A dog may keep eating even when a broken or loose tooth is causing substantial pain. Veterinarian and author Dr James Greenwood says appetite should not be used to rule out a serious dental problem.
Four visible or noticeable changes deserve attention: red or swollen gums, yellow tartar, broken or wobbly teeth, and persistent bad breath. Each can point to a problem that requires a veterinary assessment, although the urgency depends on the sign and any accompanying symptoms.
Red or swollen gums
Redness and swelling can indicate gum disease, according to Dr Greenwood. These changes can be easy to miss unless a dog is comfortable having its lips gently lifted.
Owners should be cautious during any mouth check. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that a dog in pain may bite, even if the animal ordinarily tolerates handling. Stop if the dog resists or appears uncomfortable rather than forcing the mouth open.
The AVMA recommends that a veterinarian examine a pet’s teeth and gums at least annually, with an earlier appointment when warning signs develop. Abnormal chewing, drooling, dropping food, reduced appetite, mouth pain, bleeding and swelling around the mouth are among the reasons to arrange an earlier check.
Yellow tartar on the teeth
Dr Greenwood describes tartar as yellow staining that can represent bacteria and protein accumulating on a tooth’s surface. He says the material needs to be scaled away because it can eventually damage the tooth structure.
Tartar is not simply a cosmetic concern. The RSPCA says a lack of dental cleaning can allow plaque to build up and contribute to dental problems, which can cause considerable discomfort.
Professional assessment matters because disease may extend beneath the gumline. The American Veterinary Dental College, cited by the AVMA, does not recommend anesthesia-free dental cleanings because they do not permit inspection or cleaning below that line and may injure the dog or the person performing the cleaning.
Broken or wobbly teeth
These are the most urgent of Dr Greenwood’s four warning signs. “Thirdly, it’s broken or wobbly teeth, which need immediate veterinary attention because that’s an incredibly painful condition for dogs and they will still eat despite that level of pain,” he said.
A dog with dental pain may instead chew slowly, lose interest in dry food or hard treats, drop food, paw at the mouth or resist having its face touched, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Some dogs show no outward indication of pain before a veterinary examination identifies it.
Do not attempt to pull or otherwise remove a loose or broken tooth at home. Contact a veterinarian for an assessment. Significant or steady bleeding, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, an abnormally positioned jaw, facial trauma or severe pain warrant immediate contact with a regular veterinarian or emergency clinic.
Persistent bad breath
Dr Greenwood says persistent canine bad breath normally indicates that an infection is developing somewhere in the mouth. The AVMA also lists bad breath among the signs that should prompt a dental examination sooner than the regular annual check.
An examination of the visible tooth surface may not reveal the full problem. Dental X-rays can reveal disease inside teeth and below the gumline, including bone loss that is otherwise hidden.
Dogs need general anaesthesia for dental X-rays so they remain still and the sensor can be positioned accurately. The RSPCA similarly says sedation or general anaesthesia will most likely be needed for a proper examination when dental disease is present. Depending on what is found, less severely affected teeth may be scaled and polished, while fractured or loose teeth may require extraction.
Daily toothbrushing is described by VCA as the optimal home dental care because plaque begins hardening into tartar after sitting on the teeth for about 24 hours. If a dog will not tolerate brushing, a veterinarian can discuss other products that may help, but home care does not replace regular veterinary examinations or treatment of an existing problem.
Subtle changes in chewing, breath, gums or tooth stability can be the only outward warning of discomfort. Noticing them early and arranging veterinary advice can reduce the time a painful dental problem goes unrecognized.
What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your dog’s specific health needs.
