This can happen for a variety of reasons. Some are unavoidable, such as a pet’s advanced age or genetic predispositions. Others are due to factors like poor dental hygiene or a harmful diet.
Either way, dog dental disease and cat dental disease are serious conditions that can cause serious pain. If left untreated, infection can spread throughout your pet’s body, damaging their heart, liver and kidneys.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to identify the top six signs of dental disease in pets and why regular dental check-ups at the vet are a must.
| Is your pet suffering from tooth or gum disease? Sydney Animal Hospitals offers expert pet dental care to help your furry friend get their happy, healthy smile back. |
1. Loose or Fractured Teeth
One of the most obvious signs of pet dental disease (also known as periodontal disease) is tooth loss or damage.
Healthy teeth should be strong and intact. If your pet’s teeth are becoming wobbly, cracked, or chipped—without any recent history of trauma, such as a fight, fall, or accident—dental decay or disease is likely the cause.
It weakens the structures supporting the affected teeth, leading to looseness and eventual tooth loss.
If your pet’s teeth are deteriorating, make sure they don’t take on any chew toys or hard food, like bones. This will put them at risk of breaking their already vulnerable teeth.
2. Bad Breath
It’s normal for pets to have some odour on their breath (especially if they are eating pungent food). However, persistently bad breath is often a symptom of dental disease in dogs and cats.
Halitosis (also known as chronic bad breath) is described as foul or rotten-smelling. It is usually caused by bacteria buildup. As the bacteria spread and thrive, they release unpleasant-smelling compounds, leading to bad breath.
In more severe cases, bad breath can also indicate gum infections, abscessed teeth, or even underlying health issues like kidney disease or diabetes.
3. Inflamed or Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums should be firm and pink, without signs of redness or swelling. If your pet’s gums appear inflamed or bleed easily—especially when eating or chewing—it could be a sign of gingivitis. This is the early stage of dental disease.
Gingivitis is a build-up along the gum line, leading to irritation, infection and inflammation of the gums. Without medical intervention, it can progress to more severe disease and damage the tissues and bones supporting the teeth.
Bleeding gums are not normal and should never be ignored.
4. Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
A build-up of plaque and tartar is among the most common signs of dental disease in cats and dogs.
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating. If not removed through regular brushing or chewing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). This appears as yellow or brown deposits along the gumline.
Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque and can trap bacteria against the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and infection.
5. Jaw Pain
Dental disease in animals can cause significant discomfort, notably jaw pain.
Although pets cannot tell us when they are experiencing oral pain, they can give us clear signs. They might start pawing at the mouth, rubbing their face against furniture or the floor, or become sensitive to touch around their jaw and muzzle. They may also yawn less frequently or avoid eating dry food and treats.
Jaw pain is often caused by advanced periodontal disease, affecting the tissues and bones supporting the teeth. In severe cases, it can weaken the jawbone, increasing the risk of fractures in small dog breeds prone to dental issues.
6. Difficulty Chewing
If your pet is struggling to eat, it could be a warning that dental disease is developing.
Pets with oral issues often avoid eating hard foods or chew slowly or on just one side of their mouth. They are also known to drool excessively, drop food from their mouth, and whimper or back away from their food bowl.
Some may even show reluctance to eat despite being hungry, leading to weight loss over time.
Having trouble chewing is often caused by issues such as loose or broken teeth, swollen gums, or severe tartar buildup, all of which can make eating uncomfortable.
Get Trusted Dental Care for Pets at Sydney Animal Hospitals
When it comes to getting good pet dental care, you can’t go past the professionals.
Although we want you to take preventative action, such as brushing and cleaning your pet’s teeth, giving them dental chews and feeding them a healthy diet, dental disease can’t be cured at home.
At Sydney Animal Hospitals, our veterinary team provides comprehensive dental care for dogs and dental care for cats to help prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health issues. From professional cleanings and exams to extractions and advanced treatments, we are committed to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums in optimal condition.
Don’t let your pet suffer mouth pain in silence. Book an appointment at your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals vet clinic today to get them assessed and treated as soon as possible.
