Dental disease is extremely common in dogs.
It usually doesn’t start with a rotten tooth. It starts with something much simpler: plaque building up on the teeth.
It Starts With Plaque
Every day, a thin sticky layer called plaque forms over your dog’s teeth.
Plaque contains bacteria.
If plaque isn’t removed, minerals in the saliva cause it to harden and form tartar, also called calculus.
This is the yellow or brown material you can often see building up on a dog’s teeth.
The Real Problem Is Under the Gum
The tartar we can see isn’t usually the most important part of dental disease.
The bigger problem is what is happening along and underneath the gum line.
Plaque and bacteria cause inflammation of the gums. Initially, this causes gingivitis, where the gums become red and inflamed.
As the disease progresses, the gum begins to separate from the tooth and bacteria can travel deeper around the tooth.
This is called periodontal disease.
What Happens if Dental Disease Gets Worse?
A tooth isn’t held in place by the gum alone.
Underneath the gum are tissues and bone that support the tooth.
As periodontal disease progresses, these supporting structures gradually become damaged. Eventually, the bone around the tooth starts disappearing and the tooth can become loose.
At this stage, the tooth may be painful and often needs to be extracted.
Why Do Some Dogs Have Worse Teeth Than Others?
Some dogs develop dental disease much faster than others.
Small dogs are particularly prone to dental disease, especially when they have crowded teeth.
Genetics, the shape of the mouth, tooth alignment, diet, chewing habits and home dental care can all influence how quickly dental disease develops.
Age also plays a role. Because dental disease develops progressively, it becomes increasingly common as dogs get older.
Does Bad Breath Mean My Dog Has Dental Disease?
Often, yes.
Persistent bad breath is frequently caused by bacteria associated with dental disease.
Bad breath shouldn’t simply be considered a normal part of your dog getting older.
Can Dental Disease Be Prevented?
The goal is to remove plaque before it has the opportunity to cause disease underneath the gums.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways of doing this.
Dental diets, appropriate dental chews and regular dental checks can also help.
Once significant tartar and periodontal disease have developed, however, home care cannot remove the disease underneath the gum line. At that stage, a professional dental procedure may be needed.
Does Your Dog Have Bad Teeth?
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we see dental disease in dogs every day.
Sometimes the visible tartar is only the beginning. The most important question is what is happening underneath the gum line and around the roots of the teeth.
A dental examination can help us determine how advanced the disease is and whether your dog needs treatment.
📞 If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or bad breath, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for a dental assessment.