If your older dog is losing teeth, it’s often an indicator of periodontal disease. Dr. Julie Buzby, integrative veterinarian and founder of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips®, shares the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for dental disease in older dogs. Learn how early intervention and preventative treatments can help your dog live a healthier, happier (and pain-free) life.
As a senior dog parent, how often do you think about your dog’s oral health? You may brush your dog’s teeth at home, and I’m sure you try make wise choices when it comes to safe chew toys for dogs. Those are two important components in decreasing the odds of dental disease in dogs. However, without regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and an awareness of the signs of dental disease, your senior pup could very well end up losing some of her teeth.
So what can you do today to prevent tooth loss in the future, and what options are available if your dear old dog has already lost a tooth or two?
These are great questions that I’ll get to in just a second. But first, let’s look at why older dogs lose their teeth to begin with and discuss a few of the early signs. Then I’ll share the connection between your dog’s oral health and her overall well-being, and finally, let’s talk treatment and prevention.
Why is my older dog losing teeth?
If you’ve noticed your senior dog losing teeth and you can’t chalk it up to a fall, slip, or other form of trauma, it’s quite possible your dog has some degree of periodontal disease (i.e. dental disease).
Periodontal disease is inflammation or infection of the tissues around the teeth. These include the gums (or gingiva), the periodontal ligament that anchors the tooth in place, and the alveolar bone that surrounds the tooth roots.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems diagnosed by veterinarians. It is estimated that over 80% of adult dogs will develop some degree of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old.
This disease starts when plaque, a sticky substance made from saliva mixed with food particles, builds up on the teeth. Bacteria in the plaque can cause an inflamed gum line (i.e. gingivitis) and infect the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth.
Plaque can be removed from the teeth by consistent routine brushing, but if allowed to remain, over time it will harden into tartar (i.e. calculus). This tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone. It’s like cement on the teeth.
As tartar accumulates, inflammation increases and bone loss occurs. When alveolar bone loss exceeds 50%, teeth loosen and fall out on their own.
If your vet suspects periodontal disease, he or she will classify the disease into one of the following stages. Dental X-rays under general anesthesia will help your veterinarian determine the stage of periodontal disease.
What are the stages of periodontal disease?
| Stage 0 | Tartar is present but no bone loss. |
| Stage 1 | Tartar is present along with gingivitis; the alveolar bone is intact. |
| Stage 2 | Tarter and mild to moderate gingivitis are present; 25% bone loss around the teeth. |
| Stage 3 | Tartar and moderate to severe gingivitis are present; 25-50% bone loss. |
| Stage 4 | Severe tartar and gingivitis are present; visible bone loss of > 50%). |
What are the signs of periodontal disease in older dogs?
Take inventory to determine if your dog is showing any of these periodontal disease signs. Report any red flags to your veterinarian.
- Bad breath.
- Pain when chewing.
- Bleeding gums.
- Dropping food or drooling when eating.
- Chewing only on one side of his mouth.
- Showing preference for soft foods or refusing to eat hard foods.
Signs of advanced stages of periodontal disease
If your dog is in the more advanced stages of periodontal disease, you may see the following:
- Pus around the teeth and gums.
- Extensive tartar in thick walls around the teeth.
- Substantial bone loss causing teeth to loosen or fall out.
- Swelling around the mouth or face because of tooth root abscesses (more common if your dog has a fractured tooth).
- Refusal to eat because of severe pain and oral sensitivity.
How does periodontal disease affect my dog’s health?
It may appear that your aging dog’s oral health is separate from the rest of her body, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems diagnosed by veterinarians.
Here are three ways your dog’s periodontal disease (no matter the stage) may affect her overall health and well-being.
- Gradual weight loss: Because of the pain associated with periodontal disease, dogs often lose weight. If it hurts to eat, your dog will eat less and less.
- Lower quality of life: She may have less energy because her mouth may be a source of constant pain. This also means chronic inflammation, which is bad for mind and body. A painful dog may have no interest in using her mouth to play with toys.
