Ask most dog owners whether their dog has dental problems and the answer is usually a confident no. The dog is eating, wagging and sleeping as normal, so surely everything is fine. The trouble is that dogs are very good at carrying on through mouth pain, and dental disease is one of the most common health problems vets see. Dogs Trust points out that dogs often keep eating despite dental pain, which means the problem can be more serious than it looks.
The good news is that most of the early warning signs are visible, smellable or noticeable in your dog's behaviour, if you know what to look for. This guide covers how common dental disease is, which dogs are most at risk, how to check your dog's mouth at home, the signs that matter, from bad breath to a swollen face, what happens at the vet, and which home care actually helps.
Start with a habit that makes everything else easier. A mouth check goes much more smoothly when your dog is relaxed and occupied, and a lick mat such as The Big Spread is a handy way to make that happen, so it is worth having one ready before you start.
How common is dental disease in dogs?
Very common, although the exact figure depends on how you measure it. The most useful UK data comes from VetCompass at the Royal Veterinary College, which analysed anonymised records from a random sample of 22,333 dogs at 784 first-opinion practices. In that sample, 2,797 dogs, or 12.5 percent, were diagnosed with periodontal disease in a single year, making it the most commonly diagnosed disorder in the study, ahead of ear infections at 7.3 percent and obesity at 7.1 percent.
Other sources give much higher figures. The Royal Kennel Club says that over 80 percent of dogs have some stage of gum disease before the age of three, and a 2020 Swedish study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science cites a literature baseline of 80 to 89 percent of dogs over three. The reason for the gap is most likely that these numbers measure different things. A diagnosis recorded in a vet's notes in a given year only captures the cases that were noticed and written down, whereas studies that examine the mouth directly find disease that owners and busy consulting rooms miss. For you as an owner, the practical message is the same: if your dog is over a few years old, it is more likely than not that there is some degree of gum disease in the mouth, even if you can't see it.
The Swedish study, which surveyed owners rather than examining dogs, gives a sense of how much goes unnoticed. Of 59,978 complete responses, 47.7 percent of owners reported bad breath to some degree, 37.3 percent reported tartar, and 13.1 percent said their dog had been anaesthetised for a dental clean. Nearly a quarter of owners, 24.5 percent, said they sometimes or always had difficulty inspecting their dog's teeth, most often because the dog was uncooperative. The authors note that no dogs were examined, so owner assessments could not be verified, and that the true extent of dental disease is probably underestimated.
Why dogs hide dental pain
A person with a toothache stops eating on that side, books an appointment and tells everyone about it. Dogs do none of that. The Royal Kennel Club says dogs often hide dental pain and rarely stop eating, and PDSA makes the same point, noting that many dogs with dental problems keep eating. Dogs have little choice but to eat, and a dog that is in discomfort is more likely to adapt than to complain, by chewing on the other side, swallowing food whole, or going off hard treats rather than stopping altogether.
That is why changes tend to be subtle and why they are easy to put down to age, mood or fussiness. It also explains why regular mouth checks matter more than waiting for obvious symptoms. By the time a dog stops eating, the problem has usually been building for a long time. If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: a dog that is still eating is not necessarily a dog with a healthy mouth.
How to check your dog's mouth at home
PDSA advises checking your dog's mouth regularly, precisely because so many dogs with dental problems carry on eating. A weekly look takes a minute once your dog is used to it, and it means you will notice changes early. Choose a calm moment, perhaps after a walk, with good light, and a few small treats.
Start with the outside. Look at your dog's face from the front and both sides, because PDSA notes that a tooth root abscess can cause swelling just under the eye, and Dogs Trust lists facial swelling as a warning sign. Then lift the lips gently on each side and look at the gums and teeth. Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding are not healthy, and neither are teeth that look brown or crusty. Smell matters too, since Dogs Trust lists bad breath and excessive drooling among the warning signs, and the Royal Kennel Club calls abnormal bad breath an early warning sign.
Many dogs do not enjoy having their mouths handled, so build up to it. Blue Cross and Dogs Trust both describe a gradual approach: get your dog used to a hand near the face, then touch the lips, then lift the lip, then touch the teeth, rewarding each step and stopping while your dog is still happy. A lick mat helps because a dog that is busy licking is less likely to wriggle away, and it gives you a minute or two to look. If your dog is worried or the process is difficult, Dogs Trust suggests asking your vet or a qualified behaviourist for help, and RSPCA advises asking your vet to demonstrate technique first, since jaw alignment varies by breed. Our guide to helping a dog that is scared of the vet has more on building a calm relationship with handling.
