Pet Dental Disease Library

Pet Dental Disease Library

Helping Australian Pet Owners Keep Dogs & Cats Healthy

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three. Understanding the signs of oral disease can help you protect your pet's teeth, gums and overall health.

Browse our library below to learn about common dental conditions, symptoms, prevention and treatment options.

1. Plaque

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your pet's teeth. If it isn't removed regularly, it hardens into tartar.

Symptoms

Thin white or yellow coating
Mild bad breath
Early gum irritation

Prevention

Daily tooth brushing

Oral probiotics

Dental water additives

Professional dental cleaning

2. Tartar (Calculus)

What is tartar?

Tartar is hardened plaque that sticks firmly to the teeth and can only be removed professionally.

Symptoms

Yellow or brown teeth
Bad breath
Rough deposits near the gumline
Inflamed gums

Prevention

Remove plaque before it hardens

Professional dental cleaning

Consistent home care

3. Gingivitis

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria around the teeth.

Symptoms

Red gums
Swollen gums
Bleeding when brushing
Bad breath

Good news

Gingivitis is usually reversible if treated early.

4. Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease occurs when infection spreads below the gumline, damaging the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.

Symptoms

Heavy tartar
Loose teeth
Pain when eating
Bad breath
Bleeding gums

Why it matters

Untreated periodontal disease can affect the heart, kidneys and liver through ongoing bacterial inflammation.

5. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is commonly caused by bacteria in the mouth, plaque, tartar and gum disease.

Signs

Persistent unpleasant odour
Thick saliva
Tartar build-up

Treatment

Treat the underlying dental disease rather than masking the smell.

6. Loose Teeth

Causes:

Advanced periodontal disease

Trauma

Bone loss

Infection

Signs

Difficulty chewing
Dropping food
Pawing at the mouth
Professional assessment is recommended.

7. Broken Teeth

Broken teeth expose the sensitive inner pulp, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection.

Symptoms

Visible fracture
Bleeding
Pain
Reduced appetite

8. Tooth Root Abscess

A bacterial infection around the tooth root can lead to severe pain and facial swelling.

Symptoms

Swollen face
Pain when eating
Eye swelling
Pus discharge

9. Retained Baby Teeth

Baby teeth that don't fall out can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of dental disease.

Common in:

Toy breeds

Small breed puppies

10. Tooth Wear

Teeth can wear down from chewing rocks, tennis balls or other hard objects.

Signs

Flattened teeth
Sensitivity
Fractures

11. Tooth Resorption (Cats)

One of the most common and painful dental diseases in cats.

Symptoms

Chattering while eating
Dropping food
Bleeding gums
Pain

12. Stomatitis (Cats)

A severe inflammation affecting the gums and mouth.

Symptoms

Extreme pain
Refusing food
Drooling
Weight loss

Immediate veterinary treatment is important.

13. Oral Tumours

Lumps inside the mouth should always be examined promptly.

Signs

Bleeding
Swelling
Loose teeth
Bad breath

14. Oral Trauma

Injuries caused by sticks, falls or accidents.

Symptoms

Bleeding
Broken teeth
Difficulty eating
Swelling

15. Oral Microbiome Imbalance

The mouth contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria can multiply, contributing to plaque, bad breath and gum disease.

Supporting a healthy oral microbiome