The essentials
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums — It’s the earliest stage of dental disease and pet parents should learn to prevent, detect, and treat it.
- Bacteria is the main cause of gingivitis — Poor dental hygiene in dogs causes a buildup of plaque, a sticky film composed of bacteria.
- Redness and swelling along the gum line are a common sign — Pet parents should also look out for bad breath, dropping food, or a loss of appetite in their dog.
Periodontal disease, which includes both gingivitis and periodontitis (progressive inflammation and destruction of the oral tissues), can easily go unnoticed in our pets as symptoms don’t show up until it’s more advanced. But, it’s actually one of the most common diseases in dogs around the world, with as many as 80% of dogs over the age of three affected. Thankfully, there are steps you can take with your vet to r treat these conditions and help your pup get back to optimal dental health
What causes gingivitis in dogs?
Gingivitis is the earliest (and only reversible) stage of periodontal disease. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque — a film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth. Over time, this bacteria begins to mineralize into rough, calcified deposits known as tartar, releasing toxins into the space between the teeth and gums (gingival sulcus) that triggers redness, swelling, and inflammation. This officially begins the progression to periodontal disease.
Some factors may put your dog at a higher risk for developing gingivitis:
Crowded teeth
Especially true in miniature and toy breeds, this problem can contribute to gingivitis. The teeth often grow in crooked or overlap one another which can allow more plaque to settle between them. Small dogs are also prone to retained deciduous (baby) teeth.
Autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease causes the body to attack itself in some way. Stomatitis is a rare but serious autoimmune condition in dogs (and cats) that causes the gums to have an extreme reaction to plaque. It’s most common in Greyhounds but has also been seen in Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador Retrievers, and others. The gums become inflamed and sore and begin pulling away from the teeth allowing more bacteria to build up in the newly created space.
This vicious cycle required vet intervention, usually in the form of steroids. Some pets end up needing all their teeth removed to prevent the reaction.
Breed predisposition
Unfortunately, some breeds just have it worse. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) conducted a study in 2021 and revealed certain breeds were particularly prone to dental disease. The breeds with the worst odds included Toy Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Face shape
Many people love “smush face” (brachycephalic) breeds like English bulldogs and pugs, but the face and mouth shape of these dogs puts them at high risk for dental problems. They often suffer from conditions such as over- or underbites, crowded teeth, retained deciduous teeth, and cleft palate.
Age
Just like everything else, your dog’s mouth ages. But age itself doesn’t cause gum disease. Older dogs have likely accumulated more plaque and dental calculus (the hard, calcified deposits on the surface of the teeth when plaque is not removed). Without regular dental care at home and frequent dental cleanings with the vet, gum disease progresses. This can result in losing teeth, painful dental abscesses, broken teeth, and even damage to the jaw bones.
Poor diet
Contrary to popular belief, feeding a dry kibble doesn’t help clean your dog’s teeth. While wet food sticks to your dog’s teeth easier, both dry and wet foods containing starchy carbohydrates like potatoes and rice which aren’t good for their teeth. AHAA recommends feeding healthy, crunchy, edible snacks like carrots, green beans, or apple slices. You can also consider feeding quality dental chews or a dental diet.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVMThere are special diets available for dogs to help reduce dental disease. They are usually made up of specially designed and shaped kibble that are textured to scrub the teeth when a dog bites into it. One example of such a diet is Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care. In general, poor-quality food whether wet or dry can contribute to worsening dental disease due to increased chances of leftover residue on teeth after eating.
Lack of at-home dental care
Good dental hygiene is essential to preventing and treating periodontal disease. Because plaque begins to harden into calculus within 24 hours, vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth every day to maintain good dental health.
Signs of canine gingivitis
Pet owners should check their dog’s teeth and gums regularly for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. It’s important to remember that by the time you notice symptoms, gingivitis is already in more advanced stages. That’s where prevention and regular exams come in. You can start training your dog for mouth exams even as a puppy. You’ll want to look at all the teeth, gums, and the tongue. If you see red, swollen, or bleeding gums — it’s time to see the vet. Other signs to watch for include:
- Bad breath (also called halitosis). Many people think dogs just have bad breath, but a healthy mouth shouldn’t smell. If your dog’s kisses leave you ready to vomit, take them to the vet. Halitosis can also be a sign of underlying diseases such as kidney failure.
- Changes in eating habits. If your dog drops food, refuses hard food or treats, eats very slowly, or stops eating, it can mean they’re experiencing mouth pain from gingivitis.
- Pawing at the mouth. Many dogs experiencing pain from gingivitis or more advanced gum disease paw at their mouths or rub their face against objects (carpet, couch, hands, etc.)
- Drooling. Some dogs drool no matter what, but if your pup starts drooling excessively or foaming at the mouth it can be a sign of pain.
- Tartar buildup. If you see a hard, off-white substance on your dog’s teeth, it’s usually dental calculus (tartar). More common on the back molars and canine teeth, bacteria continue to thrive under this layer, causing more damage.
- Pus. If there’s pus around your dog’s teeth or coming from the gums, they likely have advanced gum disease. This is cause to go to the vet ASAP!
