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Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment and Prevention

By age 3, most dogs and cats have some periodontal disease. The signs, why cleanings need anaesthesia, and how brushing and VOHC products help.

Updated October 2026 · 7 min read · By the Hushku editorial team · 1 sources

Short answer

Periodontal disease is the most common health problem vets see: the American Animal Hospital Association says most dogs and cats have some by age 3. It causes pain and infection but often goes unnoticed. Prevention is daily tooth brushing, dental products with the VOHC seal, and regular check-ups with professional cleaning under anaesthesia when needed.

Key facts

Most dogs and cats have some periodontal disease by age 3.
Most disease is below the gumline, so proper cleaning needs anaesthesia and X-rays.
Daily brushing is the most effective home care.
Look for the VOHC seal on dental chews and products.

Definition

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place, caused by plaque bacteria. It starts as gingivitis and can progress to bone loss and tooth loss.

Plaque forms on teeth within hours of eating. If it isn't removed, it hardens into tartar and bacteria spread below the gumline, where most of the damage happens out of sight. Pets rarely stop eating because of dental pain, so many owners don't realise there's a problem.

Cats also commonly get tooth resorption, painful lesions that eat away at the tooth and can only be fully seen on dental X-rays.

Signs and symptoms

Bad breath
Red or bleeding gums
Yellow-brown tartar
Dropping food or chewing on one side
Pawing at the mouth or drooling
Loose or missing teeth
Facial swelling (tooth root abscess)

Causes and risk factors

Plaque and tartar build-up
Crowded teeth in small and flat-faced breeds
Retained baby teeth
Lack of home dental care

Treatment

A full cleaning under general anaesthesia, above and below the gumline
Dental X-rays to find hidden disease
Extraction of painful or diseased teeth
Pain relief and sometimes antibiotics

Prevention

Daily tooth brushing with pet toothpaste
Dental chews, diets and water additives with the VOHC seal
Dental check at every vet visit
Avoid hard chews like antlers, bones and hooves, which can break teeth

Why cleanings need anaesthesia

Most periodontal disease is below the gumline. Cleaning and X-raying there properly isn't possible in an awake pet, and anaesthesia-free 'cosmetic' scaling can hide disease while leaving it untreated. AAHA's dental guidelines say the risks of non-anaesthetic dentistry should be explained to owners. Modern anaesthesia with monitoring is low-risk for most pets.

Choosing dental products

Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which shows a product has evidence of reducing plaque or tartar. Brushing remains the single most effective home care.

Sources

AAHA: 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

How often should I brush my pet's teeth?

Daily is best, because plaque reforms within a day. Even a few times a week helps.

Is anaesthesia-free dental cleaning safe?

It can't clean below the gumline or allow X-rays, so disease can be missed. Veterinary dental guidelines recommend cleaning under anaesthesia.

Do dental chews work?

Some do. Choose products with the VOHC seal, and use them alongside brushing rather than instead of it.

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