- Increased risk of heart disease: If your dog’s gums bleed due to gingivitis, bacteria from the mouth can enter her bloodstream and migrate to the heart. There it attaches to the heart valves, causing inflammation (i.e. endocarditis). In its early stages, endocarditis causes lethargy and weight loss. As it progresses, it leads to signs of heart failure such as coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and sudden collapse.
How can I help my older dog who is losing teeth?
First, let me be abundantly clear that if you’re wondering: “At what age do older dogs start losing teeth?” The answer is NEVER, at least not in an ideal world. Do older dogs lose their teeth? Yes, they do. I see it all the time in my practice. But, it’s not something we expect to happen as a part of the aging process. It’s not normal at any adult age.
Take, for example, older people. Do you have an older parent or grandparent who is losing teeth? Maybe, but I’m guessing they are under the care of a dentist, endodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon, or some combination of these specialized doctors. We do not treat tooth loss as a “routine” part of aging for senior citizens. It happens, but it indicates something is wrong. The same holds true for old dogs.
Do old dogs lose their teeth? Yes
Should they? Hopefully not
What do you do if your older dog is losing teeth? Read on…
If your older dog is losing any of their 42 teeth, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. By simply examining your dog’s mouth while she is awake, your vet can make some recommendations about how how to proceed. He or she might suggest putting your dog under general anesthesia so dental X-rays can be taken to determine the periodontal disease stage and formulate a treatment plan.
The most common treatment is a full dental cleaning while your dog is under general anesthesia. Your vet uses a dental prophylaxis machine to clean the teeth. An ultrasonic scaler breaks up and removes plaque and tartar. After that, a polisher smooths the surface of the tooth making it harder for bacteria to adhere and form plaque in the future. Sometimes a special gel is inserted below the gum line to help prevent future plaque and tartar from accumulating. These gels often contain an antibiotic to treat minor infections.
For the safety and comfort of your dog, X-rays and dental prophylaxis should always be performed under general anesthesia. It’s extremely difficult, even in the best behaved canine patients, to get dental X-rays without sedation. Also, cleanings won’t be as effective on an alert patient since the teeth can’t be cleaned or scaled below the gum line.
The “root” of the problem in periodontal disease lies with the 60% of the tooth below the gum line. Thus, a dental procedure must be able to assess and treat the whole tooth, not just make the visible portion of the tooth look pearly white again.
What happens if diseased teeth are found?
In some cases, a board-certified veterinary dentist can save diseased or fractured teeth. Compared to a general practice veterinarian, he or she has a broader range of experience and procedures at their disposal such as a root canal, a vital pulpotomy, or crown restoration.
Can I prevent periodontal disease?
In many cases, yes! Periodontal disease can be prevented — and consistent, regular brushing is one huge step in the right direction.
It is best to brush your dog’s teeth every day since it removes food particles and bacteria before they turn into plaque. Keep in mind it only takes a few days for plaque and tartar to form, so daily brushing is a must!
Since many dogs are averse to brushing at first, gradually introduce her to the idea of brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs since human toothpaste can be harmful if swallowed. For a video tutorial and step-by-step instructions, please check out my article: Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth? 7 Toothbrushing Tips. To learn more about the dangers of human toothpaste for dogs, please read: Can You Use Human Toothpaste on Dogs? You’ll get the nitty-gritty on the three components in human toothpastes that are toxic to dogs.
You may also want to consider other doggie dental products. In addition to brushing, dental chews can help physically remove food particles, and some even have a special coating to prevent bacteria from sticking to your dog’s teeth. Water additives, oral hygiene rinses, and therapeutic veterinary diets are also beneficial for dogs who are prone to dental disease.
Effective products for canine dental care
For the most effective products, look for the distinctive white logo of the Veterinary Oral Health Council, or see their current list of accepted dental products for dogs. Any product with this seal of approval has gone through two clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy, so you can feel confident it will delay plaque and tartar formation.
