guidance on brushing and oral care!