Why Daily Checks Are Essential
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and the structures supporting your pet's teeth. It starts quietly when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on the teeth. If not removed, this plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates
the gums, causing the first stage of disease: gingivitis. Left untreated, it can progress to irreversible bone loss, chronic pain, and even impact your pet's heart, liver, and kidneys. A quick daily peek inside their mouth helps you spot the earliest signs, long before they show obvious pain.
How to Safely Check Your Pet's Mouth
The key to a successful mouth check is making it a positive, stress-free experience. Start when your pet is calm and relaxed. Choose a quiet spot and begin by gently touching their muzzle and lips, offering praise and a small treat. Gradually progress to lifting their lip for a second or two. Don't force it; keep sessions short and positive. For dogs, you can gently lift the upper lip on each side to see the outer surfaces of the teeth and gums. For cats, who can be more sensitive, a very quick lift of the lip may be all they tolerate at first. The goal is to make this a normal part of your daily routine, like a scratch behind the ears.
What to Look For: The Early Warning Signs
During your 30-second check, focus on three key areas. First, look at the gums. Healthy gums should be a firm, smooth, and uniform bubble-gum pink or salmon colour. Some breeds naturally have dark pigments, which is normal, but the non-pigmented areas should still be pink. The earliest sign of trouble is gingivitis, which appears as redness or swelling right along the gumline where the tooth meets the gum. Gums might also bleed a little when touched or brushed. Second, inspect the teeth. Look for a yellowish film (plaque) or hard, brownish-yellow buildup (tartar), especially on the back teeth near the gumline. Finally, pay attention to their breath. While 'doggy breath' is a common term, unusually foul or persistent bad breath (halitosis) is a strong indicator of a bacterial problem and is not normal.
Signs the Disease Is More Advanced
Recognizing early signs is ideal, but it's also important to know the symptoms of more advanced periodontal disease. These are clear signals that your pet is likely in pain and needs to see a veterinarian immediately. More serious signs include loose or missing teeth, excessive drooling, dropping food while eating, chewing on only one side of the mouth, pawing at the face, or a reluctance to eat or play with chew toys. By the time these symptoms appear, your pet may already be suffering from significant damage below the gumline, including bone loss.
Your Next Step: Partnering with Your Vet
A home check is for observation, not diagnosis. If you spot any redness, buildup, or bad breath, it's time to book an appointment with your veterinarian. They can confirm the presence of dental disease and determine its stage. The only way to reverse gingivitis and prevent progression is with a professional dental cleaning performed under anesthesia. This allows the veterinary team to safely and thoroughly clean above and below the gumline, where the real damage occurs, and take dental X-rays to assess the tooth roots and jawbone. Daily home care, especially tooth brushing, is the most effective way to prevent plaque from building up again after a professional cleaning.