- Receding gums. When the gums stay inflamed, they begin to pull away from the teeth. In turn, more of the tooth becomes exposed and infection can move into the roots.
Image courtesy of Uwe Gille (CC BY-SA 3.0)
How do vets diagnose gingivitis in dogs?
Gingivitis in dogs can progress quickly to periodontitis and cause severe damage to the teeth and jaw, so fast intervention is key. Your vet can give a preliminary diagnosis of the stage (or grade) of your dog’s gum disease through a visual examination.
When diagnosing periodontal disease, vets use four grades. Learning about these stages can help pet owners have a better understanding of their vet’s assessment. For a puppy, your vet may enter a grade 0, since they don’t usually have signs of gum disease yet.
Here’s an overview of the grades of periodontal disease in dogs:
- Grade 1, gingivitis. In this first stage, plaque builds up on the teeth and gums, causing inflammation and redness. Signs include bad breath, swollen gums, and minor bleeding.
- Grade 2, early periodontitis. If untreated, gingivitis becomes early periodontitis. Inflammation spreads under the gum line, forming pockets that trap bacteria and food. Symptoms include increased redness, swelling, and mouth sensitivity. According to Dr. Cahn, dogs with grade 2 periodontitis generally experience mild bone loss (less than 25%).
- Grade 3, moderate periodontitis. This stage involves deeper infection and damage to tissues supporting the teeth. Pockets deepen, causing loose teeth and potentially, tooth root abscesses. Signs include bad breath, bleeding gums, and reluctance to eat or play.
- Grade 4, advanced periodontitis. The final stage involves severe tissue and bone destruction resulting in tooth loss. Symptoms include chronic pain, difficulty eating, and weight loss. Over time, poor oral health in a dog can lead to kidney disease, heart disease, and liver issues.
How do vets treat gingivitis in dogs?
Unfortunately, a quick look-see doesn’t always show the vet the extent of your dog’s periodontal disease. More advanced diagnostics such as dental x-rays and tooth probing help them determine if there’s any damage to the roots of the teeth or your pet’s jaw bones. However, these methods require general anesthesia and usually happen during the same visit as a teeth cleaning procedure (now formally called a COHAT.
A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) is usually recommended at least annually for adult dogs. Higher-risk dogs may need a COHAT every six months. This procedure involves general anesthesia, advanced diagnostics, scaling (removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and just below the gum line), and polishing (smoothing and shining of the teeth after scaling). Having blood work done prior to anesthesia is a good idea to help identify any underlying health issues.
Some vets apply a long-lasting barrier to the teeth (such as Oravet Barrier Sealant) to help prevent plaque from sticking to them. This is similar to the fluoride treatment humans get after a dental cleaning.
Non-anesthetic dental (NAD) cleanings are not recommended
A NAD cleaning occurs while the pet is awake. It generally includes scaling and polishing only the outside, visible edge of the teeth. This type of cleaning is very stressful and isn’t thorough. Vets need to clean under the gum line, on the crowns of the teeth, and on all sides of the teeth.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), “Clients should be informed that groomers and others should never be allowed to scale a pet’s teeth. Scaling of teeth must always be accompanied by polishing and must only be done by trained veterinary personnel operating in a clinical setting with an anesthetized animal.”
Not to mention, electronic scaling (performed with a scaling machine that vibrates at high frequency) causes bacteria to become airborne. The bacteria instantly becomes a hazard to the sensitive airways of both your pet and the person doing the cleaning.
What can pet owners do to help prevent canine gingivitis?
At-home care is essential in preventing gingivitis. The best way is to brush your dog’s teeth. In an ideal world, you’d brush your dog’s teeth after every meal. We all know that’s pretty unlikely to happen with everything else going on in our lives. So, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) recommends brushing at least once daily and brushing at least 2–3 times a week is better than not at all.
🚨 Always use a toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste often contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs, namely xylitol.
Check the VOHC list of approved products for toothpaste, dental chews, food/water additives, and dental diets that may suit your needs. Many vets recommend keeping up with at least two at-home teeth cleaning products for the best results.
Remember, at-home care isn’t going to replace a COHAT and even if you do everything perfectly, chances are your dog will eventually need one. Do the best you can and lean on your vet’s advice about when it’s time for a professional cleaning.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you treat gingivitis in dogs at home?
Most vets and the Veterinary Oral Health Council recommend brushing your dog’s teeth with dog-safe toothpaste at least once a day. You can also check out the VOHC list of approved dental products to help find something that works for you and your dog.
How do I know if my dog has gingivitis?
There are many signs to help you determine if your dog has gingivitis, including redness along the gum line, swollen gums, bad breath, and loss of appetite.
Is gingivitis fatal in dogs?
No. While gingivitis can progress into severe periodontal disease, you can take steps to prevent it from getting worse. At-home care such as brushing can help a lot. If your vet recommends a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT, aka dental cleaning), follow their advice as soon as you can.
What happens if you don’t treat gingivitis in dogs?
Left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis. As periodontal disease worsens, your dog can experience significant discomfort and even begin losing their teeth.
