Dental and oral disease is the most common health problem in adult dogs, affecting the majority of dogs over three years old to some degree. Despite this prevalence, dental welfare in companion dogs remains under-managed, with many dogs living with chronic dental pain that significantly impacts their quality of life.
Periodontal disease affects an estimated 80% of dogs over three years old. Dental disease causes genuine pain and suffering, yet because dogs rarely show obvious signs of oral pain (an evolutionary adaptation to conceal weakness), owners commonly fail to recognise that their dog is uncomfortable. The welfare impact of chronic dental pain—affecting eating, behaviour, social interaction, and overall wellbeing—is significant and often unrecognised until disease is advanced.
Periodontal disease progresses through defined stages. Plaque (bacterial biofilm) accumulates on tooth surfaces within 24 hours of cleaning. Mineralised plaque becomes calculus (tartar) within days. Stage 1 (gingivitis): inflammation limited to gum tissue—reversible with treatment. Stage 2: early periodontal disease with ≤25% attachment loss. Stage 3: moderate disease with 25-50% attachment loss and bone loss visible on radiography. Stage 4: advanced disease with >50% attachment loss, deep pockets, tooth mobility, and potential systemic effects (kidney, heart valve bacterial colonisation).
Dogs rarely refuse food despite severe dental pain. Signs that may indicate oral discomfort include: preference for soft food, chewing on one side, dropping food, reluctance to play with toys, pawing at the mouth, increased salivation or blood-tinged saliva, facial swelling, and changes in behaviour (increased grumpiness or withdrawal). Many of these signs are subtle and attributed to 'ageing' by owners. Routine examination during veterinary visits is essential for dental welfare monitoring.
Daily tooth brushing using pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste—toxic to dogs) is the gold standard for plaque control. Brushing frequency directly affects plaque accumulation rates—daily brushing removes most plaque before calculus forms. Other complementary approaches include: dental chews and diets (VOHC-approved products have evidence for plaque/calculus reduction), water additives, and dental toys. Starting dental care routines in puppyhood using force-free, reward-based desensitisation improves compliance throughout the dog's life.
Professional dental examination and treatment requires general anaesthesia—dental radiographs, periodontal probing, ultrasonic scaling, and extraction of non-viable teeth cannot be performed safely or humanely in a conscious dog. Anaesthesia-free dental 'cleaning' (AFDC) removes visible calculus but does not treat the subgingival disease that causes welfare compromise. The British Veterinary Dental Association and BSAVA consider AFDC unacceptable as a welfare intervention. Post-operative pain management following extractions is essential.
Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus) are at particularly high risk of dental disease due to teeth crowding in a shortened jaw. Toy breeds also show early and severe periodontal disease. Owners of at-risk breeds should begin home dental care from puppyhood and have professional dental assessment from an early age. Genetic selection against extreme brachycephaly is a long-term welfare measure that would reduce dental disease burden alongside other breathing problems.