Dental disease is the most prevalent health condition in companion animals, affecting over 80% of dogs and cats over three years old. Chronic dental pain is widely underdiagnosed and undertreated, causing significant ongoing suffering.
Chronic dental pain in companion animals represents a major but largely hidden welfare problem. Animals with painful dental disease rarely show obvious pain signals, instead subtly reducing activity, eating differently, or showing personality changes owners may not associate with dental problems. The prevalence of dental disease means tens of millions of companion animals are living with ongoing oral pain without receiving treatment. Stoic pain concealment evolved in prey species to avoid showing vulnerability; this adaptive trait creates an obligation for proactive veterinary dental screening rather than relying on animal self-reporting. The welfare benefit of treating dental disease is substantial, with owners consistently reporting improved energy, appetite, and social behaviour following treatment.