Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and When to Book the Vet
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Bad breath is the sign most owners notice first, and it is also the one most often shrugged off as normal dog smell. A dog's breath isn't pleasant at the best of times, but a smell that is sharper, sweeter or more rotten than usual, or that has changed over a few weeks, is worth taking seriously. It is often the first outward sign of bacteria building up around the teeth and gums.
What to look for at home
Some signs are easy to see once you know to look. Others only show in behaviour.
| What you notice | What it can point to | How soon to act |
|---|---|---|
| Breath that has become noticeably worse | Plaque, tartar or gum infection | Mention at the next appointment; sooner if it persists |
| Red or swollen gum line | Gum inflammation | Book a check |
| Yellow or brown crust on teeth | Tartar build-up | Vet assessment; brushing will not remove it |
| Bleeding gums, or blood on toys or bowl | More advanced inflammation | Book a check promptly |
| Dropping food, chewing on one side | Mouth pain | Book a check promptly |
| Drooling more than usual | Mouth pain or another problem | Book a check |
| Pawing at the mouth, rubbing the face on the floor | Discomfort | Book a check promptly |
| Loose, broken or missing teeth | Advanced disease or injury | Book a check promptly |
| Swelling below the eye or on the face | Possible tooth-root abscess | Same-day call to the vet |
| Not eating at all, or very quiet | Pain, or illness unrelated to teeth | Call the vet |
These signs overlap with other problems, so a list like this can't diagnose anything. It tells you when to hand the question to a vet.
Easy to miss
The trouble with dental pain in dogs is that many of them keep eating through it. A dog may adapt by chewing on the better side, swallowing food whole or going off hard biscuits and preferring softer food. Owners often explain these changes away as age or fussiness. Others become irritable when the head is touched or stop enjoying chew toys they used to love. If you spot a pattern like this, think about the mouth before you think about behaviour.
Lift your dog's lip once a week when your dog is relaxed. You are looking for pink, firm gums rather than red, swollen or bleeding ones, and teeth that are clean and whole rather than coated or chipped. If the dog won't allow this, our guide on how to brush your dog's teeth shows how to build tolerance gradually.
How it tends to progress
Vets generally describe a progression, though the labels and numbering vary between practices.
- Plaque and mild gingivitis. A soft film on the teeth and slight redness at the gumline. At this point the mouth often looks nearly normal to an owner, and good home care can make a real difference.
- Tartar and established gingivitis. Hardened deposits, more obvious redness and noticeably worse breath. A professional clean may be recommended.
- Periodontal disease. The inflammation reaches the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. There may be gum recession, pockets around the teeth, loose teeth and pain. Some damage at this stage cannot be reversed.
- Advanced disease. Teeth may need to be removed, and infection can form around the tooth root.
Progress varies a lot between dogs, and a vet can only judge it by looking, usually under sedation or anaesthetic for a thorough assessment.
What the vet will do
At a check-up the vet will look at the teeth and gums, may feel for loose teeth and check for swelling or pain. If disease is suspected, the usual next step is a dental procedure under general anaesthetic, which allows a proper clean above and below the gumline, dental X-rays and the removal of any teeth that are beyond saving. The vet should explain the options and the anaesthetic risks for your dog, particularly for older dogs or those with other health conditions, and you can ask for a pre-anaesthetic assessment.
Why not scale the tartar yourself
You will see tartar-scraping tools sold online. Avoid them. A dog won't stay still for it, so there is a risk of injuring the gums or slipping and damaging the tooth. Scratches in the enamel give bacteria a rougher surface to cling to. And removing the visible tartar doesn't deal with the plaque and infection below the gumline, where the real damage happens. Anaesthesia-free "dental scaling" services are also a concern: veterinary bodies in the UK have raised welfare worries about them, so ask your own vet before considering one.
Where chews fit
Dental chews are sold to help keep plaque down in a healthy mouth. They are not a treatment, and they won't fix inflamed gums or a painful tooth. A hard chew can even hurt a dog whose teeth are already loose or cracked. If your dog already shows several of the signs above, see the vet first and ask which chews, if any, suit your dog. Our overall guide to dog dental health explains where chews sit alongside brushing and vet care, and the dental chew roundup is there for when the mouth has been checked.
Book soon, or book now
Book a routine appointment if you notice mild changes: breath that has worsened, a slightly red gum line or visible tartar. Book promptly, within a day or two, if your dog is dropping food, pawing at the mouth, bleeding from the gums or has a loose or broken tooth. Call the vet the same day if there is facial swelling, your dog won't eat or drink, or seems unwell in other ways. This article is general information and can't replace an examination of your own dog.