5 Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup
Learn the warning signs of dental disease in dogs and cats. Discover when to seek veterinary dental care and how to protect your pet's oral health.
5 Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup
Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs and cats, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Learning to recognize the warning signs can help you get your pet the care they need before small problems become big ones.
Why Dental Health Matters
Poor dental health doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth—it can impact their entire body:
- Pain and discomfort affecting quality of life
- Difficulty eating leading to weight loss and malnutrition
- Bacterial spread to heart, liver, and kidneys
- Jaw fractures in severe cases of bone loss
With 80% of dogs and 70% of cats showing dental disease signs by age three, chances are your pet may already be affected.
Sign #1: Bad Breath (Halitosis)
What to Look For
While pet breath is never minty fresh, there’s a difference between normal pet breath and the foul odor caused by dental disease.
Warning signs:
- Persistently bad breath that doesn’t improve
- Breath that smells rotten or like sulfur
- Breath that’s gotten worse over time
What It Means
Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. As plaque and tartar accumulate, they harbor bacteria that produce foul-smelling compounds.
Don’t ignore it: Halitosis is often the first noticeable sign of periodontal disease.
Sign #2: Changes in Eating Habits
What to Look For
Watch for these behavioral changes:
- Dropping food while eating
- Chewing on one side only
- Preferring soft food over kibble
- Taking longer to finish meals
- Decreased appetite or refusing to eat
What It Means
Dental pain can make eating uncomfortable or even excruciating. Pets instinctively try to avoid using painful teeth, leading to changes in how and what they eat.
Important: Pets are masters at hiding pain. If you notice eating changes, the discomfort may be significant.
Sign #3: Visible Tartar and Discoloration
What to Look For
Gently lift your pet’s lips to examine their teeth:
- Yellow or brown deposits on tooth surfaces (especially near the gum line)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Dark spots on teeth
- Gum recession exposing tooth roots
What It Means
Tartar (calculus) is hardened plaque that can only be removed with professional cleaning. It creates a rough surface that attracts more bacteria and accelerates dental disease.
Staging by appearance:
| Stage | Signs |
|---|---|
| Early | Slight yellowing, mild redness at gum line |
| Moderate | Visible tartar buildup, gum inflammation |
| Severe | Heavy deposits, bleeding gums, loose teeth |
Sign #4: Pawing at the Face or Mouth
What to Look For
- Rubbing face against furniture or carpet
- Pawing at mouth or face
- Head shaking
- Excessive drooling (sometimes with blood)
What It Means
These behaviors indicate oral discomfort or pain. Your pet may be trying to relieve:
- Tooth pain from fractures or decay
- Gum inflammation
- Something stuck between teeth
- Oral masses or growths
Take note: This sign warrants prompt veterinary attention.
Sign #5: Behavioral Changes
What to Look For
Dental pain can cause subtle personality shifts:
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Reluctance to play with toys
- Avoiding being touched near the face
- Withdrawal or hiding
- Decreased grooming (especially in cats)
What It Means
Chronic pain affects mood and behavior. A pet dealing with constant oral discomfort may become defensive or withdrawn.
Additional Warning Signs
Beyond the main five, watch for:
- Loose or missing teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Bloody saliva or blood on toys/food bowls
- Sneezing or nasal discharge (may indicate dental disease affecting nasal passages)
- Facial swelling
- Weight loss
When to See the Vet
Immediate Attention Needed
Seek veterinary care right away if you notice:
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Complete refusal to eat
- Signs of severe pain
Routine Dental Exam
Schedule a dental checkup if:
- You notice any of the 5 signs above
- Your pet hasn’t had a dental exam in over a year
- Your pet is over 3 years old and has never had professional cleaning
What to Expect at a Dental Exam
Initial Assessment
- Visual examination of visible teeth and gums
- Evaluation of breath
- Palpation of jaw and facial structures
- Discussion of symptoms and history
Complete Dental Evaluation
For thorough assessment, your pet will need anesthesia for:
- Full-mouth X-rays
- Probing of all teeth
- Assessment of periodontal pockets
- Detection of hidden problems
AI technology is now available at many veterinary practices, providing faster and more accurate analysis of dental X-rays.
Prevention Tips
Daily Care
- Brush teeth daily (or at least 3x weekly)
- Use pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- Consider dental chews with VOHC seal
- Provide appropriate chew toys
Professional Care
- Annual dental exams for all pets
- Professional cleaning as recommended
- More frequent checks for senior pets or those with history of dental issues
Conclusion
Your pet’s dental health directly impacts their overall well-being. By learning to recognize the warning signs of dental disease, you can ensure they receive timely care and avoid the pain and complications of advanced oral problems.
Remember: most dental disease is preventable with proper home care and regular professional checkups. If you’ve noticed any of these five signs, don’t wait—schedule a dental evaluation today.
Sources: American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Dental College, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine