Early detection and routine preventive care can minimize dental disease’s impact, and prevent unwanted consequences such as pain, tooth decay, severe infection, and tooth loss or surgical removal. By following our Dr. Treat COHAT guide to dental disease, you can learn how to  recognize and address your pet’s tooth and gum issues, protecting their oral health and improving their quality of life.

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Dental disease in pets explained

Pet dental disease shares the same pathology as human dental disease—but because pets do not brush or floss daily, their oral health deteriorates more quickly. Dental disease is a bacterial condition that spreads below the gumline and attacks the vulnerable tooth root, ligaments, and surrounding jawbone. As dental disease erodes the tooth’s root and surrounding structure, the tooth becomes unstable and painful. In addition to tooth loss and severe pain, late-stage dental disease can result in chronic inflammation and organ damage, as bacteria in the bloodstream travel to the heart and kidneys.

“In addition to tooth loss and severe pain, late-stage dental disease can result in chronic inflammation and organ damage, as bacteria in the bloodstream travel to the heart and kidneys. ”

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The 4 Stages of Pet dental disease

Because most oral destruction occurs below the gumline, disease signs are often not obvious until the damage is severe—and potentially irreversible. Our Dr. Treat team can identify and address dental disease in its earliest stages only through routine oral examinations and by taking oral radiographs (i.e., X-rays) while your pet is anesthetized.

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Dental disease progression and severity are classified in four stages based on gum health, visible tartar, and bone erosion. The four stages of pet dental disease include:

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# Stage 1  — Gingivitis

Oral bacteria have accumulated at and below the gumline, triggering inflammation. During stage 1 dental disease, a pet’s gums can be red, irritated, or swollen, indicating mild gingivitis. The tooth’s crown (i.e., visible portion) may have mild tartar accumulation (i.e., mineralized bacteria). At this stage, your Dr. Treat veterinarian will recommend at-home care and close monitoring to prevent disease progression.

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# Stage 2 — Early Peridontitis

Oral bacteria have migrated below the gumline and have begun attacking the tooth root, causing mild attachment loss (i.e., damage to the surrounding ligaments and socket). These changes are only visible on dental X-rays. Above the gumline, your veterinarian may notice moderate progressive gingivitis (i.e., swollen, irritated, or bleeding gums) and often there is tartar clearly visible on the teeth.. If your Dr. Treat veterinarian suspects your pet’s dental disease has progressed to stage 2, they will recommend a complete dental cleaning with X-rays of your anesthetized pet’s mouth to confirm the diagnosis, treating the dental disease and preventing further bone or tooth loss.

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# Stage 3 — Moderate Peridontitis

At this stage, plaque bacteria have eroded the affected tooth’s surrounding bone or socket. If your Dr. Treat veterinarian takes X-rays of your anesthetized pet’s mouth, they will observe 25% to 50% tooth attachment loss, which results in increased tooth mobility and pain. Only specialized oral surgery and diligent at-home care can preserve tooth attachment, but most patients require dental extraction (i.e., tooth removal).

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# Stage 4 — Advanced or Severe Periodontitis

Stage 4 dental disease is visible to the naked eye and includes heavy tartar accumulation, highly sensitive or swollen gums, foul odor, and visibly broken, loose, or damaged teeth. Bone loss is significant (i.e., greater than 50%), and in some cases the tooth is actually held in place by tartar. Pets with stage 4 periodontal disease are in significant pain and may display abnormal eating habits, behavior changes, pawing at the face, or facial swelling. The only effective treatment your Dr. Treat veterinarian can provide is to anesthetize your pet, and perform dental extractions.

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Dental disease treatment

Based on their oral exam findings, your Dr. Treat veterinarian will recommend a customized treatment plan to address your pet’s dental disease. In addition to halting disease progression, our dental disease treatment goals include eliminating infection, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. Dr. Treat’s professional dental services include:

Safe anesthesia 


General anesthesia ensures your pet stays safe, still, and comfortable throughout dental procedures such as X-rays, cleanings, and tooth extractions. Our anesthetic protocols are customized to suit each pet’s health, age, and breed, and include continuous electronic and hands-on monitoring.

Complete oral exam and charting


The veterinarian performs a thorough oral cavity examination and probes each tooth for bone loss signs. Each tooth is mapped and charted for future reference.

Dental X-rays


X-rays are the gold standard for pets’ dental disease diagnosis and treatment—allowing your veterinarian to visualize the entire tooth, its root, and surrounding structures.

Dental cleaning and polishing 


Your veterinarian carefully cleans each tooth, using an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. After the scaling, your veterinarian polishes every tooth surface to smooth tiny microgrooves and imperfections where bacteria could reattach.

Extractions and oral surgery


Using the most advanced techniques and comprehensive pain management (e.g., local nerve blocks), your veterinarian carefully extracts your pet’s damaged teeth when necessary. However, whenever possible and practical, your veterinarian will attempt to preserve the tooth, or will refer your pet to a veterinary dentist.

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Preventing dental disease in pets

Despite this adverse condition’s prevalence, dental disease is almost completely preventable. But, effective prevention requires consistent at-home care, which many pet owners feel is impractical or impossible. Fortunately, modern dental care products make diligent home care easy and convenient. Each of the following at-home dental care options has its advantages and disadvantages:

Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing is the gold standard for pet oral health. Brushing’s mechanical scrubbing action disturbs bacteria on the tooth’s surface, and prevents tartar formation. Pet-specific toothpastes—in flavors pets enjoy, such as chicken or beef—make their toothbrushing experience more pleasant, however, some pets do not tolerate the experience. To make a beneficial impact, you must brush your pet’s teeth—at a minimum—every other day.

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Dental diets

Dental diets feature a large, dense kibble size that encourages pets to chew. Chewing creates a scrubbing action against the tooth surface. They are a ‘complete diet’ and can be a good option for your pet if you have trouble brushing their teeth.

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Dental treats

Enzymatic dental chew treats feature a flexible edible material coated in an enzymatic oral cleanser. These can be a good adjunctive treatment to tooth brushing.

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Dental flakes and powder

Dental flakes are sprinkled on a pet’s food to help keep their breath fresh, and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Ask your vet about our ‘Plaque-off Oral Health Flakes’ so you can add this to your pet’s dental care regime.

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Water additives

Anti-plaque water additives are a simple and effective way to care for your pet’s oral health each time they visit their water bowl. Unfortunately, sensitive pets may smell the additive, and refuse to drink the water.  

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Dental wipes

Dental wipes are a convenient mess-free alternative to toothbrushing, and owners who struggle to brush their pets’ teeth may find these disposable cloths easier to use. However, pets must tolerate mouth handling, and owners must be comfortable placing a finger in their pets’ mouth.

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Final Notes

You can prevent your pet from developing dental disease when you monitor and diligently care for their oral health at home. Our Dr. Treat team will perform your pet’s routine dental health exams and cleanings to help prevent them from developing adverse oral conditions.

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