Why Dogs Get Gum Disease (and Not Cavities Like Humans)

Here’s the key difference: humans tend to get cavities, while dogs get periodontal disease.

Both are caused by bacteria, but they attack different parts of the tooth.

Humans vs Dogs: Two Different Dental Problems

In humans, dental caries (cavities) occur when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel. The result is decay within the tooth itself - a process accelerated by frequent snacking and sugary foods.

Dogs, however, almost never get cavities. Their saliva is more alkaline, their diets contain fewer simple sugars, and their sharp teeth don’t trap food the same way ours do.

Instead, dogs develop periodontal disease - a bacterial infection that attacks the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and bone.

So while humans mostly battle decay in the tooth, dogs suffer from infection around the tooth.

And What About Cats?

Cats experience periodontal disease too, but they’re also prone to unique oral problems such as tooth resorption (where the tooth’s structure dissolves) and stomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition caused by an overactive immune response. These conditions can appear suddenly and progress rapidly, even when tartar levels seem low.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria and food form a soft film called plaque on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through daily cleaning, it hardens within days into tartar (calculus). The rough surface and porous nature of tartar traps more bacteria under the gumline.

The body’s immune response to this bacteria causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Left untreated, the infection spreads deeper, damaging the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. This leads to pain and tooth loss. 

Why does Periodontal Disease Occur?

Plaque begins forming within hours of eating, and without daily cleaning, it quickly hardens into tartar. Small dogs and toy breeds are particularly vulnerable due to crowded teeth and smaller jawbones.

Even with a healthy diet, mechanical cleaning by brushing or wiping is the only way to stop plaque from becoming tartar.

Once tartar forms, it can’t be brushed off. Only professional veterinary dental cleaning under general anaesthesia can remove it safely and thoroughly, especially beneath the gumline.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

1. Gingivitis: Mild redness of the gums. This stage is fully reversible.
2. Early Periodontitis: Plaque and tartar start to build beneath the gumline. The gums look redder and more swollen. Mild ligament and bone loss occurs.
3. Moderate Periodontitis: Bone loss progresses, tartar becomes worse. 
4. Advanced Periodontitis: Severe tartar and recession of the gumline. Advanced damage to the bone and connective tissues, leading to loose or missing teeth and chronic pain. In some cases, the jaw bone can fracture, and holes can open up between the nose and mouth.

Because dogs rarely show obvious signs of pain, the disease can progress silently for years.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Bad breath
• Visible tartar on the teeth
• Red gums that may bleed
• Difficulty chewing, especially hard food
• Picking up their food with their mouth and dropping it
• Unusual drooling
• Broken or missing teeth
• Rubbing or pawing at the mouth
• Pain or discomfort when the mouth is opened

Whole-Body Consequences

Periodontal disease doesn’t stop at the mouth. Chronic oral infection can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, contributing to:

• Heart valve infections (endocarditis)
• Kidney and liver inflammation
• Immune system strain
• Chronic pain, reduced appetite, and weight loss

Professional Cleaning: The Only Way to Remove Tartar

A professional dental clean performed by your vet is the only way to remove hardened tartar and assess the full health of your dog’s mouth. During this procedure, your vet will:

• Remove all plaque and tartar, above and below the gumline
• Polish the teeth to smooth enamel and slow plaque build-up
• Examine for hidden disease or loose teeth
• Extract any that are severely damaged or painful

General anaesthesia is necessary to ensure comfort, safety, and thorough cleaning. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests should be done to screen for underlying health conditions and assess a dog’s anaesthetic risk. 

Prevention Starts Before Disease

The best way to fight periodontal disease is to prevent it before it starts.

Daily brushing or wiping helps to physically remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Veterinary-approved dental chews and chew toys can help support this routine, but should not replace brushing or wiping. Regular veterinary checks will catch early changes before they become painful or irreversible.

If you’re not sure where to start, read our post How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth — a step-by-step guide to brushing, wiping, and keeping your dog’s mouth healthy at home.

A Healthier Mouth, A Healthier Life

Dogs may not get cavities like we do, but their risk of periodontal disease is far higher. The good news is that it’s preventable.

By starting early, cleaning the teeth regularly, and scheduling veterinary checks, you can protect your dog from infection, pain, and long-term health issues.

 Because healthy gums, clean teeth, and fresh breath aren’t just cosmetic. They’re a benchmark for your dog’s longevity and wellness.