Dental disease can be uncomfortable long before a pet stops eating or a tooth looks obviously damaged. It usually starts when plaque, a soft film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and around the gumline. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar and contribute to gum inflammation and damage to the tissues supporting the teeth. Pets can be very good at hiding discomfort, so noticing small changes early is important.
Signs your pet’s mouth needs attention
Persistent bad breath is a common reason to look more closely, but it is not the only sign. Red, swollen or bleeding gums, yellow-brown tartar, excess drooling, loose or broken teeth, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the face, reduced appetite or facial swelling all justify a veterinary examination.
A pet may still eat, greet the family and appear fairly normal despite oral pain. Changes in behaviour can also be clues: your pet may become reluctant to have their head touched, quieter, or less keen to play. Take care when looking at a sore mouth, as even a normally gentle pet may react to pain.
The most useful prevention at home
Brushing is the most effective home measure for reducing plaque between veterinary dental visits. Daily brushing is ideal; a regular routine that your pet accepts is a worthwhile start. Use a soft brush and toothpaste made for pets, never human toothpaste. Introduce the routine gradually, keep sessions brief and reward calm cooperation.
Dental chews, dental diets and water additives may help reduce plaque for some pets, but they are additions to—not replacements for—brushing. Ask your veterinarian which products suit your pet’s age, diet, chewing habits and oral health. If the gums are painful or bleeding, or there is heavy tartar, arrange an examination rather than trying to brush through discomfort.
When professional dental care may be needed
A veterinary examination can identify visible concerns and help decide what happens next. Much dental disease can be below the gumline, where it cannot be fully assessed or cleaned in an awake pet. A comprehensive veterinary dental procedure may include an oral examination, dental radiographs, cleaning below the gumline, scaling and polishing; any treatment is tailored to the findings and your pet.
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing is routinely performed, with exceptions assessed by the veterinarian. Your veterinary team will discuss the assessment, any proposed procedure and individual preparation instructions with you. At Vets of Geelong, professional dental assessment and treatment is available when a veterinarian recommends it.
Common questions
Can a chew remove established tartar? Chews can support plaque control, but they do not replace brushing or treatment of disease below the gumline.
Is bad breath just part of getting older? No. New or persistent bad breath is worth raising with your veterinarian, especially with gum changes, drooling or altered eating. Dental disease is a common cause, but oral, dietary or other underlying health concerns may also need consideration.
When should I seek help? Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet has concerning oral bleeding, facial swelling, cannot eat or drink, or seems significantly painful. Breathing difficulty or collapse is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Other ongoing changes should be assessed rather than ignored.
If you are concerned about your dog or cat’s mouth, book a veterinary examination. For practical dog-brushing tips, see How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?.