15 Warning Signs That Your Dog Has Dental Problems

Dental health is something we usually forget about, but it’s very important for your pet’s overall well-being (be it a dog or a cat). Like us, dogs can get toothaches, gum issues, and infections that cause pain. Spotting all these signs early can make a big difference in keeping your pup comfortable and also healthy. Here are 15 signs that your dog may have dental problems.
Bad Breath

It’s no surprise that dogs have a certain kind of “doggy” smell, but if your dog’s breath is downright offensive, it can be a sign of dental trouble. If the odor is foul or smells rotten, likely bacteria is building up in your dog’s mouth. This can lead to gum disease, plaque, or even tooth decay. If their breath is bad enough to clear a room, it’s time to get their teeth checked.
Red or Swollen Gums

Next time you hang out with your dog, peek at their gums. Healthy gums should be pink, but if they’re red and swollen (even a little bit), it could mean gingivitis or gum disease. This is a sign that bacteria are creeping under the gum line and causing some kind of infection. The longer it goes untreated, the worse and more painful it can get.
Tartar Buildup

You’ve probably noticed that yellow or brown tartar on your dog’s teeth. It’s not just gross—it can cause many serious problems. Tartar builds up from plaque, which is a sticky layer of bacteria that hardens over time. If your dog’s teeth look yellow and covered in gunk, it’s time for a dental cleaning.
Loose Teeth

Teeth that feel wobbly or are starting to fall out can look pretty scary—and for a good reason! It usually means there’s some serious dental trouble, like periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. If your dog’s teeth are loose, they’re probably feeling some pain so it’s important to get them to the vet immediately.
Pawing at the Mouth

Dogs can’t tell you when something’s hurting, but they sure have their ways of showing it. If your dog’s always pawing at their mouth, it could be their way of trying to ease the pain. Pawing usually means something wrong, whether it’s a sore tooth, irritated gums, or an infection. Keep an eye out for it after meals or when they’re trying to chew on something—it could be a sign of oral pain.
Excessive Drooling

We all know dogs drool when they’re excited or hoping for a treat. But if your dog’s drooling a lot for no obvious reason, it could mean something’s wrong. It might be their way of dealing with an infection or pain in their mouth. Or maybe something’s stuck in their teeth, like food or some random object, causing that irritation.
Difficulty Eating

If your dog refuses to eat or starts chewing weirdly, it could be a sign that something’s hurting in their mouth. Whether it’s sore gums, a cracked tooth, or even a loose tooth, chewing can become very uncomfortable. If they’re not chomping down on their food like usual, it’s worth keeping an eye on their eating habits to catch any dental issues early.
Avoiding Chew Toys

Is your dog suddenly ignoring their favorite chew toys or treats? If they used to love gnawing on bones or plush toys earlier but now they refuse to take it, it could mean chewing is causing them pain because of a dental problem. If they’re suddenly avoiding their toys, something might be bothering their mouth, like a cracked tooth or swollen gums.
Chronic Gum Bleeding

If you spot blood in your dog’s mouth while they’re eating or playing with a toy, that’s definitely something to worry about. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed for no reason. If you notice this, your dog may have an infection or gum disease. Gum disease can get worse fast, leading to more pain and other problems so it’s a good idea to get it checked out before it gets out of hand.
Visible Abscesses

Is this some new kind of disease? No. It’s actually common. Abscesses are pockets of pus caused by some bacterial infections, and they can show up around your dog’s teeth or gums. If you see swelling near their mouth, especially around the jaw area or under their eyes, it’s probably an abscess. This is a serious problem that can cause a lot of pain and spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Discolored Teeth

Bright white teeth are considered healthy, but if your dog’s teeth start looking yellowish, brown, or even black, it might mean tooth decay or infection. Teeth can get discolored from plaque or tartar buildup, but darker stains could point to even bigger problems like root damage. If their teeth are starting to look rough, it’s definitely time to get them checked by the vet.
Changes in Behavior

Have you noticed your dog acting more grumpy or just plain tired? Dogs in pain can get irritable, and dental issues are a big cause of that. If your dog seems less playful or avoids their usual activities, their teeth might be the reason. Oral pain can make them act differently, so don’t brush it off—check to see if their teeth are causing the behavior change.
Reluctance to Open Mouth

If your dog is keeping their mouth shut or pulling away when you try to look inside, it could mean their teeth or gums are hurting. A dog that usually lets you check their mouth but suddenly won’t have a painful tooth, abscess, or infected gum. Again, if this happens, then you must take your pup to a vet.
Sensitivity to Heat or Cold

We all know how annoying it is to eat something hot or cold when we have toothaches—your dog feels the same way! If they’re avoiding cold water or turning down their usual treats because they’re too hot or cold, their teeth might be extra sensitive. This could be a sign of cavities, gum recession, or tooth damage, so watch out.
Unusual Facial Swelling

Facial swelling, especially around the jaw or eyes, is a red flag that something’s wrong with your dog’s mouth. If a tooth abscess or infection isn’t treated, the swelling can spread and lead to serious problems. Their face may look puffy or uneven, and they could be in a lot of pain. If you notice swelling, take them to the vet right away for treatment.