Preserve the smile you love
Periodontal disease at any stage is serious, and if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, difficulty eating, weight loss, and even heart disease. However, the sooner you notice early warning signs, the more likely you are to preserve that happy smile you’ve come to love over the years. And of course, if your dog is already losing teeth, contact your veterinarian right away. With quick intervention, you can relieve your pup’s discomfort in no time.
If X-rays show that bone loss is present, guided tissue or bone regeneration may also be an option. However, these are highly technical procedures only specialists can perform. Referral to a specialist may not be possible in all cases. Having fractured or infected teeth extracted by your veterinarian can also greatly improve your dog’s dental health and quality of life.
What habits do you have for keeping your dog’s teeth and gums clean?
Share in the comments below.
I have been told that my 17 year old shih-tzu’s liver enzyme levels make it so he is no longer a candidate for anesthesia and teeth cleaning. He also has some heart issues. Yet the vet’s always also comment on how well he is doing overall and how surprised they are to find that he is 17. My experience of him as well is one of a good quality of life; he moves well, eats well, has regular and healthy bowels etc… but he does lay/sleep a lot and occasionally has very brief and sporadic bouts of coughing or panting that I’ve assumed are related to his heart, and I suppose I figured that was/is normal for him being 17 years old.. Anyways, he does have stage 3 almost 4 periodontal disease at this point since his last cleaning was about 2 years ago and he fights so hard when I try to brush his teeth that the best I’ve been able to do regularly is use dental wipes to mostly get extra food/debris out of his cheek pockets/gums. Water additives and sprays (which he also won’t stay still for so I’m unsure if I’m really getting enough on the right places to be helpful) don’t seem to help. Just the other day I noticed a loose tooth and it must’ve fallen out or he swallowed it yesterday and once it was gone and I had a better view of the area, I noticed what looks like two black gum areas where teeth used to be. I contacted his regular vet (which is at a Banfield clinic) who urged me to go to an emergency clinic instead. I feel horrible to admit this reality, but after losing everything in a wildfire a couple years ago, COVID and some other hardships, we just really can’t afford an emergency vet visit or much of any intensive treatment that may be needed after the visit except maybe paying for a standard visit and antibiotics. So I am sitting here knowing that I can’t afford to take him to the ER today, was able to squeeze us in to an appointment at Banfield for tomorrow morning, but they told us because they are a preventative care clinic that they may not even be able to help and would probably end up referring us to an emergency clinic anyways. But at this time he is still eating just fine (he’s actually seemed even more demanding and eager for food actually), the gums are black but I do not see any white and his breath might be a little stinkier than usual but he is not displaying any other noticeable symptoms. I understand dogs mask pain well/have a high pain tolerance and no way to really express the level of discomfort they are feeling. And after having Rusty for all 17 years of his life, I have also developed quite an ability to receive “communications” from him with just a look. (He “told” me about a tick just by looking at me, no whining, biting, itching etc…just a look. Same thing with a few injuries he had and there are other examples but you get the point. And I am very observant of his personality and behavior.) I guess I am here asking if you know of anything else I could be doing under my specific and financial circumstances besides what I’ve already done? I am also fine hearing that there may not be anything else that can be done if he is unable to go under anesthesia. I want the end of his life to be as comfortable and honoring as our 17 years together have been up to this point. And if the reality is that I can no longer afford to provide what he needs and it is highly likely that he is indeed suffering greatly and the most humane and loving thing I can ultimately do at this time is put him down, though of course my heart hurts at the thought and I’d prefer an alternative, I am ok with hearing that this choice might actually be what’s best for him. I know this is a personal and difficult decision and you may not feel comfortable and that it may be even legally ill-advised for you to comment on this. So whatever you feel comfortable responding with and if you have any other insights I might be missing, I would deeply appreciate receiving them. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hi Malen,
I understand your concern for Rusty and these new dental issues that have surfaced. I agree that something needs to be done, but I don’t think what you are describing sounds like a case for the emergency clinic. Since I haven’t examined Rusty myself, it is hard to know the severity of his oral problems. You mentioned your regular clinic only practices preventive care. In this case, I think it would be best to find another clinic to have Rusty established as a patient. There should be other clinics in your area that offer full services and can provide what you need as a general practice veterinary hospital. Your vet may indeed agree that due to his preexisting conditions, your pup may not be a good anesthesia candidate. They may offer to do antibiotic therapy as needed on an ongoing basis. It is also a great idea to discuss your concerns about Rusty’s quality of life and see if they can offer hospice/palliative care when the time comes. It is obvious from your words just how much you love your senior guy. I think you are doing an amazing job advocating for his health and wellbeing. Keep up the good work and give your sweet boy a hug for me. ♥
My 14-year-old cocker spaniel had a swollen jaw so I took him to the vet, she said it’s mostly likely plaque that is bothering him and prescribed antibiotics and painkillers which worked very well. Yesterday the dog spat out a molar with a lot of plaque. I was amazed at how well the surfaces of the tooth still looked after all these years. He is very lively and is eating well. I would likely also opt for antibiotic treatment and painkillers again if the problem recurs. They do work and are not expensive.
