Greencross Vets Gum disease is a common yet often overlooked health issue affecting millions of pets in Australia. Usually developing silently, it can cause painful infections, tooth loss and even impact your pet’s internal organs if not treated in time. Both dogs and cats are vulnerable, especially as they get older. Fortunately, with regular dental care, gum disease is also very treatable and, more importantly, preventable.
What Is Gum Disease in Pets?
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that support your pet’s teeth. It starts when bacteria in the mouth form plaque, a sticky film that clings to the teeth. If not removed via brushing or professional cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar (also called dental calculus), which can accumulate above and below the gum line.
Over time, tartar build-up can inflame and damage the gums, ligaments and jawbone. If untreated, it can cause pain, bad breath, tooth loss and systemic infections that might even damage your pet’s heart, liver or kidneys.
Gum disease usually begins with gingivitis. At this early stage, symptoms are reversible with dental care. But if ignored, it progresses to more severe periodontal disease, which is much harder to manage. Having a look at our dental grading chart can be helpful in knowing what state your pet’s teeth are in.
Signs of Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats
More than 85% of dogs and cats over the age of four are affected by some form of periodontal disease. The symptoms can be subtle at first, but tend to worsen over time. Look out for:
- Bad breath.
- Red, inflamed or bleeding gums.
- Discoloured or loose teeth.
- Excessive drooling, sometimes tinged with blood.
- Facial swelling.
- Reluctance to chew or eat, especially hard food.
- Pawing at the mouth.
- Visible tartar build-up.
- Behavioural changes (e.g. lethargy or irritability).
Gingivitis in Dogs and Cats
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and causes inflammation of the gums without affecting the tooth attachment. It’s common in both dogs and cats and can usually be reversed with quick treatment and good oral hygiene moving forward.
In cats, gingivitis can also be accompanied by pale gums, sensitivity around the mouth, reluctance to groom or a lower appetite. The biggest problem is that gingivitis can quickly progress to more advanced periodontal disease.
Vets regularly treat canine gum disease (i.e. dog inflamed gums), gingivitis in cats and a variety of other dental issues. So it’s worth staying on top of things by knowing how to care for your pet’s teeth before they start to degrade.
Diagnosing & Treating Gum Disease in Pets
If you think your pet has gum disease, it’s important to act fast. At Greencross Vets, we’ll perform a dental examination to understand the state of your pet’s teeth and gums, which might include X-rays to check for damage below the gumline. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the dental situation, but might include:
- Ultrasonic and hand scaling to get rid of plaque and tartar.
- Polishing to prevent further build-up.
- Flushing the mouth to remove bacteria.
- Tooth extractions if any teeth are infected or loose.
- Antibiotics to treat infection.
What Happens After a Dental Cleaning or Tooth Removal?
After your pet undergoes professional cleaning or has a tooth removed, good aftercare is just as important. Once they are fully healed, your vet might recommend:
- A dental diet with chewy, fibrous food for natural cleaning.
- Ongoing at-home brushing with pet-safe products.
- Dental treats or toys.
- Regular check-ups to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
Preventing Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats
Prevention is the best treatment when it comes to gum disease in pets. The following habits can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy for life:
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly (ideally daily) using pet-safe toothpaste.
- Never use human toothpaste, as it can be dangerous for pets.
- Offer dental chews and toys to help clean their teeth naturally.
- Feed dental-specific diets formulated to get rid of plaque and tartar.
- Book annual dental check-ups with your vet.
- Look for early warning signs (e.g. bad breath, red gums, reluctance to eat).
Broken or Damaged Teeth in Pets
Broken or cracked teeth are another concern and might be caused by chewing on hard bones or toys, accidents or trauma, as well as complications from untreated gum disease. If a tooth is freshly broken and the nerve is exposed, urgent treatment might save it through a filling. If left too long, the tooth will need to be extracted or treated with a root canal.
Untreated infections can spread to the jaw or even vital organs like the heart and kidneys. If you notice swelling, bleeding or sudden sensitivity around your pet’s mouth, contact your vet straight away.
When to See a Vet About Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental disease can be painful and negatively impact your pet’s quality of life. You should make an appointment with your vet if you notice:
- Bleeding or swollen gums.
- Refusal to eat or noticeable discomfort when chewing.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Loose or missing teeth.
- Facial swelling or signs of pain.
- Behavioural changes like irritability or low activity.
Remember, early intervention can prevent serious health problems and improve your pet’s well-being. Don’t wait until your pet is in pain. Book a dental check today to keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition.
Save $75 off Pet Stage 1 Dental Scale & Polish*
Did you know, over 80% of adult dogs and cats have some form of dental disease? Our pets can’t tell us if they’re feeling pain – so dental checks and preventative care are extremely important!
For a limited time only, SAVE $75 on your pet’s stage 1 dental scale & polish when you visit us by 31 August 2026!
Simply call your local clinic to book and mention code DENTAL75.
Healthy Pets Plus members on Adult or Senior lifestage plans enjoy an excusive, additional $200 off stage stage 1 dental scale & polish^ included in their member benefits.
PLUS: Access savings on select Greenies products at Greencross Vets standalone clinics and in-store at Petbarn when your pet has their stage 1 dental scale & polish procedure by 31 August 2026!
*T&Cs apply. See dental promotions page for details. Redeemable once per pet. Valid for dogs and cats. Cannot be used with another offer. Consultation fee may apply.
^12-month membership fee is $660 (Adult) or $696 (Senior) and can be paid across monthly or fortnightly payments. Benefits must not be abused and are subject to availability. T&Cs apply – see www.healthypetsplus.com.au. Healthy Pets Plus $200 Dental benefit can only be redeemed once per membership year.