If your dog's mouth looks sore, don't push. Blue Cross notes that brushing may hurt if the mouth is sore or inflamed, and that brushing will not remove visible tartar, so a mouth that already looks red or crusty needs a vet's eyes rather than a toothbrush.
Sign one: bad breath
Dog breath is rarely pleasant, but there is a difference between ordinary doggy breath and a smell that makes you recoil. The Royal Kennel Club describes abnormal bad breath as an early warning sign of dental problems, and Dr Jayne Laycock, a vet and the veterinary technical lead at Lintbells, writes that severe bad breath is not normal in dogs and is usually caused by harmful bacteria building up in the mouth. Dogs Trust adds that causes of bad breath range from poor dental hygiene to infection, and that many are easily resolved, which is a good reason to ask your vet rather than assume the worst or ignore it.
A useful rule of thumb is to notice change. If your dog's breath has become noticeably stronger over weeks, smells sour, rotten or metallic, or is accompanied by any of the other signs below, book a check. Do not rely on mints, chews or sprays to cover it up, since masking the smell does nothing about whatever is causing it.
Sign two: red, swollen or bleeding gums
Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, makes them red and sensitive, and PDSA says they bleed easily. Blue Cross lists red, swollen or bleeding gums among the signs of dental disease, and Dogs Trust lists red or swollen gums and blood-stained saliva. You may also notice blood on chew toys, in the water bowl or as flecks in the food bowl, which both the Royal Kennel Club and the RSPCA mention.
Catching gum inflammation early gives you and your vet the most options, which is a good reason to act on a red or bleeding gum rather than wait. In the Swedish survey, among owners who brushed their dogs' teeth, 34.7 percent reported occasional gum bleeding, a reminder that bleeding during brushing is common and worth mentioning to your vet rather than ignoring.
Sign three: tartar, plaque and discoloured teeth
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on the teeth after every meal. PDSA and Blue Cross both explain that if it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which damages the teeth and inflames the gums, and Blue Cross notes that the resulting inflammation and tenderness can make eating painful. Dogs Trust lists discoloured teeth, plaque or tartar as a warning sign, and in the Swedish survey 37.3 percent of owners reported some tartar on their dog's teeth.
Look for yellow or brown crusting where the teeth meet the gums, and check the back teeth as well as the front ones. The RSPCA also lists teeth that become discoloured, die and fall out as a warning sign. Remember that what you can see is only part of the picture, because most periodontal disease happens below the gumline where you cannot see it, which is why a vet's examination matters.
Sign four: changes in eating and chewing
Because dogs keep eating, the clues are often in how they eat. Dogs Trust lists changes in eating, such as preferring soft food, as a warning sign. The Lintbells article describes chewing on one side, dropping food, swallowing food whole and losing interest in hard food or treats, and the Royal Kennel Club mentions difficulty picking up food and strange noises when eating. The RSPCA lists refusing food and difficulty eating.
Any of these deserves a vet check, particularly if it is a change from your dog's usual pattern. In the meantime, a softer meal can make life easier for a dog with a sore mouth, and a lick mat is a good way to serve it. The Big Spread has a removable bowl for wet food and a honeycomb zone for spreadable food, and it is dishwasher safe. It is a way to make mealtimes more comfortable, not a treatment, and the underlying cause still needs a vet.
Sign five: drooling and blood-stained saliva
Some breeds drool as a matter of course, so the sign to look for is a change. Excess saliva can be linked to gum problems, according to the Lintbells article, though it can also have other causes, and Dogs Trust lists excessive drooling or blood-stained saliva among its warning signs. The Royal Kennel Club mentions dribbling and blood in the saliva, and the RSPCA says to see a vet immediately if a dog with a suspected fractured tooth has bloody saliva, whimpers when chewing, paws at its mouth or refuses food.
Look at where the dog has been lying. Pink or red staining on bedding, around the mouth, or on a favourite toy is worth noting, as is a wet chin or wet patches on the floor.
Sign six: pawing at the face, head shaking and avoiding touch
Dogs who are uncomfortable often try to deal with the problem themselves. Blue Cross lists pawing at the face or mouth, Dogs Trust lists pawing at the mouth or face, and the Royal Kennel Club mentions pawing at the mouth or face. The Lintbells article adds becoming reluctant to have the face touched, lip smacking or licking, head shaking, ear scratching, crying during yawns and neglecting grooming.
