What Are the Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs

The start of irritated gums

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, “more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years.” Gum disease, broken teeth, crooked teeth and tumors are all painful dental problems for dogs. 

These dental conditions cause dogs to struggle eating solid foods because of irritated gums and toothaches. 

If your dog drops his food while trying to eat, he might have one of the following dental problems.

It’s important for your dogs and cats to have dental exams at the vet because dental diseases can also cause organ damage due to gum infections that spread to your pet’s bloodstream. Also, try to brush your dog's teeth every day.

Periodontal Disease in Pets

A periodontal disease, known as gingivitis causes inflammation of your dog’s gums and is the most common mouth problem found in dogs. A bacterium builds up in your dog’s mouth, attacking the gum tissue. The bacterium causes plaque to form on the teeth and below the gums. 

Hardened plaque on 2-year-old bull terrier

The plaque turns into hard tartar, causing your dog’s gums to recede and exposes the nerves.  Chewing becomes very painful once your dog’s gums recede.  You can tell if your dog has periodontal disease if he has the following symptoms:

• Fishy smelling breath
• Weight loss
• Loose teeth
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth loss

Does Your Dog Have Broken Teeth?

Another common cause of pain as your dog eats is broken teeth. Dogs break teeth from gnawing on bones, especially weight bearing bones like beef marrowbones. They can also break teeth from chewing cow hooves, plastic bones and large rawhide bones. Sometimes, it’s hard to see if your dog has any fractured teeth, so pull his gums back and look all the way to the back teeth.

Broken tooth from chewing hard bones

A broken tooth exposes the pulp of your dog’s tooth, which includes the nerve endings. A fractured tooth causes extreme pain to your dog, which prevents him from being able to eat. Veterinarians repair fractured teeth by crowning the tooth or extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge.

Tumors in Your Pet’s Mouth

Dogs and cats often develop tumors in their throats and mouths. Malignant tumors form ulcerated growths, sores, and swollen gums that inhibit your dog’s ability to chew and swallow.  Many times the tumors are located both in the gums and the throat. Your dog would need oral surgery if your veterinarian finds tumor in his mouth.

Abnormal Bite Can Cause Tooth Pain in Dogs

Crooked teeth make it difficult for your dog to eat because the teeth do not line up properly.  While chewing, an abnormal bite causes the top and bottom teeth to bump against each other causing pain.  It makes eating very difficult and sometimes impossible for your dog, especially when chewing dry dog foods.

If you suspect your dog has any of these dental problems, bring him to your vet for an oral exam. Maybe all he needs is a cleaning to get him back on the right track to oral health. Even if he needs some teeth extracted because of periodontal disease, at least his pain will be gone. 

Brush your pet's teeth today!

Reference

University of California: “Veterinary Dentistry: Dental Care for Pets”

Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital: “Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service” 

Resource

Veterinary Oral Health Council: “Helping to Control the Most Common Disease in Dogs and Cats”

Colorado State University: “Dental Anatomy of Dogs”