Dental disease is the most common health condition in dogs but is frequently overlooked by owners and under-prioritised in routine veterinary care.
Dogs with advanced dental disease experience chronic oral pain that affects their ability to eat, play, and maintain normal social behaviour. The pain is often invisible to owners as dogs continue to eat despite significant discomfort. Regular veterinary dental examination, annual professional scaling under anaesthetic when indicated, and owner-implemented preventive care can maintain oral health and prevent the chronic pain of untreated periodontal disease.