Dental disease affects the majority of dogs over three years old and causes chronic oral pain. Prevention through regular brushing and professional cleaning is the most effective welfare intervention.
Dental disease is perhaps the most common source of chronic, hidden pain in companion dogs. Unlike acute injuries, dental pain is gradual and dogs are physiologically programmed to hide it - suppressing pain responses that might make them appear vulnerable was an evolutionary advantage. By the time owners notice a problem, the disease is often advanced and the dog has been suffering for months or years. The welfare case for prevention is compelling: daily tooth brushing is effective, inexpensive and teaches dogs to accept oral handling that also benefits other aspects of veterinary care. The industry promotion of dental chews and water additives as substitutes for brushing understates the gap between these products and actual mechanical plaque removal.