Hi Ingrid,
I am glad your pup seems to be doing better after staring antibiotics and pain killers. I know you are happy with the outcome, but I am still concerned about the loss of your dog’s teeth. If dental disease is resolved, then tooth loss should also have been prevented. I know a dental cleaning/procedure is not possible for all dogs as certain health issues can make them a poor anesthesia candidate. With that being said, I recommend you talk to your vet to see if your pup could benefit from dental x-rays or a thorough dental assessment and cleaning.
Hi, I’m Maritza, I have a yorkie,she’s 11 year’s old,just noticed that her front teeth’s R very loose,about to fall out, lot’s of tartar,like U I can’t afford to even take her to the vet right now, I noticed her breath was very stinky,so I bought her a gel,but I started to cry because I got so so sad my baby needs medical help,and I can’t afford it, I don’t know what to do,it’s just her And I,I’m sorry for UR situation, I will pray for R pet’s N for a solution to come our way.
Hi Maritza,
I am so sorry you are in this difficult situation with your yorkie. Praying you will be able to find a way to get your pup the help she needs. ♥
My 9 year old rescue chi teeth are falling out naturally all of the time.. We are so scared to put her under anesthesia. She seems in good spirits and loves to go for walks and loves to eat. Can they just fall out naturally? What are they the negative effects on her is we don’t do the extractions.?
Hi NL,
I understand your concern about anesthesia and your senior pup. There is lab work and testing that can be done prior to anesthesia to make sure your girl is a good candidate for her dental procedure. Age alone should not be a determining factor whether to undergo anesthesia or not. I will attach links to other articles that may offer additional information. Dental disease and subsequent loss of tooth attachments can be extremely painful. Dogs are great at hiding exactly how much pain they are feeling. Loosing teeth is not a natural process and should always be addressed if medically possible. If the dental disease is not resolved, it could lead to bone issues in the jaw, infection, damage to internal organs, etc. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your little girl. Best wishes and good luck!
1. Is My Dog Too Old For Anesthesia?
2. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
3. How to Recognize a Dog Tooth Abscess and What to Do About It
Hi I rescued a bluetick beagle. He had mange really bad. Took to.vet. now his coat is shiny, very active and great all around dog. But his front small teeth are rotted out to the gum. Now I live on social security alone. Don’t have money to get dental work done. Vet said it would be very expensive. Are there any programs that will do that?
Hi Helen,
I am sorry you are in a tough situation with your beagle pup. I understand how difficult it must be to want the best for your dog but feel like it is just out of reach. I am not aware of any specific programs that offer low-cost dental procedures. You could try contacting your local humane society or beagle/hound rescue groups in your area. They may have financial assistance for cases like this or have contact information for other organizations that might be able to help. Also, you can call different vets in your area to see if they have different prices for dental procedures. I hope you can find the help you need to take care of your sweet boy. Good luck!
Hi,
My dog will be 7 in January. Her front tooth has come out including the root. Her exposed tooth was white but when it gets to the root its seems to be covered in black hard substance. Do you think it’s Periodontal disease?
