The most common dental diseases in dogs and how to recognize them
Did you know that over 80% of all dogs over the age of three suffer from dental problems? Dental disease in dogs isn't just a cosmetic defect; it can cause pain, lead to inflammation, and affect overall health. Here we'll show you the 5 most common dental diseases in dogs and what you should look out for.
1. Tartar
The classic: Plaque hardens into tartar.
🔍 Recognizable by: yellowish-brown deposits, bad breath
⚠️ If left untreated, it leads to inflammation and tooth loss.
2. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
One of the most common dental diseases in dogs.
🔍 Recognizable by: reddened, swollen gums, bleeding gums
⚠️ Can be painful and develop into periodontitis.
3. Periodontitis
The serious consequence of untreated gingivitis.
🔍 Recognizable by: loose teeth, receding gums, strong bad breath
⚠️ Leads to tooth loss in the long term and can put strain on internal organs.
4. Tooth fractures (tooth fracture)
Often occurs through chewing on hard objects such as bones or stones.
🔍 Recognizable by: broken tooth, sudden avoidance of food
⚠️ Open tooth roots can become infected – see a vet immediately!
5. FORL (Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions – yes, dogs are affected too!)
Still little known, but increasingly diagnosed.
🔍 Recognizable by: tooth enamel loss, pain when chewing, increased salivation
⚠️ Only detectable by a veterinarian – often only visible under anesthesia.
🦴 Dental health = quality of life
Dental diseases in dogs often go unnoticed for a long time – until they really hurt.
👉 Regular check-ups , dental care at home and high-quality dental care products ( e.g. Our Tooth & Mouth Hero chew sticks or our Tooth & Mouth Hero tooth spray ) are the key to a healthy dog mouth.
Conclusion:
Dental diseases in dogs are widespread, but often preventable. Regular checkups, preventative care, and a visit to the veterinarian when any abnormalities occur will protect your four-legged friend from pain—and improve their quality of life.
