Dental care for dogs

Dental disease is the most common health issue affecting adult dogs. Research indicates that by the age of two, approximately 80% of dogs develop some degree of periodontal disease. Despite being so common, periodontal disease often goes undiagnosed. This is partly due to limited awareness and education but also because the condition frequently presents with minimal or no visible symptoms.

Why is dog dental health important?

Canine periodontal disease has been linked to serious systemic health issues such as

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• heart disease
• osteoporosis
• arthritis
• pregnancy complications
• diabetes

Ensuring proper dental care is essential to maintaining your pet's overall health and well-being.

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What types of dental disease affect dogs?

Periodontal disease

The most common dental disease in dogs begins with plaque—a sticky layer of saliva, food particles, and bacteria coating the teeth, especially at the gum line. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, a yellow-brown substance that can completely cover the teeth.

If untreated, bacteria in plaque and tartar can invade beneath the gum line, causing redness, swelling, and loosening of the gum’s attachment to the tooth. Eventually, bone and ligaments supporting the tooth are affected, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth root abscesses.

Fractured teeth

Accidents, falls, or biting hard objects such as bones or antlers can fracture teeth. Minor fractures may be treated with sealing or bonding. However, deeper fractures exposing the pulp cavity are painful and often require tooth extraction or root canal treatment by a specialist.

Tooth resorption

Tooth resorption occurs when the body mistakenly dissolves part of the tooth. When this affects the enamel of the crown, the sensitive pulp is exposed. 

How to care for your dog’s teeth

1.Daily home care

Brushing teeth is by far the most effective method of controlling plaque and gum disease at home.  Ideally, teeth should be brushed daily. However, even brushing as little as 3 times a week can make a big difference.

Most people find it difficult to imagine being able to brush their pet’s teeth, and it does take some patience. It should be fun, otherwise your pet will not accept it. The younger your pet is when toothbrushing is introduced, the more likely they are to accept. It should ideally be part of the daily routine.

• Toothpaste - should be specific for pets, and we recommend an enzymatic toothpaste (to help break down plaque) in a tasty flavour so that your pet looks forward to brushing.
• Toothbrushes - use a soft bristle toothbrush. Finger brushes with silicone bristles will not effectively clean below the gumline.

Your main aim is to brush the outside of the teeth along each side of your pet's mouth. Pay particular attention to the area where the tooth meets the gum, the upper canines and back molars.

An appointment can be made with one of the Hospital’s trained nurses who can show you how to get started.

2. Alternative home care

Although none as effective as toothbrushing, alternatives for pets that won’t tolerate brushing include:

• Dental Diets: Such as Hills T/D or Oral care have a rubbing effect to clean the teeth
• Dental Chews/Treats: Help scrape teeth, though not all teeth benefit. Most effective use is for 10-15 mins after each meal.
• Oral sprays and gels, and food supplements: Can help reduce plaque build up.
• Bones and antlers are NOT recommended as these are a very common cause of fractured teeth. Dog owners should also be aware that tennis balls are highly abrasive and repeated play with tennis balls will cause severe tooth wear.

Look for products that have the endorsement of the Veterinary Oral Health Council at vohc.org/

3. Regular veterinary exams

• A dental exam will be performed at your annual health check, and dental health can be discussed.
• We use the grading system below to assess dental health. Grades 2 or higher, or if there are mobile teeth, fractured teeth, or resorptive lesions present will require treatment under general anesthesia.

4. Examination and treatment under anaesthesia

If a routine examination reveals any issues, further evaluation and treatment will be necessary. These procedures are carried out while your pet is under anesthesia, as this is the only way to thoroughly examine and effectively treat the teeth in cats and dogs.

Dental assessment and cleaning: Under anesthesia, your pet’s teeth will be cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler and polished. Removal of the tartar allows full dental assessment and charting. X-rays will be taken if indicated to assess the roots.

Extractions: Teeth with irreversible changes will require removal. Surgical extraction techniques involve lifting a flap of gum, removing roots one at a time, and then suturing the gum with absorbable material.
Post extraction x-rays ensure complete removal of roots.

Staging procedures: Although we would always aim to finalise treatment in a single procedure, if a significant number of teeth need to be extracted, resulting in a prolonged anaesthetic, we may recommend staging the dental procedure. Performing the treatment over two shorter anaesthetic sessions is often safer than a single extended one.

How much is dental treatment for dogs ? 

Dental assessment, scale and polish - to include general anaesthetic, drugs, IV fluids as needed, full dental assessment and charting, scale and polish:

Dog < 25kg: £500, Dog > 25 kg: £550

Extraction pack - to include pre and post extraction x-rays, local anaesthesia, suture material, analgesia (NSAIDs/Paracetamol) and x 1 post op check with nurse:

1-4 teeth: £450, 5-9 teeth: £650, 10+ teeth: £800

For staged procedures (where the vet has recommended spreading the procedures over two general anaesthetics within a 3 month period) - the second dental assessment/general anaesthetic fee is offered at the discounted rate of £200 followed by the appropriate extraction pack.

It is often difficult to determine the exact dental work needed until your pet is under anesthesia and their teeth have been cleaned, thoroughly examined and x-rays taken if indicated. For this reason, we require a contact number while your pet is with us for dental treatment. After assessment, if there is found to be more teeth requiring treatment than expected, the veterinarian will call to discuss any recommended treatments and associated costs. You can then decide whether to proceed immediately or schedule the treatment for another time.

Is my dog covered for dental treatment by my pet insurance?

Check your policy for dental coverage, as requirements and inclusions vary. Your vet can document the type of dental disease to help clarify insurance claims.

Options for complex canine dental issues - vet referral services

For complex cases, or specialist procedures such as root canal therapy, we can refer you to a specialist pet dentist.

How we score your dog's dental health