07 Aug Understanding Pet Dental Disease: Insights from a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist
As a board-certified veterinary dentist, I’ve spent years treating oral health conditions in dogs and cats that, if left unnoticed, can cause chronic pain, systemic illness, and a significant decrease in quality of life for dogs and cats. Dental disease in pets is incredibly common affecting more than 85% of dogs and cats by the age of 2 years! Despite this prevalence, it often goes unnoticed by pet owners until the condition has progressed to an advanced and painful stage. Understanding how dental disease develops, recognizing its signs, and knowing how it’s diagnosed and treated are essential for anyone who wants to keep their pet healthy and pain-free.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease refers to inflammation and infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It typically begins with plaque, soft, sticky film made up of bacteria. If not removed through regular tooth brushing, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, eventually, deeper infection of the structures that hold the tooth in place (periodontitis). This is most often not due to a weakened immune system of the pet, but actually is secondary to an exuberant immune response. The immune system is trying to keep healthy tissues away from the plaque bacterial infection and breaks down these surrounding tissues. The pet’s immune system is literally trying to exfoliate (get rid of) the tooth because it doesn’t know what to do in the absence of treatment.
Dental disease isn’t limited to the mouth. Left untreated, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys, and liver. It has been documented that the worse the periodontal disease is, the worse the negative tissue changes within these organ systems. This will do nothing but harm the pet’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Stages of Dental Disease in Pets
Understanding the stages of periodontal disease can help you spot problems early:
- Stage 1: Gingivitis – Red, swollen gums that may bleed. This stage is reversible with proper dental care. Fortunately, there has been no tissue breakdown yet in this stage, though gingivitis will still have a negative impact on other organ systems of the body.
- Stage 2: Early Periodontitis – Plaque and tartar build up, causing more inflammation. Gum tissue may begin to recede. Up to 25% of the surrounding tissues may be lost in this stage.
- Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis – Infection and inflammation spread deeper and associated pain worsens. Up to 50% of the surrounding tissues, including bone, are already lost. In some cases, these negative changes can be stopped and even reversed by a board-certified veterinary dentist.
- Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis – Severe bone loss, loose teeth, pain, and possible tooth loss have taken place with more than 50% of periodontal tissues lost. Irreversible damage has taken place and the only thing that can be done is to extract the tooth.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease
Pets don’t always show obvious signs of dental discomfort. However, here are some red flags:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or chewing on one side of the mouth
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Loose or missing teeth
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or withdrawal
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, it’s time to consult a veterinarian with experience in dentistry. We must remember that pets most often do not show outward signs of pain due to dental disease. The survival instinct to keep eating is so strong that they will continue to eat even after years of dealing with dental pain.
The Importance of a Thorough Oral Exam
A true diagnosis of dental disease in pets requires more than a quick look in the mouth. As a veterinary dentist, I rely on a comprehensive oral examination under general anesthesia, combined with full-mouth dental X-rays or a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan. In fact, most board-certified veterinary dentists now have CBCT units in their clinics. These devices are faster than dental X-rays and provide far more detail in 3D. Many of the most serious issues—such as tooth root abscesses, jawbone loss, or fractured teeth—are hidden beneath the gumline and can only be seen with imaging.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the severity and type of dental disease:
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Includes scaling above and below the gumline and polishing the teeth. This can only be done humanely and thoroughly with your pet under general anesthesia.
- Tooth Extractions: Severely damaged or infected teeth may need to be removed to prevent pain and further health issues.
- Restorative Procedures: In select cases, teeth with structural damage may be treated with advanced treatments, such as root canal therapy, crowns, and periodontal surgeries.
- Pain Management: Used post-operatively to relieve pain. It is critical that these medications be used as directed by your veterinarian, even if the pet is not acting painful. Remember, they hide their pain!
- Follow-Up Care: Routine dental checkups, professional cleanings, and home dental care are key to long-term health. In fact, the best way to slow the progression of periodontal disease is at-home tooth brushing. For this to be meaningful, it must be done every day.
Preventing Dental Disease
While treatment is effective, prevention is the gold standard:
- Daily Tooth Brushing: Still the most effective way to control plaque at home. Use pet-specific toothpaste and brushes based on the recommendations of your veterinarian.
- Dental Diets and Chews: Some specially formulated foods and chews can reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Regular Exams: Annual or semi-annual veterinary dental exams help detect problems early.
- Water Additives and Oral Rinses: These can support oral hygiene but should never replace brushing.
Why See a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist?
While general veterinarians can provide excellent dental care, board-certified veterinary dentists have undergone advanced training and testing in all aspects of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. This means your pet receives care informed by the latest research, specialized techniques, and a deeper understanding of oral pathology.
Final Thoughts
Pet dental disease is far more than a cosmetic issue—it’s a significant medical condition that can affect your pet’s comfort, organ health, and lifespan. With routine care, early intervention, and guidance from veterinary professionals, you can help ensure your pet lives a healthier, pain-free life.
If you suspect your pet has dental disease or want to establish a preventative care routine, contact us or talk to your veterinarian—and when necessary, don’t hesitate to seek out a board-certified veterinary dentist.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (08/07/2025) Image by Alexa from Pixabay
