Why Dog Dental Care Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to overlook your dog’s teeth. We feed them, walk them, train them, and spend time ensuring they’re socialised and stimulated. But dental care? It often falls off the list. If you’re thinking this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Dog dental care tends to be one of the most under-addressed areas in everyday canine health routines, yet it’s one of the most critical.

Dental problems in dogs don’t just stop at the mouth. They can lead to serious health issues, discomfort, and even changes in behaviour. Just like with us, neglecting a dog’s oral hygiene can result in infections, pain, and expensive vet visits. But unlike us, dogs can’t tell us when something hurts. That’s why knowing the signs and maintaining a proper dental routine can make a massive difference to your dog’s quality of life.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Dental Health

Let’s start with what actually happens when we skip dental care. Plaque builds up quickly on dog teeth. It’s made up of saliva, bacteria, and food particles. If left alone, plaque hardens into tartar, which sits under the gum line and leads to inflammation, also known as gingivitis. From there, it’s a short journey to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect the gums and teeth. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging the heart, liver, and kidneys. It’s not scare tactics, it’s medically documented. The systemic impact of dental disease in dogs is real and significant.

Vet bills aside, think about the discomfort. Dogs with dental disease might avoid chewing, drop food, or become irritable. You may not realise they’re in pain, but subtle changes, avoiding play, not wanting their face touched, can all point to a deeper issue.

It’s Not Just for Older Dogs

One of the most common misconceptions is that dental issues are only for older dogs. But dental problems can begin before a dog even reaches their second birthday. Puppies may not need daily brushing straight away, but starting gentle mouth handling early on gets them comfortable with the idea, making your life much easier down the line.

Neglecting young dogs means problems just pile up. And by the time they reach mid-life, many already have signs of gum disease. So, starting young and staying consistent is the real secret.

What Daily Care Actually Looks Like

Here’s the honest truth, brushing is best. It doesn’t need to be dramatic. You don’t have to get it perfect every time. But brushing your dog’s teeth a few times a week (ideally daily) can reduce plaque, stop tartar from forming, and keep their breath less offensive.

Use a toothbrush designed for dogs and toothpaste made for them. Never use human toothpaste, some ingredients are toxic to dogs. Start slowly, just getting your dog used to the brush. Don’t make it a battle. Keep sessions short and positive. Over time, it becomes part of the routine, much like feeding or walking.

There are also chews, gels, and water additives that can help. While none of these replace brushing, they’re good supplementary tools. Chewing itself is helpful for dental health, especially when it’s on the right kind of item. Avoid hard bones or antlers, which can actually crack teeth.

Recognising the Warning Signs

Dogs are incredibly good at hiding pain. So, it’s up to us to notice when something’s off. Signs your dog might be dealing with dental issues include:

• Bad breath (it’s not just ‘dog breath’—persistent smell can signal infection)

• Red or bleeding gums

• Loose or missing teeth

• Difficulty eating or chewing

• Pawing at the mouth

• Swelling in the face or under the eye

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood

If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Get your dog checked out by a vet. Sometimes, the issue is reversible if caught early. Other times, treatment is needed to prevent it from getting worse.

Professional Cleanings—Are They Necessary?

Short answer: yes. Even with the best home care, plaque still builds up over time. A professional dental clean under anaesthesia gives the vet a chance to clean below the gumline, where you can’t reach at home.

It also lets them assess the condition of each tooth and gum area. Sometimes extractions are needed, but catching issues early often means avoiding that altogether. Think of professional cleanings like oil changes for your car, you can skip them, but eventually, it’s going to cost you more.

How Dental Health Affects Behaviour

We see a lot of dogs at Paws Academy who come in with what owners call ‘bad behaviour’. Snapping during play, growling when touched near the head, avoiding training sessions. Sometimes, the issue isn’t a behaviour problem at all, it’s pain.

Painful teeth or infected gums can cause a dog to act differently. If your dog suddenly becomes withdrawn or unusually reactive, it’s worth ruling out physical discomfort. Once the issue is treated, the behaviour often improves without any formal training.

This is why we take a holistic approach when working with dogs. Behavioural changes don’t happen in a vacuum. Health and training are closely linked, and dental pain is one of the most overlooked causes of sudden behavioural shifts.

Tailoring Dental Routines to Your Dog

Every dog is different. Some tolerate brushing well. Others… not so much. Breed and size can also influence dental health. Smaller dogs are especially prone to dental issues because their teeth are more crowded. Brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs or Pugs often have teeth at odd angles, making plaque build-up more common.

So, what works for one dog might not be ideal for another. The key is consistency. Even if brushing isn’t happening every day, doing something, chews, wipes, water additives, is always better than doing nothing.

If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog, speak with a vet or qualified trainer who understands how health and behaviour are connected. That’s something we take seriously at Paws Academy, and we often help dog owners figure out practical routines that suit their lifestyle.

Don’t Let Guilt Get in the Way

If you’re reading this thinking “I’ve never brushed my dog’s teeth”, don’t feel bad. You’re not behind. You’re starting now. That’s what matters.

Dental care doesn’t need to be perfect. Like most things with dogs, it’s about doing your best, staying consistent, and adjusting when you need to. A few missed days won’t undo all your progress. What makes the difference is long-term care and awareness.

Start small. Introduce the toothbrush. Make it a game. Add in dental chews or book a vet check. It all counts.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, taking care of your dog’s teeth isn’t just about avoiding bad breath. It’s about keeping them comfortable, healthy, and happy for longer. Dental care might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the clearest ways we can improve a dog’s overall wellbeing—physically and mentally.

You’d be amazed how many behaviour issues, mood changes, or training setbacks are linked to underlying discomfort. Teeth are part of the puzzle, and when they’re cared for properly, everything else just works a little bit better.

If you’d like help with a tailored approach to dog care or have questions about behavioural changes linked to discomfort, we’d love to chat. At Paws Academy, we specialise in dog training that looks at the whole dog, not just the surface issues. We offer virtual consultations as well as in-person support, depending on what suits you best.