The essentials
- Gum disease has four stages — Stage 1, gingivitis, is very common. Stage 4 is the most advanced where over half of a tooth’s support structure is lost.
- It’s preventable — Plaque removal and general cleaning help to prevent the spread of the bacteria that causes gum disease in dogs.
- You can treat early stages of gum disease at home — Pet parents can remove plaque from their dog’s mouth to get rid of bacteria and prevent future dental problems.
Like humans, dogs can develop tartar, plaque, and build-up on their teeth. Over time, the build-up can creep under the gums, leading to inflammation. As it progresses, it can become irreversible and painful, resulting in abscesses and tooth extraction. Regular vet visits and prevention are key to avoiding this painful and costly health issue. Here’s what dog owners need to know.
Gum disease in dogs
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is extremely common and occurs in more than 80% of dogs ages 3 years and older. Dog saliva is more alkaline , which contributes to extra plaque buildup.
Gum disease symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, tartar accumulation, and missing teeth. They may also experience a lack of appetite, irritability, or teeth chattering. Other symptoms include sneezing or nasal discharge, excessive drooling, or weight loss. Regular vet visits and preventative care can help prevent gum disease before it reaches a point where treatment becomes complex and expensive.
👉 Stop gum disease before it takes hold. Discover everything you need to know about gum disease in dogs.
How to treat the early stages of gum disease
1. Brush your dog’s teeth every day
Brush your dog’s teeth daily to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Sometimes, vets even recommend brushing your dog’s teeth twice daily. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and xylitol-free dog toothpaste.
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2. Try dental chews and treats
Dental treats and chews offer a great way to clean your dog’s teeth. Many dental chew toys have a textured surface designed to remove plaque and debris while your dog chews. We recommend looking for chews and treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. The Virbac C.E.T chews are some of our favorites because they’re plant-based and easy to digest.
👉 For more dental chew and treat options, check out our vet’s favorite dog chews.
3. Use dental water additives
Place dental water drops into your dog’s water bowl daily to prevent plaque, bacteria, and bad breath. Give your dog dental water drops after brushing, similar to human mouthwash. TropiClean Oral Care Water Additive is one of our favorites because it has the VOHC seal.
👉 Check out our list of our favorite dog dental water additives.
4. Professional dental cleaning
Dogs in stage 2 of gum disease may need professional cleanings. Your vet may order dental X-rays to get a better look after examining the mouth. X-rays help identify any areas of concern and other signs of gum disease.
During a dental cleaning, they’ll clean and polish your dog’s teeth while probing around the gum line to check the health of each tooth. Your dog undergoes professional dental cleanings while under general anesthesia to prevent distress. The average cost of dental cleanings ranges from $500 to $1,000. The costs can vary into the thousands based on the number of extractions and medications needed.
5. Later stages need help from your vet
Advanced periodontitis requires more aggressive treatment from a vet. If your dog has stage 3 or 4 gum disease, your vet may recommend periodontal therapy. Periodontal therapy removes plaque on the root surfaces through scaling and planing.
After removing the inflamed area surrounding the periodontal pocket, they may apply antibacterial gel to protect against infection. In very advanced cases of gum disease, vets perform extractions on teeth with poor prognoses. You must follow a consistent at-home regimen after each treatment.
Managing your dog’s dental health from an early age is the best way to prevent and treat gum disease in dogs. You can help slow down your dog’s early-stage gum disease with regular vet visits and preventative care.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I treat my dog’s gum disease at home?
Daily brushing removes plaque from your dog’s teeth, helping prevent tartar buildup. This is the best way to prevent and manage gum disease in dogs at home.
Can gum disease in dogs be cured?
It depends. Stage 1 gingivitis can be easily treated by removing tartar and plaque. However, more advanced gum disease requires intensive treatment, which may include surgery and tooth extraction. If left untreated, advanced gum disease can cause irreversible long-term damage to your dog’s mouth.
How long can dogs live with gum disease?
Gum disease in dogs can affect their lifespan, but they can live long lives. However, if left untreated, gum disease can cause your dog pain and other issues, like heart and kidney disease and jaw fractures, negatively impacting their quality of life.
Is gum disease painful in dogs?
Yes, especially if your dog has advanced periodontitis. They can experience chronic pain due to infection and inflammation. If left untreated, toxins can spread throughout your dog’s body, leading to heart, liver, and kidney disease.
What does dog gum disease look like?
Gum disease can look like brown or yellow-colored teeth, loose or missing teeth, or inflamed and bleeding gums.
