What’s the big deal with dental disease?
Dogs are very good at hiding oral discomfort. Many continue eating, playing, and behaving normally even when dental disease is present. Because of this, changes such as lower energy, less interest in interaction, or subtle shifts in behavior are sometimes the only outward clues that something could be bothering your dog’s mouth.
Dental disease involves inflammation and infection around the teeth and gums, and it doesn’t stay confined to the mouth. Bacteria from diseased gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. That’s why veterinary teams think about dental health as part of a dog’s whole-body wellness, not just fresh breath.
How common is dental disease?
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions veterinarians see in dogs. While tartar on the visible part of the tooth is easy to spot, much of the damage happens below the gum line. That deeper disease can’t be fully evaluated during an awake exam, which is why veterinary dental assessments commonly include imaging and careful probing under controlled conditions.
Understanding what’s happening in the mouth
Each tooth is held in place by a structure called the periodontal ligament. The visible crown sits above the gum line, while the root and the tissues that support it are hidden below. Inside the tooth are nerves and blood vessels that keep it alive.
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria irritate and damage these supporting tissues. Over time, this can lead to loss of ligament and bone, buildup of hardened plaque (tartar), and infection that may reach the tip of the root. When this happens, the tooth can become unstable and inflamed, and veterinary exams often find evidence of significant discomfort.
Why anesthesia is a part of professional dental care
Veterinary dental care is designed to be thorough, safe, and humane. That’s why procedures such as full cleaning, polishing, and dental x-rays are typically performed under anesthesia.
Anesthesia allows veterinary teams to:
Clean beneath the gum line, where disease lives
Take dental x-rays to find hidden problems
Protect the airway from water and debris
Use specialized instruments safely
So-called “anesthesia-free” cleanings focus on the visible surfaces of the teeth. They may improve appearance, but they do not address disease below the gums, which is where pain and infection develop. Veterinary teams routinely consider the risks and benefits of anesthesia in the context of the well-documented risks of leaving dental disease untreated.
How dental disease can affect the rest of the body
