Last Updated: 18/08/2026
How to Tell if Your Pet Has Dental Disease
Learn the early signs of dental disease in dogs and cats, plus simple ways to support oral health with daily dental care, vet-recommended treats, and habits from puppyhood to adulthood.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
This article is written by Dr Belinda Stancombe in paid partnership with GREENIESTM brand.
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting both dogs and cats, yet it’s often missed in the early stages. The challenge is that it often develops silently - many pets will continue to act normally even with painful dental disease, leading owners to assume everything is fine when it’s not.
Understanding what to look for, and how daily dental habits help keep your pet’s teeth clean, can make a big difference to your pet’s long-term health.
Why dental disease is often missed
Dental disease begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that hardens into tartar over time. This leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can progress to more serious periodontal disease.
Because pets rarely stop eating, the condition can go unnoticed until it becomes advanced. That’s why combining early detection with daily dental support is so important.
How to tell if your pet has dental disease
Here are the key signs to watch for:
Bad breath: A strong, unpleasant odour is often one of the first indicators of dental disease. Persistent bad breath usually signals bacterial build-up in the mouth. Find out more about bad breath in dogs and bad breath in cats.
Red or bleeding gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm. If you notice redness, swelling, or bleeding, this may indicate gingivitis or more advanced dental disease.
Tartar build-up: Yellow or brown deposits on your pet’s teeth, especially near the gumline, are a clear sign of plaque that has hardened into tartar.
Changes in eating habits: Your pet may:
- Eat more slowly
- Drop food
- Favour one side of the mouth
- Avoid hard food or treats
Pawing at the mouth: Pets experiencing dental pain may rub their face or paw at their mouth more frequently.
Drooling more than usual: Excessive drooling, sometimes with a tinge of blood, can indicate irritation or infection.
Behaviour changes: Dental pain can make pets quieter, less playful, or even irritable.
Loose or missing teeth: This is a sign of advanced dental disease and requires veterinary attention.
Why dental disease is often missed
Dental disease begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that hardens into tartar over time. This leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can progress to more serious periodontal disease.
Because pets rarely stop eating, the condition can go unnoticed until it becomes advanced. That’s why combining early detection with daily dental support is so important.
Where dental treats fit in
While brushing remains the gold standard when it comes to dental care, it’s not always practical for every pet. This is where dental treats, especially brands like GREENIESTM , can play an important supporting role.
Dental treats aren’t just snacks- they’re designed to help maintain oral health as part of a daily routine. Many are vet recommended for oral care and formulated to support overall health, with some containing added nutrients like DHA and calcium to support healthy development, making them suitable even for growing pets.
When choosing a dental treat, it’s worth looking for products that are Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) accepted, which indicates the product has been independently assessed and shown to meet VOHC guidelines for controlling plaque and tartar.
Products made with natural ingredients plus added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can also provide additional everyday health support.
Importantly, dental care can start early. Introducing puppy-specific dental treats helps establish positive habits from a young age, making it easier to continue consistent dental care into adulthood.
How dental treats work
Dental treats are specifically formulated to work through mechanical cleaning action as your pet chews:
- Their texture helps clean the tooth surface, supporting plaque and tartar control.
- The design helps reach more areas of the tooth, helping clean down to the gumline.
- Regular use helps reduce plaque and tartar build-up, a part of daily oral care routine.
- They can also help freshen breath by assisting to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Why daily use matters
Dental disease develops every day, so prevention should too.
Incorporating a daily dental treat is an easy, low-effort way to:
- Add consistent plaque control
- Support gum health
- Complement other dental care (like brushing or vet cleans)
That said, dental treats work best as part of a broader dental routine, not as a complete replacement for brushing or veterinary care.
Simple ways to stay on top of your pet’s dental health
- Check their mouth regularly for early signs
- Use daily dental treats to help reduce build-up
- Brush when possible for best results
- Schedule routine vet checks to catch issues early
Knowing how to tell if your pet has dental disease is crucial- but prevention is just as important. Because pets often hide discomfort and continue eating normally, dental issues can progress unnoticed.
By staying alert to subtle signs and incorporating daily support like dental treats, you can maintain your pet’s teeth, help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, and keep their mouth healthier for longer.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Sun May 3 2026
Written by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
