Signs of Dental Pain in Dogs (and How It Changes Behaviour)
Updated: Nov 1
Dogs are very good at hiding tooth pain, and most keep eating, so it's easy to miss. Often the first thing you notice is a change in behaviour, like a dog who suddenly growls when you touch their face, won't take treats in training, or snaps over a toy they used to love. Whenever behaviour changes out of the blue, I always want a vet to rule out pain first.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Common signs of dental pain in dogs are chewing on one side, dropping food, eating more slowly, pawing at the mouth, drooling, bad breath, red or bleeding gums and not wanting their face or mouth touched. Many dogs with toothache keep eating, so behaviour changes, like grumpiness, snapping or refusing treats and toys, can be the first clue. If you see any of these, book a check with your vet.
Dog dental pain symptoms
Signs at mealtimes
chewing on one side, or swallowing food whole
dropping food or treats, or leaving the hard bits
eating more slowly, or walking away from the bowl and coming back
preferring soft food or wet food all of a sudden
Signs in the mouth
bad breath that's worse than usual
red, swollen or bleeding gums
brown or yellow build-up on the teeth (tartar)
a broken, chipped or discoloured tooth
drooling, sometimes with a bit of blood
swelling on the face, especially under the eye, which can be a tooth root abscess
Signs in behaviour
pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on the floor
head shy: pulling away when you go to touch the head or face
growling or snapping when you touch the mouth, lift the lips or groom near the face
not wanting to play tug, fetch or chew toys
refusing treats in training, or taking them gently and dropping them
quieter, more tired or grumpier than usual
Why dental pain can cause aggression
A sore mouth puts the body on alert. A dog who's hurting can't tell you, so they warn you the only way they can: a lip lift, a growl, a snap. It's self-protection, not your dog trying to be in charge. If a hand near the face has hurt before, your dog may start to warn before you even touch them.
Pain-related aggression often shows up suddenly in a dog who was fine with handling before. That sudden change is the clue. Read why your dog's nervous system reacts.
Why dental pain can cause training refusal
Training with food or toys means using the mouth again and again. If every treat hurts, your dog has a good reason to stop working. You might see:
sniffing a treat and turning away
taking food very gently, then spitting it out
happily working for soft food but not hard biscuits
losing interest in the tug toy that used to be the best reward
It's easy to think your dog has just lost interest. Try a soft reward, like a bit of cooked chicken or a lick of soft cheese. If your dog suddenly perks up, their mouth may be the problem.
What causes tooth pain in dogs?
Gum disease: tartar builds up, gums get inflamed and infection can get into the tooth roots. It's very common in adult dogs, especially small breeds.
Broken teeth: chewing stones, antlers, bones or very hard chews can crack teeth and expose the nerve.
Abscesses: infection at the tooth root, often with swelling on the face.
Retained puppy teeth: baby teeth that don't fall out can crowd adult teeth and trap food. Read why puppies chew everything.
Something stuck: a stick or bone wedged across the roof of the mouth.
When to see your vet
Book a check if you notice any of the signs above, and go straight away if your dog has facial swelling, won't eat, is bleeding from the mouth or has a broken tooth. Many dental problems can only be seen properly under anaesthetic, with X-rays, so a dog can look fine from the outside and still be sore. Don't give human painkillers: several are dangerous for dogs.
RENEE'S TIP
Get your dog used to having their lips lifted and teeth looked at while they're happy and calm. A quick look and a treat, a few times a week, makes checks at home and at the vet much easier, and you'll spot changes sooner.
Helping your dog after treatment
Once the pain is treated, many dogs go back to their old selves quickly. Some still expect hands near the face to hurt for a while. Go slowly: touch the chin or cheek briefly, give a treat, stop. Build back up to handling the mouth over days or weeks.
QUICK CHECK
ā Many dogs with toothache still eat
ā Chewing on one side, dropping food and bad breath are common signs
ā Sudden grumpiness about the face can mean pain
ā Soft treats perking a dog up can point to a sore mouth
ā Facial swelling or a broken tooth needs your vet straight away
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help after a vet check
Once your vet has ruled out or treated pain, I can help with any growling, snapping or handling worries that are left over, in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What are the signs of tooth pain in dogs?
Chewing on one side, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, drooling, bad breath, red gums and not wanting the face touched. Behaviour changes, like grumpiness or refusing treats, are common too.
Will a dog with toothache still eat?
Often, yes. Many dogs keep eating through dental pain, so a normal appetite doesn't mean their mouth is fine.
Can dental pain make a dog aggressive?
Yes. A dog with a sore mouth may growl or snap when the face is touched, to protect themselves from more pain.
Why has my dog stopped taking treats in training?
It could be a sore mouth, especially if they still take soft food. It could also be stress or too much going on. Ask your vet to check their teeth.
What can I give my dog for tooth pain?
Only what your vet prescribes. Several human painkillers are dangerous for dogs.
How can I prevent dental pain in my dog?
Brush their teeth with dog toothpaste, avoid very hard chews like stones and antlers, and have their teeth checked at every vet visit.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