Some of these overlap with other problems, such as ear infections, so do not assume a cause. A dog who flinches when you touch one side of the face, who suddenly dislikes a stroke they used to love, or who turns their head away from a chew they once enjoyed is telling you something, and the sensible response is to arrange a check. Our guide to the signs of a truly relaxed dog is a good reference for what normal looks like, which makes departures from it easier to spot.
Sign seven: facial swelling
This is the one to treat as urgent. A tooth root abscess can cause swelling of the face, typically just under the eye, as PDSA describes, and Dogs Trust lists facial swelling among its warning signs. A swollen face usually means infection around a tooth root, and it is painful. Your dog may also be off their food or quieter than usual.
Do not wait to see whether it settles. Phone your vet the same day, and mention any change in eating or temperament. Vets can treat the cause, which commonly means removing the affected tooth, and can provide pain relief and, where infection is present, antibiotics, though PDSA notes antibiotics are not always needed.
Sign eight: broken, loose or missing teeth
Cracked and broken teeth are often very painful, according to PDSA, which advises seeing a vet right away after any broken or cracked tooth. Dogs Trust lists fractured, loose or missing teeth as warning signs, and Blue Cross lists missing teeth. The RSPCA says fractured teeth are often caused by chewing large, solid items such as bones or stones, and PDSA notes that bones can cause slab fractures, where a large piece of the tooth splits off.
A broken tooth can leave the inside of the tooth exposed, and the RSPCA lists exposed or painful tooth roots among the warning signs. Some dogs do show it, whimpering when chewing or dropping food, while others go quiet. If you find a broken tooth, or a loose one, avoid trying to deal with it at home. Our guide to soft toys versus hard toys for dogs covers how to choose toys that give your dog something to chew without risking their teeth.
Behaviour and mood changes: the quiet signs
Sometimes the only clue is that your dog seems a bit off. The Lintbells article lists lethargy and uncharacteristic hiding as non-specific signs that can have many causes and so need a vet to assess them, and notes that dogs may show no obvious signs at all, especially if the problem has been present for a long time. That is why a dog who is quieter, more irritable, less keen on play, or who withdraws to a corner is worth a thorough check, with the mouth as one of the places to look.
Dogs in pain also look for somewhere quiet to settle. A comfortable, calm place to rest will not fix a dental problem, but it does make a sore dog more comfortable while you arrange a vet visit, and it is a sensible thing to have in place for recovery afterwards. A calming, washable bed such as The Big Snooze Anti-Anxiety Bed gives a dog a secure spot to retreat to, and its washable cover is easy to keep clean. If you have noticed your dog becoming less active generally, our guide to how dogs change as they get older explains how to tell age-related changes from signs that something is hurting.
Which dogs are most at risk?
Any dog can develop dental disease, but some are more likely to than others. The VetCompass study at the Royal Veterinary College found striking differences by breed, with the highest proportions affected in greyhounds at 32.21 percent, King Charles spaniels at 30.14 percent, toy poodles at 25.97 percent, Cavalier King Charles spaniels at 25.29 percent, Yorkshire terriers at 22.22 percent and Border terriers at 22.09 percent. Dogs aged 8 or over were more than three times as likely to be affected as dogs aged 2 to 4, and dogs under 15kg were around 2.5 times as likely to be affected as dogs weighing 30 to 40kg.
PDSA adds that flat-faced breeds and those with cramped or narrow mouths, such as Yorkshire terriers, pugs, bulldogs and Shih Tzus, are more prone, and the RSPCA mentions flat-faced breeds such as pugs. PDSA also lists lack of tooth brushing as the main cause, plus age, poor diet and retained baby teeth, which can crowd the mouth. Baby teeth normally start falling out at around four months, so if you have a young dog with two teeth where there should be one, mention it at your next check.
The VetCompass study found that insured dogs were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed than uninsured dogs, which its authors suggest reflects better detection and care rather than higher risk. That is a useful reminder that a diagnosis depends partly on whether anyone looks. If your dog is a small breed, older, or flat-faced, it is worth being particularly alert, and our guide to the best dog toys for small breeds covers choices that suit smaller mouths.
Daily care: brushing and what the vets say
The advice from every UK source is consistent: brushing is the best thing you can do. PDSA calls daily brushing the best prevention, Blue Cross says daily brushing is the most effective method, and Dogs Trust recommends brushing daily if you can, starting in puppyhood if possible but using a gradual, positive approach at any age. Use a dog toothbrush, a finger brush or a rubber thimble, and a toothpaste made for dogs. Blue Cross is firm that you should not use human toothpaste as it contains chemicals that can be toxic to dogs, and Dogs Trust agrees, adding that enzymatic dog toothpaste helps break down plaque and reduce bad breath.
