Dental disease in dogs and cats

There’s nothing quite like cuddling your pet and getting a whiff of fishy, bad breath at the same time. While occasional bad breath can be normal, persistent smelly breath might indicate something more serious – dental disease.

Dental disease is one of the most common yet often overlooked health issues in dogs and cats. In fact, studies show the majority of dogs and cats have some level of dental disease by the age of three. If left untreated it can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, liver and other organs.

Even if your pet’s teeth look healthy, dental disease may already be present under the gums as up to 60% of a pet’s tooth structure sits below the gumline. Regular dental care is key to keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects the structures that support your pet’s teeth — including the gums, ligaments, and jawbone.

It usually begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing, dental chews, or professional cleaning, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus). The bacteria within plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing inflammation and gradually damaging the tissues that support the teeth.

Dental disease typically progresses through four stages:

1. Gingivitis: This is the earliest and reversible stage of gum disease. Plaque begins to irritate the gums, causing redness and inflammation. Common signs include bad breath, swollen gums, and minor bleeding during brushing or chewing.

2. Early periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to early periodontitis. At this stage, inflammation spreads below the gumline and begins to damage the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth and can result in a small amount of bone loss.

3. Moderate periodontitis: As the infection advances, more significant damage occurs to the supporting tissues. Pets may develop bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, and painful infections or abscesses.

4. Advanced periodontitis: In the most severe stage, there is extensive destruction of the gums, ligaments, and bone that hold the teeth in place. Teeth may become extremely loose or fall out entirely, and painful ulcers and infections can develop within the mouth.

While periodontitis is not reversible, it can be managed with veterinary treatment, including professional dental cleaning, extractions if necessary, and ongoing home care to slow progression and maintain your pet’s comfort.

Causes and risk factors of dental disease

Several factors can increase the risk of dental disease in pets. Diet plays a role — soft foods don’t provide the natural cleaning action that chewing can, allowing plaque to build up more easily. The lack of regular brushing also contributed to the buildup of plaque and tartar. Age is another key factor, with risk increasing after about three years old. Genetics and breed characteristics can also make some pets more prone to dental problems.

• Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs) often have misaligned teeth due to their compressed skulls, making it harder for chewing to naturally clean their teeth.

• Small breeds are prone to crowded teeth, which makes it harder for saliva, chewing, or brushing to clean naturally.

Diagnosis and treatment for dental disease

Your vet will begin by performing an oral examination to check for signs of dental disease. If needed, they may recommend a professional dental clean, which is performed under general anaesthesia to allow for a safe and thorough assessment of your pet’s mouth.

Before the procedure, your pet will undergo a pre-anaesthetic check. This typically includes blood tests to assess liver and kidney function, as well as listening to the heart and lungs to ensure your pet is fit for anaesthesia.

Once your pet is under anaesthesia, your vet can carry out a detailed dental examination. Each tooth is carefully assessed, and dental X-rays are taken to evaluate the tooth roots and surrounding bone. These X-rays can reveal issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as infections, abscesses, or bone loss.

The procedure then involves removing tartar buildup both above and below the gumline, followed by polishing the teeth to help slow future plaque accumulation. If any teeth are damaged or infected, your vet may recommend extraction to relieve pain and protect your pet’s overall health.

Preventing dental disease in pets

The good news is that dental disease is both preventable and manageable with the right care and routine.

• Regular dental examinations – Schedule routine dental check-ups with your vet every six months to assess your pet’s oral health and catch any signs of early dental disease before they progress.

• At-home dental care – Establishing a dental care routine early in your pet’s life can make a big difference. Daily tooth brushing with pet-friendly toothpaste helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar (our guides to brushing your cat’s teeth and dog’s teeth may help). Dental chews can also support oral health by helping reduce plaque buildup as your pet chews. Your vet may also recommend a specially formulated dental diet designed to minimise plaque, stains, and tartar.

• Professional dental clean – Even with good at-home care, professional dental cleaning is still important. Most adult pets benefit from yearly dental cleans, which remove tartar buildup both above and below the gumline — areas that can’t be reached with brushing alone.

For more tips and advice, see our guides to dog dental care and cat dental care.

If you’re a Best for Pet Wellness Plan member, caring for your pet’s teeth is easy. Your plan includes $250 off a dental clean and a pre-anaesthetic blood test (valued at $150), along with other benefits like unlimited consults, core vaccinations, four nail trims a year, and more — all designed to help keep your pet happy and healthy.