The Myth and Its Impact
Have you ever had those days when you’re cuddling with your dog and they gaze soulfully into your eyes…and you have try very hard not to want to vomit?
Some owners luck out and have dogs that need little to no dental care throughout the course of their dog’s life, others are not so lucky and have dogs that need yearly or even twice yearly dental cleaning and polishes.
Wait….dogs may need yearly dental cleanings?
I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “Older dogs don’t need regular dental exams”? Am I right?
It’s a common misconception. Many pet owners assume that aging dogs—especially those slowing down or showing fewer obvious signs of discomfort—don’t require much dental care. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding can have a significant impact on a senior dog’s overall well-being (and the owner’s check book).
Here’s the reality: Dental health is directly tied to overall wellness, and neglecting it can lead to chronic pain, systemic health issues, a reduced quality of life and very expensive surgery if broken teeth or dental disease is left too long.
Let’s explore why dental care is essential for senior dogs and how you can take action to protect your canine companion.
The Link Between Dental Health and Overall Wellness
Dental health actually goes far beyond a dog’s mouth. Poor oral hygiene can:
- Cause Chronic Pain: Dogs often hide discomfort, making it easy to miss signs of dental pain like difficulty chewing or avoiding toys.
- Lead to Systemic Health Issues: Bacteria from untreated dental infections can travel through the bloodstream, negatively affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver—organs already vulnerable in senior dogs.
- Weight Loss: Senior dogs can have trouble keeping weight on their bodies, if it’s painful to eat they often don’t consume enough food, leading to possible illness or muscle weakness down the line
Senior dogs are particularly at risk because:
- Years of accumulated wear and tear on their teeth can lead to root pulp exposure, cracks, fractures, or severe tartar buildup.
- Their immune systems are less robust, making it harder to fight off infections that begin in the mouth.
Taking care of your senior dog’s teeth is one of the simplest ways to support their long-term health and comfort.
Common Dental Issues in Senior Dogs
Without regular dental exams, the following issues can go unnoticed:
- Periodontal Disease: This condition, caused by untreated plaque and tartar, can lead to gum inflammation and sensitivity, tooth loss, and severe pain.
- Tooth Fractures or Wear: Years of chewing can cause damage, leaving teeth with the root pulp exposed.
Circled is a fractured tooth with the dark brown root pulp exposed.
This root pulp exposure makes your dog vulnerable to infection as bacteria can enter the mouth, travel down the pulp and directly into your dog’s blood stream.
- Abscesses or Oral Tumors: These can develop silently, becoming severe before any outward signs appear. Sometimes abscesses can even grow through the nasal sinuses and erupt out through the skin just under the dog’s eyes. Oral tumors can affect both the soft tissue of the gums or the underlying bone of jaw.
The circled areas are small tumors on a dog’s gum line.
Many of these issues are extremely subtle and only detectable during a thorough veterinary exam. Don’t stress if your veterinarian catches an issue that you have not seen yet- it’s their job to catch the tiny, hidden signals that your dog may be having dental issues.
With frequent check ups for your senior dog, issues like a fractured tooth can be caught early; this can prevent discomfort and costly treatments down the line.
Small Steps to Start Addressing Dental Health
Caring for your dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple ways to get started:
- Inspect Your Dog’s Mouth: look into your dog’s mouth (the inside and outside edges) at least once a week. Look for red or swollen gums, bad breath, or broken teeth with exposed root pulp. These can indicate underlying problems.
- Introduce a Senior-Friendly Dental Routine: Use dog-safe dental wipes, enzymatic toothpaste, or dental chews designed for older dogs (only if you’re supervising them while they eat it).
- Provide Chew Toys for Gentle Cleaning: Select softer chew toys to help reduce tartar buildup without causing excessive wear on fragile teeth.
You do have to be careful with dental chews as some have harmful ingredients or may prove to be a choking hazard for your dog. A great resource to look into is the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website on their approved dental chews that have. The VOHC is a meet-up of 35 experts (veterinary dentists, scientists, and representatives from organizations like the American Dental Association, AVMA, and AAHA) that created a system for reviewing and approving dental products so that pet owners can more easily understand what products actually work and what ones are all hype.
While these steps and dental products are a great starting point, they’re no substitute for regular professional dental care. A veterinarian’s expertise ensures that deeper issues are addressed safely and effectively.
Investing in Dental Health for Lifelong Wellness
Dental care is a cornerstone of senior dog health. By prioritizing regular dental exams and establishing a care routine, you’re giving your dog the best chance to enjoy their golden years comfortably and healthily.
Take the first step today: Check your dog’s mouth for red flags and schedule a veterinary dental exam if needed. Remember, proactive care now can prevent pain and complications later.
With consistent effort and expert guidance, you can help your senior dog thrive—one healthy tooth at a time.
Call to Action
Ready to take action?
- Download our free “Senior Dog Dental Health Checklist” to learn the key signs of dental problems and track your dog’s oral care.
- Share your experiences in the comments below. Have you noticed dental issues in your senior dog? What steps have you taken to address them?
- Subscribe for More Tips: Get expert, evidence-based advice delivered to your inbox to help your senior dog lead a healthier, happier life.