I do brush her teeth everyday since I noticed she had tar build up and she has dentastixs. She is still eating her food and she isn’t in pain. I’m very confused.
Hi Michaela,
I am glad your girl allows you to brush her teeth daily and the dentastix are a good option as well. Without seeing the tooth myself, it’s hard to say for sure what the exact issue was. Since the root was black, it makes me think it could have been damaged or injured causing the root to die. Sometimes plaque can get below the gumline and around the socket of the tooth even if the crown looks clean. My advice is to talk to your vet about this strange tooth development. They may want to do a good oral exam or discuss dental x-rays to ensure there are no bone issues with the jaw and teeth. I hope this was a one-time event and your girl won’t have any issues moving forward. Keep us updated!
My 11 year old dogs teeth are starting to fall out. I called my vet to book in a teeth clean but as they want over £300 to do it, they will just have to fall.
I do his teeth with the electric toothbrush which he allows and give him denta sticks and raw hide sticks.
Any other suggestions?
Hi Nat,
I understand your concern for your senior dog and his loss of teeth. You are doing a great job with brushing and the dental treats. There may be a water additive or oral rinse/spray that could help to keep the dental disease at a minimum. Unfortunately, once dental disease has reached an advanced stage, there may be no treatment options available other than a complete cleaning and extractions. Also, it is possible the tooth loss is due to a bone problem with the jaw. This cannot be readily assessed without anesthesia and maybe x-rays. If there is any way you can raise the funds to have the dental procedure done, I think this would be in your dog’s best interest. Dental disease can be extremely painful and can shorten a dog’s lifespan. I am hopeful you can find the best way to keep your senior guy living his best life. Wishing you both the best for a happy future.
My 12 lb Half poodle and half chawauwa is starting to Lois teeth I found a miler and a front tooth. Last examine she needed to b muscled so dental cam is extremely difficult. Her breath is terrible She’s 10 11 human yrs. Active. But I know her gums are not good. She would never allow me to brush her teeth. So the groomer offered a mint gel that is supposed to help her teeth and breath. Is there anything else I can purchase for her without. The high cost of dental procedures. I am a caring and thoughtful dog owner just not Rich. Thank u for any help. Ranzalotti@ yahoo.com. Thank u again. Ruff ruff.
Hi Robert,
There are many different dental products (chews, rinses, water additives, etc.) that help prevent tartar build up. Unfortunately, once you have advanced dental disease, a dental cleaning with possible extractions is really the only way to relieve the discomfort and stop progression of the disease. I understand how worrying it can be to have the desire to help your sweet girl but feel like your hands are tied due to cost. I recommend you talk to your vet and discuss your concerns. They may be able to give you a rough estimate of what the dental procedure may cost which would allow you to start saving and budgeting for it sometime in the future. Also, some clinics offer payment plans or care credit as an option. Praying you can figure out the best way to help your senior girl. Best wishes to you both.
My 12yo dogs 2very front teeth are loose and not from periodontal disease but rather rawhide bone chewing. No inflammation at site. Will they fall out on their own? Thx.
Hi Jamie,
Sorry to hear that your pup has some loose teeth. While they might fall out on their own eventually, I would recommend having your dog’s teeth evaluated by your vet sooner rather than later. Loose teeth can be painful or allow infection and bone loss to occur below the surface of the gums where you can’t see it.
Can you just pul loose teeth?l
Hi Julie,
I wasn’t sure if you meant, “Can the vet pull loose teeth?” or “Can the dog parent pull loose teeth?” so I’ll answer it both ways to ensure you get the answer you are looking for. Your veterinarian can safely extract loose teeth while your dog is anesthetized for a dental procedure. This prevents your dog from feeling pain or distress while the tooth is removed and allows the vet to pull the tooth in a controlled method using specialized equipment to further loosen the tooth if needed. However, I would not recommend trying to pull your dog’s loose teeth at home. This could be painful for your dog, lead to a jaw fracture, or cause injury to you if your dog accidently bites down on your fingers.