The steps are slow and rewarding. Blue Cross suggests stroking the cheek, letting your dog lick toothpaste from your finger, rubbing a finger along the gumline, introducing the brush, and then brushing the front teeth and canines with small circular motions before moving to the back teeth, pausing often. Keep sessions short and positive, and stop while your dog is still happy. Training takes a few weeks, and older dogs may need longer. Be realistic about what brushing can do: it helps prevent plaque from building up, but as Blue Cross says, it will not remove tartar that is already there.
If daily brushing isn't realistic, do not give up. In the Swedish study's companion work, cited by the authors, almost a third of owners brushed less than once a week, and the authors linked infrequent brushing to persistent gingivitis. Any brushing is better than none, but the more regularly it happens, the better, so aim for a routine you can keep, such as after the evening walk.
Chews, diets and toys: what helps and what harms
The pet shop shelves are full of products promising cleaner teeth, and it can be hard to know what works. The Veterinary Oral Health Council, a body of veterinary dentists and dental scientists, awards a Seal of Acceptance to products that have shown they help slow plaque or tartar buildup, and it says regular use of seal-awarded products will reduce the severity of periodontal disease. It does not test products itself, but reviews data submitted by manufacturers, and it describes daily brushing as the gold standard, with daily chewing also helping. The council also warns that choosing a product sized for your dog's weight and supervising chewing can reduce the risk of obstruction from dental chews. If a product claims to help teeth, check whether it carries the seal.
Blue Cross notes that foods, chews, treatments and mouthwashes that claim to reduce plaque may help somewhat, but daily brushing is the most effective method. Choose a chew suited to your dog's size, because small chews can cause choking and hard chews can fracture or wear teeth, and remember that many chews are high in calories, so cut back on regular food. The RSPCA says raw meaty bones can clean teeth but may fracture teeth in dogs that eat energetically, and that cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage, so ask your vet before feeding bones and supervise at all times. PDSA says dry biscuits may help slightly but do not replace brushing.
It follows that the hardest chew is not the best chew. Antlers, large bones and rock-hard nylon are tempting for dogs who love to chew, but they carry a real risk of cracked teeth. For dogs who need an outlet for carrying and mouthing, a soft toy is a gentler choice, though it will not do anything for plaque. A plush toy such as The Big Peck suits dogs who like to carry, shake and cuddle a toy, and should be supervised like any soft toy. Our guides to whether rope toys are safe for dogs and the best toys for dogs that chew everything cover the options in more detail.
What happens at the vet
If you suspect a dental problem, book a check rather than waiting. PDSA recommends annual vet dental check-ups, which can be done at the yearly vaccination or booster, while the Royal Kennel Club suggests having your dog checked by a vet at least twice a year, so ask your own vet what they advise for your dog. Vets can examine the mouth properly, which is difficult for anyone else to do.
Treatment depends on what is found. According to PDSA, it can range from a simple scale and polish to removing teeth, and it needs a general anaesthetic. The RSPCA adds that X-rays may be taken, that mild cases may be scaled and polished, that fractured or loose teeth may need to be taken out, and that anti-inflammatories and antibiotics are often needed after surgery, followed by ongoing dental care. The Royal Kennel Club explains that dental examinations are done under general anaesthetic so every tooth can be examined, probed and X-rayed if needed.
That raises an obvious question about teeth cleaning without anaesthetic, which some groomers and pet shops offer. The RCVS Standards Committee considers anaesthesia-free dental procedures for cats and dogs not in the best interests of the health and welfare of patients. Its reasons include that a full examination is not possible while the animal is awake, that the periodontal pockets below the gumline cannot be properly treated, that the procedure can cause discomfort or distress, and that removing visible tartar improves appearance without addressing the disease and can delay proper treatment. The American Veterinary Dental College takes the same view, calling the effect purely cosmetic. Anaesthesia is never completely risk-free, as the AVDC acknowledges, which is why your vet will assess your dog's general health first, but veterinary hospitals work to minimise the risks.
Many dogs find vet visits stressful, and a dog in dental pain may be even more reluctant to be examined. Some owners use a snug, calming layer for the journey and the waiting room, and The Big Calm is designed for vet visits and car journeys, using gentle pressure and a soft hood to dull noise, though it is a comfort aid and not a treatment and should be introduced at home first. It will not make a painful mouth easier to examine, so tell your vet in advance if your dog is anxious. It is also worth knowing that the Royal Kennel Club warns many pet insurance policies do not cover dental work, and PDSA advises speaking to your vet about alternatives if you cannot afford the recommended treatment.
