Dental disease affects the majority of dogs over three years old and is a leading cause of chronic pain — yet remains undertreated in most companion dog populations.
Canine dental disease causes chronic pain that is rarely overtly displayed. Dogs continue to eat with painful mouths — often relying on one side — and owners interpret continued eating as evidence of dental health. Annual professional dental examination and proactive cleaning prevent the accumulation of disease that causes tooth loss and systemic illness. Home prevention through toothbrushing, dental chews, and water additives reduces the frequency of professional intervention needed. The welfare impact of treating established dental disease is immediate — owners commonly report that previously quiet dogs become playful and active again after dental treatment, revealing the chronic pain that preceded it.