Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats: A Plain-English Guide

At a glance

What it is	A build-up of plaque and tartar that leads to gum inflammation and, over time, damage to the tissues holding the teeth in place
Who's at risk	Most adult dogs and cats, especially as they get older. Small and flat-faced dog breeds are often more prone
Main signs	Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown tartar, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth and drooling
Contagious?	No
Can it be prevented?	It can be greatly reduced with daily brushing, regular vet checks and professional cleaning when advised

What it is

Dental disease in pets usually develops slowly, in a series of steps. Understanding these steps makes it easier to see why early care matters.

1. Plaque. After eating, a soft, sticky film of bacteria forms on the teeth. This is plaque. It is almost invisible at first and can be brushed away.
2. Tartar. If plaque is not removed, minerals in saliva harden it into tartar (also called calculus). This is the yellow or brown crust you may see, often on the back teeth. Tartar cannot be brushed off.
3. Gum inflammation. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, which become red, swollen and may bleed. This stage is called gingivitis. Caught early, it can often be reversed.
4. Periodontal disease. If inflammation continues, bacteria work their way below the gumline. The tissues and bone that hold each tooth in place slowly break down. Teeth may become loose, infected or painful, and this damage cannot be undone.

Much of this happens below the gumline, out of sight. A mouth that looks only mildly affected on the surface can hide more serious problems underneath.

Cats can also develop painful tooth lesions, sometimes called resorptive lesions, where the tooth structure is gradually broken down by the body. These can be very sore, and they are often hidden under the gum or tartar. Some cats also develop severe inflammation of the gums and mouth.

Dogs, particularly heavy chewers, can also break teeth, which may expose the sensitive inside of the tooth and lead to pain or infection.

1. Stage 1

   Plaque

   A soft film of bacteria forms on teeth every day. Brushing removes it.

2. Stage 2

   Tartar

   Plaque hardens into yellow-brown tartar, which brushing can't remove.

3. Stage 3

   Gingivitis

   Gums turn red and sore along the gum line. Still reversible with treatment.

4. Stage 4

   Periodontal disease

   Gums and bone pull away from the tooth. Painful, and teeth can loosen.

Signs to watch for

Pets rarely stop eating because of dental pain. Most carry on as normal, which is why dental disease often goes unnoticed. Look out for:

• Bad breath. Pet breath is never minty, but a strong or unpleasant smell is not normal. Our article on dog bad breath explains more
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums, especially along the edge of the teeth
• Yellow or brown build-up on the teeth
• Dropping food, or eating more slowly than before
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Preferring soft food or avoiding hard treats and toys
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on furniture or the floor
• Drooling, sometimes with a tinge of blood
• Loose, broken or missing teeth
• Swelling on the face, particularly below the eye
• In cats, chattering of the jaw, or a scruffy coat because grooming is uncomfortable
• Changes in mood, such as grumpiness or not wanting the head touched

Many owners only realise how sore their pet was after treatment, when they notice them becoming brighter and more playful. The symptom checker can help you think through what you are seeing before you speak to a vet.

When to see a vet

Book a routine appointment if you notice:

• Bad breath, tartar or red gums
• Your pet favouring one side of the mouth or eating differently
• A tooth that looks broken, discoloured or loose

Contact a vet promptly if your pet:

• Has a swelling on the face or jaw
• Is drooling heavily or bleeding from the mouth
• Has stopped eating or is clearly in pain
• Has an injury to the mouth

Cats who stop eating should always be seen quickly, whatever the cause. It is also a good idea to have your pet's mouth checked at every routine visit, as early changes are easier to manage.

How vets diagnose it

Your vet will look in your pet's mouth during a consultation, checking the teeth, gums, tongue and the rest of the mouth. This gives a useful first impression, but it has limits. Most pets will not allow a thorough look at every tooth while awake, and much of the important detail lies below the gumline.

To properly assess the mouth, vets usually need to carry out a procedure under general anaesthetic. During this, they can:

• Examine every tooth closely and measure any pockets around the teeth with a small probe
• Take dental X-rays to see the roots and the bone around them, which is where much of the disease is found
• Chart any problems for your pet's records

Your vet may suggest blood tests beforehand, particularly for older pets, to check that they are fit for anaesthetic. Modern anaesthesia is carefully monitored, and your vet can talk you through any concerns.

Treatment and management

Treatment depends on what is found, and your vet will plan it around your pet.

• Scaling and polishing. Tartar is removed from the teeth, above and below the gumline, and the teeth are polished to smooth the surface so plaque is slower to stick. Cleaning without anaesthetic cannot reach below the gumline and does not allow X-rays, so it is not a substitute for a proper dental procedure.
• Extractions. Teeth that are badly damaged, loose, infected or affected by painful lesions are often best removed. Many owners worry about this, but pets usually cope very well, and removing a painful tooth brings real relief. Dogs and cats can eat comfortably with fewer teeth, and even with none.
• Other treatments. Some vets offer more advanced procedures for certain teeth. Your vet can explain the options.
• Pain relief and aftercare. Your vet will give advice on pain relief, feeding and recovery after any procedure.

After treatment, home care is what keeps the mouth healthier for longer.

Prevention

The most effective thing you can do at home is to brush your pet's teeth, ideally every day. Our guide to dental care for dogs and cats explains how to get started step by step.

A few key points:

• Use pet toothpaste only. Never use human toothpaste. It is not designed to be swallowed, and some contain xylitol, a sweetener that is very dangerous for dogs. You can learn about other risky ingredients on our toxic foods page.
• Use a suitable brush. A soft pet toothbrush or finger brush works well. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth, especially the back teeth.
• Go slowly. Start by letting your pet lick the toothpaste, then touch the teeth and gums briefly, building up over days or weeks. Keep sessions short and positive.
• Daily is best. Plaque forms quickly, so brushing a few times a week is far less effective than every day.
• Dental chews and diets as extras. Some chews, diets and water additives can help, but they work best alongside brushing rather than instead of it. Avoid very hard items such as bones, antlers or hard nylon toys, which can break teeth.
• Regular checks. Ask your vet to look at your pet's teeth at every visit.

Starting when pets are young makes brushing much easier, but older pets can learn too with patience.

Living with it

Dental disease is very common, so try not to feel guilty if your pet needs treatment. What matters is spotting it and acting. After a dental procedure, many pets seem happier and more comfortable, and good home care can help keep problems at bay.

Some pets will need repeat cleaning over their lifetime, especially certain breeds or individuals who build up tartar quickly. Your vet can advise how often your pet should be checked. With a little time each day and support from your vet, you can help keep your dog or cat's mouth comfortable and healthy.