Dental Disease Stages: When to Worry and What to Do?

Did you know that 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three have dental disease? Many pet parents don’t realise their furry friends are suffering because pets instinctively hide pain.

By the time visible tartar and bad breath appear, pet dental disease has already progressed, requiring professional intervention.

Learn more about advanced dental care here.

Stage One: Early Signs of Dental Disease

The first stage of dental disease often begins with gingivitis—marked by red gums, bad breath, and mild discomfort. The good news? It’s reversible if caught early!

✅ What to do:

• Regular brushing, dental chews, or vet-approved diets can help prevent gingivitis from progressing.
• Not all dogs have the same dental needs. Breeds like Bulldogs (with crowded teeth) may need more frequent cleanings, while Labradors naturally have healthier gums.

🦷 Vet Tip: Your vet can tailor a dental plan based on your pet’s breed, chewing habits, and lifestyle.

🚨 When to worry: Red or swollen gums? Bad smell? Time for a vet check-up!

Stage Two & Beyond: When Professional Care is a Must

If left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to painful infections, gum recession, and tooth loss. Once tartar is visible, home care won’t be enough—your pet will need a professional dental clean under general anaesthetic.

📸 Why X-rays Matter:

• Studies show that X-rays uncover hidden dental problems in about one-third of cases where teeth seem normal.
• This means serious issues can go undetected without proper imaging, making radiographs essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

If left untreated, advanced disease can affect the bone, causing severe pain, infections, and the need for extractions.

🚨 When to worry: If your pet has bad breath, yellow buildup, or avoids chewing, schedule a vet visit today.

The Cost of Waiting: Why Routine Check-ups Matter

A study of 166 dogs found that over 78% required dental extractions. The study revealed that dogs who had fewer dental check-ups and longer gaps between visits were more likely to need multiple tooth extractions.

🦷This underscores a critical fact:

• Regular dental check-ups can help prevent extractions altogether.
• When dental disease is caught early, we can save teeth rather than remove them.

When Advanced Dental Care is Needed

🚨 When to worry: If your pet has loose teeth, pus-filled infections, severe swelling, or pain while eating, advanced treatment may be necessary.

At Lilydale Vet Centre, every pet receives a unique dental chart, full-mouth X-rays, and gum pocket measurements to assess dog and cat dental health thoroughly. In some cases, advanced procedures like periodontal surgery or orthodontics may be necessary.

Our team, led by Dr. Miranda, provides comprehensive veterinary dental care tailored to your pet’s needs. For complex cases, we may recommend a second opinion with Dr. Vicky at VetLand Hospital & Emergency. Dr. Vicky holds advanced recognition in small animal dentistry and oral surgery from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Sciences and has a professional interest in complex dental treatments to save teeth.

Protect Their Smile Before It’s Too Late!

Pet dental disease sneaks up fast—and by the time you see the signs, your pet could already be in pain. Don’t wait for the damage to get worse. A simple dental check-up today can prevent pet tooth loss tomorrow.

👉 Book a dental check-up now and keep their teeth strong for years to come!