Dog Dental Disease Prevention and Care

Dental disease is the most common health condition in dogs, affecting over 80% of animals over three years, and causing chronic pain that is frequently unrecognised.

Key Facts

Periodontal disease affects an estimated 80% of dogs over 3 years of age
Dental disease causes chronic oral pain that dogs mask through continued eating behaviour
Untreated periodontal disease is linked to cardiac, kidney and liver disease
Daily tooth brushing reduces plaque by 70% and is the gold standard for prevention
Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is required once disease is established

Welfare Considerations

Canine dental disease causes persistent pain that significantly reduces quality of life, yet most owners are unaware their dog is suffering. Dogs rarely show obvious pain from dental disease — they continue eating despite severe periodontitis, tooth root abscesses and broken teeth. The link between dental disease and systemic organ damage makes treatment a health priority beyond oral comfort. Daily tooth brushing from puppyhood is the single most effective prevention strategy but requires early acceptance training. Veterinary dental assessment at every check-up allows early intervention.

What You Can Do

Start tooth brushing training in puppies using dog-safe toothpaste
Have teeth assessed at every veterinary visit and act on recommendations
Use dental chews or diets certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council as adjuncts
Never ignore head-shaking, pawing at the mouth or reluctance to eat — these indicate dental pain