Vet Guide to Dental Issues in Dogs 2025🐶🩺  

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs older than three and is the most common chronic health issue in adult dogs. Left untreated, it can cause pain, tooth loss, and even systemic problems in the heart, kidneys, and liver.

⚠️ Common Dental Problems

• Plaque & Tartar: Plaque forms within minutes and hardens into tartar in 24–72 hrs. Tartar must be professionally removed.
• Gingivitis: Reversible gum inflammation—red, bleeds easily, often with bad breath. Can progress without care.
• Periodontal Disease: Chronic infection harms gums, bone, ligaments. Leads to loose teeth and systemic health risks.
• Tooth Fractures: Slab or root fractures from chewing hard items. Can cause severe pain, infection—often require extraction or root canal.
• Malocclusions: Misaligned teeth cause trauma, pain; may need orthodontics or extraction.

👀 Signs to Watch For

• Bad breath, yellow/brown deposits, red/swollen gums, drooling, pawing at mouth.
• Difficulty eating, dropping food, preferring soft diets, and jaw shaking.
• Visible fractures, swelling under eyes or jaw, bleeding, gum recession.

🔬 Diagnosis & Exams

• Vet exam: Look for tartar, gingivitis, loose teeth.
• Dental X-rays: Essential for assessing root/bone disease, fractures.
• Anesthesia cleaning: Scale and polish teeth above/below gumline with thorough oral exam.

💊 Treatment Plans

• Professional cleaning: Dental scaling and polishing under anesthesia at age 2–3 (small) or 3–4 (large).
• Extractions/root canals: For fractured, infected, or non-functional teeth.
• Sealants: Post-cleaning application can slow plaque buildup.

🛡️ Prevention & Home Care

• Brushing: Daily brushing with canine toothpaste is the gold standard—remove plaque before it mineralizes.
• Dental chews & diets: VOHC‑approved chews and kibble help reduce plaque/tartar.
• Water additives/oral gels: Can complement brushing.
• Chew toys: Soft pick chews, not antlers or hard objects that fracture teeth.

✅ Dr Houston’s Veterinary Tips

• 🦷 Start brushing early—makes it easier long-term.
• 📆 Schedule professional cleanings by age 3, or earlier for high-risk breeds.
• 📸 Use dental X-rays to catch hidden disease.
• 🧊 Avoid rock-hard chews—use safe, vet-recommended items.
  
• 📱 If your dog shows signs—smelly breath, bleeding gums, jaw swelling—connect instantly via AskAVet.com.