Dogs with Dental Disease

Has your dog ever gone in for a big kiss only to make you recoil in horror at their doggy breath? Far from being just a nuisance, this could be a sign of a serious illness.

Halitosis, or bad breath, is the most common sign of dental disease. Classic "doggy breath" is not necessarily normal. It's usually caused by an infection of the gums and potentially the other supporting structures of the teeth. Plaque builds up every day on the tooth surface including at the gum line. Left in place, the plaque can mineralize, or harden, in less than 2 days. The familiar brown, grey, or yellow staining commonly seen near the gum line is a sign of advancing disease.

Signs of dental disease include bad bath, red inflamed gums, loose teeth, tartar accumulation, and/or calculus on the teeth. Dental disease is the most common ailment affecting pet dogs and cats.