How Do I Know If My Dog Needs Their Teeth Cleaned?
Bad breath, yellow or brown tartar and red gums are some of the clearest signs that your dog’s teeth need attention. You might also notice changes in how they eat, especially if their mouth is becoming uncomfortable.
If you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s teeth or gums, professional dog teeth cleaning can help remove built-up plaque and tartar that you can’t simply brush away at home.
The tricky part is that dogs can’t tell us when a tooth hurts. Some will continue eating normally even when they have dental problems, so it helps to know what to look for.
Your Dog Has Bad Breath
Dog breath isn’t always going to smell fresh, but a strong or unpleasant smell shouldn’t be ignored.
Persistent bad breath can be linked to plaque, tartar and bacteria building up around the teeth and gums. If the smell has suddenly become worse, or you’ve noticed other changes in your dog’s mouth, it’s worth having their teeth checked.
Trying to cover the smell with dental treats won’t deal with an underlying dental problem.
You Can See Yellow or Brown Tartar
Take a look at your dog’s teeth, particularly the back teeth.
Healthy teeth should generally look fairly clean. A yellow or brown layer around the tooth, especially close to the gum line, can be tartar.
Once tartar has hardened onto the teeth, brushing at home won’t remove it.
A veterinary dental check can determine how much tartar has built up and whether your dog would benefit from a professional clean.
Their Gums Look Red or Swollen
Your dog’s gums can tell you quite a lot about their dental health.
Redness, swelling or bleeding around the teeth can be a sign that something isn’t right. You may first notice blood on a chew toy or see a small amount of bleeding while brushing their teeth.
Don’t keep brushing an area that’s sore or bleeding heavily. Arrange a dental check so the cause can be investigated.
They’re Struggling to Eat
Changes at mealtimes are easy to miss.
Your dog might still run over when you put their bowl down, but watch what happens once they start eating.
They may chew on one side of their mouth, eat more slowly than usual or repeatedly drop pieces of food. Some dogs suddenly become reluctant to eat hard biscuits while still eating softer food.
These changes can be signs that chewing has become uncomfortable.
They’re Pawing at Their Mouth
A dog repeatedly pawing or rubbing at their face may be trying to deal with discomfort in their mouth.
You might also notice more drooling than usual.
These symptoms don’t automatically mean your dog’s teeth need cleaning. Problems such as a damaged tooth, something stuck in the mouth or sore gums can cause similar behaviour.
That’s why it’s better to have their mouth examined rather than trying to diagnose the problem at home.
Their Teeth Look Loose or Damaged
Loose, broken or damaged teeth need veterinary attention.
A cracked tooth can expose sensitive parts of the tooth and may become painful. Loose teeth can also be associated with more advanced dental disease.
Don’t try to remove a loose tooth yourself.
Your vet can examine the tooth and decide whether treatment or extraction is needed.
Your Dog Has Stopped Chewing Their Toys
Sometimes the signs are much less obvious.
A dog that has always loved hard chews might suddenly stop using them. They might pick up a toy and quickly put it back down.
You know what’s normal for your dog. A change in behaviour involving their mouth, food or favourite toys is worth paying attention to.
Can I Clean My Dog’s Teeth at Home?
Regular tooth brushing can help reduce plaque build-up and should ideally be part of your dog’s routine.
Use a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste isn’t suitable for them.
Home brushing works best as prevention. It won’t remove hardened tartar that’s already firmly attached to the teeth.
If your dog’s mouth is already sore, don’t force them to let you brush their teeth. Have their mouth checked first.
What Happens During Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional veterinary dental cleaning is different from brushing your dog’s teeth at home.
Your dog’s mouth can be properly examined, and plaque and tartar can be removed from the teeth, including areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
If damaged or unhealthy teeth are found, your vet can discuss whether further dental treatment is needed.
How Often Should My Dog’s Teeth Be Checked?
There’s no single cleaning schedule that works for every dog.
Some dogs develop plaque and tartar faster than others. Age, breed, diet and their dental care at home can all make a difference.
Checking your dog’s mouth regularly gives you a better chance of noticing changes early. You don’t need to wait until their breath becomes unbearable or they stop eating.
Dog Dental Care in Norwich
If you’ve spotted tartar, bad breath, red gums or changes in the way your dog eats, Rackheath Vets can check their teeth and gums.
Our veterinary practice in Rackheath provides dental care for dogs from Norwich and surrounding areas. Call us on 01603 955056 if you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or would like to arrange an appointment.