Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see at Hawthorn — and one of the most underdiagnosed by owners. That's not a criticism; it's simply very difficult to see into a dog's mouth properly, and dogs are remarkably good at hiding discomfort until it becomes severe.
The statistics are sobering: by the age of three, around 80% of dogs have some degree of periodontal disease. Left untreated, this causes chronic pain, tooth loss, and — in serious cases — can contribute to heart, kidney, and liver problems as bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream.
What does dental disease look like?
In the early stages, you might notice: - A yellowish or brown deposit building up at the gum line (calculus or tartar) - Reddened, inflamed gums that bleed when touched - Persistent bad breath that goes beyond normal "dog breath"
As it progresses: - Gum recession, exposing the roots of teeth - Loose or missing teeth - Reluctance to chew on one side, dropping food, or sudden fussiness with hard food - Pawing at the mouth or face - Swelling around the jaw or eye (a tooth root abscess — this is a vet emergency)
It's worth knowing that dogs rarely stop eating, even with severe dental pain. They're hardwired to suppress that kind of discomfort. The absence of obvious signs is not reassurance that everything is fine.
What can you do at home?
Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard — and before you close this article, I promise it's achievable. Use a dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic to dogs) and introduce it slowly over two to three weeks, starting by letting your dog lick the paste off your finger. Megan's nurse clinics include a free brushing technique demonstration that most owners find invaluable.
Dental chews and water additives can help as a supplement to brushing, though they don't replace it. Avoid very hard chews (bones, antlers, hard nylon toys) — anything harder than your thumbnail can fracture teeth.
When a scale and polish is needed
Once tartar has built up, it can only be removed under anaesthetic. We use an ultrasonic scaler and follow up with digital dental radiography to check root health below the gumline — the bit most clinics miss. It sounds intensive, but the procedure is routine, well-tolerated, and genuinely transformative. Owners consistently tell us their dog seems years younger and far more comfortable afterwards.
We check every patient's teeth at every consultation and will always advise you honestly about what we find. If you're concerned about your dog's teeth or just want a dental health check, our nurse dental clinics are a great, affordable starting point — just call us or book online.