Did you know that 80% of dogs over the age of three have some form of dental disease? That’s right—most dogs are suffering from tooth decay, gum disease, or both. If left untreated, it spreads and can become unmanageable without intervention. And if you’ve ever had a toothache, you know exactly how painful it can be.
Five Ways That Tooth Decay Affects Dogs
- Pain and discomfort: Dental decay can cause cavities, weaken a tooth and cause fractures, or even cause infections that lead to tooth abscesses. When dogs are in pain, they may become depressed, refuse to eat, or even lash out.
- Loose or missing teeth: Missing, loose, or damaged teeth can impact your pet’s health through their diet. Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew, which means they are not getting the nutrients they need to maintain good health.
- Tooth infections: Caused by the buildup of bacteria, these infections can cause tooth loss and may spread to other parts of the body. Untreated infections can cause organ failure or even sepsis.
- Bone loss in the jaw: Unchecked tooth decay can also affect the jawbone. Infections in the root of the tooth can spread to the jaw, causing bone loss and tooth loss. This leads to severe pain, an inability to chew, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Oronasal fistula: An oronasal fistula is a hole that leads from the mouth into the nasal cavity. This condition is not common, but it does require a surgical procedure. An oronasal fistula can cause your dog to aspirate (breathe in) liquids or food. This can be painful and cause infections.
How to Stop Tooth Decay in Dogs
Preventing tooth decay is a very important part of keeping your dog healthy.
- Brush their teeth. This helps eliminate plaque and tartar and keeps bacteria levels low.
- Your dog’s diet should reflect the needs of their age, breed, and size. Poor nutrition can lead to weaker teeth, an inability to fight off infections or diseases, and other problems.
- Visit your veterinarian once a year. Dental cleanings remove the tartar buildup that causes tooth decay, and exams help us spot any warning signs of dental problems.
Canine Dental Care in Gilbert, Arizona
Veterinary dental care is a very important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Dental exams every year (and cleanings as needed) will prevent many of the oral health issues that nearly all dogs face in their lifetime.
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we treat every pet like one of our own. If you have any concerns about your dog’s teeth, their diet, or their health in general, don’t wait! Contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/14/25). Photo by thebugadi ㅤ on Unsplash.