Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see in dogs, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes advanced. Many dogs continue eating and behaving normally even while experiencing significant discomfort in their mouths.
Understanding the most common dental conditions can help you spot problems early, protect your dog from unnecessary pain, and maintain their overall health and quality of life.
Plaque is a clear biofilm that harbours bacteria on the tooth surface. Over time it hardens and turns to tartar which is often brown or yellow. This a rough surface that makes it easier for bacteria to attach and proliferate on the teeth. Brushing daily can remove plaque, but an electronic scaler is needed to remove tartar. It's important to get underneath the gum line to clear plaque there that will lead to periodontal disease (see below). In dogs and cats this can only be done safely and correctly under general anaesthesia.
Gingivitis causes gums to be red and painful. This is a result of inflammation from bacteria on the teeth and under the gum line plus the animals immune response to this bacteria. Gingivitis is the first sign the periodontitis (see below). It can affect all teeth, or just a few.
The periodontal ligament is dense fibrous connective tissue that secures the tooth to the bone.
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As plaque and tartar build up on the teeth they allow bacteria to proliferate. Bacteria can get underneath the gum line causing inflammation, pain and damage to the periodontal ligament (periodontitis). This can be identified in the conscious patient as gingivitis, gum recession, and even purulent discharge from the gum line or mobile teeth. During the dental procedure peritonitis can be diagnosed through a dental exam and identifying loss of bone around the tooth on dental x-rays.
Regular dental cleaning can halt the progression of Periodontitis.
If not addressed, the infection spreads around the tooth and deeper down the root of the teeth, eventually causing tooth loss.
Extraction of the teeth is indicated if there is more than 50% loss of the periodontal ligament, tooth mobility or pain, as sadly this condition can not be reversed.
Regular brushing and an annual dental procedure can help remove this plaque and tartar before it causes irreversible damage to the periodontal ligament.
Dogs can suffer chips and more significant fractures to their teeth from roughhousing, chewing on rocks or bones (including deer antlers), and from trauma. Fractures that expose the internal structure of the tooth where the nerve and blood supply live can cause pain, and can predispose to tooth root infections (see below)
An infection that extends to the base of the tooth root is called a tooth root abscess. This can reach the tooth root via spread along the periodontal ligament (see above), or through the middle (pulp cavity) of a fractured tooth (see above). Sometimes the only external sign can be swelling to the jaw. The only treatment for this condition is extraction of the affected tooth.
Malocclusions occur when the jaw and the teeth don't align properly. Sometimes this doesn't cause any health problems. Other times it can cause pain and even gum ulceration as a tooth rams into the gum of the opposing jaw.
Base Narrow canines are a common malocclusion where the lower jaw is both shorter and narrower than it should be. The lower canine teeth (big fang teeth) stab into the upper jaw gum, causing a pressure ulcer, rather than forming a normal scissor bite with their upper pair. Minor malocclusion in growing puppies can be treated with ball therapy (encouraging your dog to carry a small ball around regularly to push the canines laterally) and possibly removing any smaller teeth that are in the way. More severe cases should see the dental specialist for odontoplasty (cut and cap procedure) to shorten the lower canine teeth so they can no longer damage the upper gum surface. Your vet will assess your dog for malocclusions at the juvenile health check at 5 months of age.
If your pet has smelly breath, brown teeth, red gums, or seems to be chewing differently—don’t wait. Book a dental check-up today and let us help keep those pearly whites shining!
Call us on (02) 9631 9322 or
Book online to schedule your pet’s dental consultation.
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Sat: 8 am-2 pm
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