Looking after your dog after dental treatment
After an anaesthetic and possibly extractions, your dog will need peace, warmth and careful feeding, and your vet will give you instructions to follow. Expect pain relief and sometimes antibiotics, as the RSPCA describes, and ongoing dental care afterwards. Your vet will tell you how and when to feed, which may include softer food at first, and when to expect your dog to return to normal.
A quiet, comfortable place to recover makes a real difference, away from boisterous children and other pets. A well-padded orthopaedic bed such as The Big Snooze Pro gives a recovering dog a warm, supportive spot to sleep off the anaesthetic, and the washable cover is handy if there is any drooling or blood-tinged saliva in the first few days. Keep the first walks gentle, follow the instructions on feeding and medication, and arrange a follow-up if your vet suggests one.
When to see a vet urgently
Most dental signs can wait for a prompt appointment, but some cannot. PDSA says to contact a vet urgently if your dog cannot close its mouth or is too painful to eat, and right away after any broken or cracked tooth. The RSPCA says to see a vet immediately if a dog whimpers when chewing, paws at its mouth, has bloody saliva or refuses food, and a swollen face needs same-day advice. If you are unsure, phone your vet and describe what you are seeing. They would much rather hear about a mouth problem early than late.
Putting it all together
Spotting dental problems early comes down to a few habits. Look in your dog's mouth every week, and smell their breath as part of the routine. Watch how they eat, and take changes seriously, even if they are still clearing the bowl. Know the red flags, from bleeding gums and tartar to pawing at the face, drooling, broken teeth and a swollen cheek. Brush as often as you can with dog toothpaste, choose chews that are sized sensibly and not rock hard, and book regular vet checks. And when treatment is needed, give your dog a calm, comfortable place to recover and let them take it easy. A healthy mouth is one of the simplest ways to keep your dog comfortable, happy and eating well for years to come.
Q: My dog eats normally. Can they still have dental disease?
A: Yes. Dogs Trust, the Royal Kennel Club and PDSA all point out that dogs often keep eating despite dental pain, so normal appetite is not reassurance. Disease also develops below the gumline, where you cannot see it. The Swedish survey, which relied on owner reports, noted that the real extent of dental disease is probably underestimated. Check the mouth regularly, notice breath, gums and tartar, and ask your vet to look at the teeth at each routine appointment.
Q: Is bad breath always a dental problem?
A: Not always. Dogs Trust says the causes of bad breath range from poor dental hygiene to infection, and many are easily resolved. Dental disease is a common cause, and the Royal Kennel Club calls abnormal bad breath an early warning sign, but a sudden or severe change in breath is worth a vet visit whatever the cause. Do not mask it with sprays or treats, and do not assume it is simply normal for your dog.
Q: Can I have my dog's teeth cleaned without anaesthetic?
A: The RCVS and the American Veterinary Dental College both advise against it. Without anaesthetic, the teeth cannot be properly cleaned below the gumline, where periodontal disease is active, a full examination cannot be done, and the dog may be distressed or injured by movement. The AVDC describes the effect of removing visible tartar as purely cosmetic. In the UK, the RCVS also says that sub-gingival scaling and instrument-based extraction are acts of veterinary surgery that only a vet may legally perform. Anaesthesia is never entirely risk-free, so ask your vet what pre-anaesthetic checks they do for your dog.
Q: Do dental chews actually work?
A: Some do, but the evidence varies from product to product. The Veterinary Oral Health Council gives its Seal of Acceptance to products that have shown they help reduce plaque or tartar, and says daily brushing is the gold standard, with daily chewing also helping. Blue Cross says chews and diets that claim to reduce plaque may help somewhat but that brushing is the most effective method. Choose a size suited to your dog, supervise, and avoid very hard chews, as Blue Cross and the RSPCA both warn they can fracture teeth. Look for the VOHC seal and ask your vet which products suit your dog.
Q: My dog hates having their mouth touched. How can I still check for problems?
A: Go slowly and let your dog set the pace. Blue Cross and Dogs Trust both describe a stepwise approach, starting with a hand near the face and stroking the cheek, then touching the lips, then lifting them, rewarding every step and stopping while your dog is still happy. A lick mat can keep a dog occupied during short checks. If your dog resists strongly, flinches, or objects to one side of the face in particular, that may itself be a sign of pain, so ask your vet to examine them, and speak to a qualified behaviourist if worry is the main barrier.
— Joseph, The Big Pet Shop, Bacup, Lancashire 🐾