🦷 Clinical Signs of Oral or Dental Disease in Pets: A 2025 Vet Guide to Recognizing Mouth Problems 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Oral and dental disease is one of the most common and overlooked health problems in pets. The earlier we spot the signs, the better chance we have to treat and prevent pain, infection, and long-term complications. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top clinical signs of dental disease in dogs and cats — and what you can do about them. 🩺🪥

🛑 Top 16 Signs of Dental or Oral Disease

If you notice any of the signs below, your pet likely needs a dental exam:

1. 💨 Bad breath (halitosis)
2. 🦷 Broken tooth or teeth
3. 💧 Excessive drooling
4. 🍽️ Reluctance to eat dry food or chew toys
5. 👄 Chewing on one side of the mouth
6. 🐾 Pawing at or rubbing the mouth/muzzle
7. 🩸 Bleeding from the mouth
8. 🔄 Loss of facial symmetry (swelling or drooping)
9. 👁️ Swelling or draining tracts under the eye
10. 😠 Behavior changes (aggressive or withdrawn)
11. 💧 Chronic eye discharge with no clear cause
12. 🔒 Inability to open or close the mouth
13. 🤧 Chronic sneezing
14. 🟤 Discolored or dead teeth
15. 👃 Nasal discharge or bloody nose
16. 🦠 Mass or growth inside the mouth

Even one of these symptoms can signal serious dental or systemic disease. Don’t wait — schedule an exam with your vet. 🐾

🔬 What Happens at the Dental Exam?

Your veterinarian will perform a . Because pets won’t sit still for a thorough exam, sedation or anesthesia is often needed to:

• 🔍 Check under the tongue and behind the molars
• 🩻 Take dental X-rays (intra-oral radiographs)

⚠️ “Skull X-rays” are not detailed enough for tooth-level diagnosis. Dental X-rays are essential for identifying:

• 🦷 Hidden infections
• 🦴 Jaw bone loss
• ⚫ Cysts or tumors

If your vet cannot perform dental X-rays or diagnose the issue, ask for a referral to a veterinary dental specialist. Find one via the American Veterinary Dental College or the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. 🎯

🧼 Prevention Starts with Daily Dental Care

The best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy is daily brushing and routine checkups. Here’s your plan:

🪥 Home Dental Routine:

• 🧴 Use enzymatic pet toothpaste (never human paste)
• 🪥 Brush 3–4 times a week minimum
• 🧽 Use a soft-bristled brush or finger brush

🧠 Watch for Red Flags:

While brushing, look for:

• 🔴 Red or swollen gums
• 🦷 Missing, loose, or painful teeth
• 🦠 Unusual growths or discoloration

Catch problems early by making oral exams part of your daily care routine. 🧼❤️

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Dental care is critical — but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. The Ask A Vet App makes it easier:

• 📋 Track dental health, brushing habits, and X-ray results
• 📷 Upload photos of abnormal teeth or growths
• 💬 Chat with a licensed vet anytime about oral concerns

Visit AskAVet.com to take charge of your pet’s oral health today! 🦷🐾

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Dental disease causes pain, infection, and serious complications if left untreated. It’s also one of the most preventable diseases in pets. 🩺

By learning the signs of oral disease and taking an active role in dental care, you can give your dog or cat a healthier, happier life — one clean tooth at a time! 🪥🐶🐱