This article was created in collaboration with veterinarian Marja Hassi.
The most common disease seen in dogs and cats is inflammation of the tooth-supporting tissues (periodontal disease). Despite its prevalence, it is still underdiagnosed.
Examples of dental problems and their prevalence:
- Periodontitis in 80% of dogs
- Tooth fracture reaching the pulp (causing tooth death) in 10%
- More superficial tooth fracture exposing dentin and causing pain in 25%
- Tooth resorption in 53%
- Oral tumors in about 5%
- Caries (“cavities”) in 5% of dogs; not seen in cats
Most of our pets suffer daily from pain, inflammation, or both.
It all starts with plaque – and progresses surprisingly fast
Once a tooth erupts, salivary glycoproteins and bacteria attach to its surface, forming a biofilm called plaque. When this biofilm mineralizes, it becomes tartar.
After cleaning, plaque begins forming again within 3 hours and starts mineralizing into tartar within 72 hours without home care. Rough surfaces like tartar provide an ideal attachment site for bacteria, increasing their accumulation on the tooth surface and along the gumline. The gums become inflamed.
Up to 90% of young dogs have gingivitis
Gingivitis is caused by plaque at the gumline — not by tartar itself.
Up to 90% of dogs develop gingivitis by the age of one. Gingivitis:
- is a widespread inflammation in the mouth
- does not heal without proper treatment
- often progresses unnoticed
Without treatment, gingivitis often leads to the next stage: periodontitis.
Severe but common: periodontitis
Periodontitis is the most common dental disease in pets.
Gingivitis can deepen along the gum pocket into inflammation of the periodontal ligaments (periodontitis), progressing between the tooth root and bone and destroying bone.
Periodontitis in dogs and cats is not visible externally, as it occurs between the tooth root and the jawbone. Diagnosis requires measuring gum pockets and/or dental X-rays.
The image pair below illustrates how this dog’s mouth appeared completely normal visually, yet X-rays revealed significant bone loss between the molars:
Periodontitis can:
- loosen teeth
- cause pain and inflammation
- lead to abscesses and bone damage
In more severe cases, the inflammation can also affect other parts of the body.
Up to 80% of dogs have periodontitis by the age of three.
How to recognize dental pain in pets
Because pets tend to hide pain, the signs can be surprisingly subtle.
Pay attention to:
- bad breath
- changes in eating (preferring soft food, chewing on one side)
- drooling or lip-smacking
- withdrawal or irritability
- dropping food or avoiding chewing
Often, dental pain or discomfort is only recognized afterward—once it has been treated. That’s why it’s important to take your pet for a dental check-up with a veterinarian trained in dentistry whenever there is even the slightest suspicion of dental issues.
When is a dental check-up needed?
A dental examination is recommended if your pet:
- has bad breath
- has a broken, worn, or discolored tooth
- shows signs of gum inflammation
- has changes in eating or behavior
- has not had dental care in over a year
Since tartar itself is rarely the root cause of dental disease, we should move away from focusing solely on tartar assessment and removal — and instead focus on examining and promoting overall oral health.
Brushing teeth is worth it
Daily tooth brushing is the most important form of home dental care for pets. Based on current knowledge, it is no longer accurate to say that inner tooth surfaces don’t need brushing or that brushing a few times a week is sufficient.
To make the process pleasant for everyone, it’s important to:
- progress gradually
- make the experience positive
- find products your pet genuinely likes
Supplements and chews as part of dental care
People often look for alternatives to brushing. While some products can be helpful, it’s important to understand that they do not replace brushing — but they can be excellent support alongside it.
For example, Alvar Dental+ is a natural supplement made from seaweed in Finland. Regular use may support your pet’s oral health by reducing or slowing plaque and tartar buildup through changes in saliva composition.
Various chew products can also help mechanically, especially in the back teeth area. Alvar Dental Chews are made in Europe and are well suited for daily use.
Certain types of kibble can help remove plaque from the tooth surface, while gels or fatty acid supplements may support gum health and reduce plaque buildup. Probiotic products can also promote a healthy balance of oral bacteria, and water additives may help freshen breath. These products can also be useful as part of daily care, but they do not replace tooth brushing.
