Tooth loss (periodontitis) in dogs

Learn how to spot the early signs of gum disease in dogs, what causes it and how it's treated. You'll also find out how to help protect your dog's teeth and when pet insurance may help with the cost of treatment.

Periodontitis is a serious dental disease that damages the tissues supporting your dog's teeth. Without treatment, it can cause pain, loose teeth and permanent tooth loss. The good news is that early treatment and good dental care can slow or stop the disease from getting worse. As treatment can involve dental procedures under anaesthetic, having pet insurance may help with eligible veterinary costs, depending on your policy and the cause of the condition.

What is periodontitis in dogs?

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. It usually develops when plaque builds up on the teeth and causes ongoing inflammation.

The disease often begins as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque. Unlike periodontitis, gingivitis doesn't damage the bone supporting the teeth and can often be reversed with prompt treatment and good dental care.

If plaque isn't removed, the inflammation can spread deeper below the gumline. Over time, this damages the ligaments and bone that hold the tooth in place. Once this supporting bone has been lost, it can't usually be restored. Early treatment is therefore important to help preserve your dog's teeth and reduce discomfort.

What causes periodontitis in dogs?

Periodontitis is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on the teeth. If plaque isn't removed regularly, it mineralises into tartar (calculus). Tartar creates a rough surface that allows even more plaque and bacteria to build up, increasing inflammation around the gums.

Several factors can increase a dog's risk of developing periodontitis. These include poor dental hygiene, increasing age, crowded or misaligned teeth, and previous dental disease. Small or toy breeds and some flat-faced breeds may also be more prone due to their tooth positioning and jaw shape.

Which dog breeds are more prone to periodontitis?

Any dog can develop periodontitis, but some breeds are more likely to experience dental problems. Smaller breeds often have crowded teeth, making plaque more difficult to remove. Breeds that may be at increased risk include:

Flat-faced breeds, such as Pugs and Shih Tzus, may also be more prone because of the way their teeth are positioned.

Stages of periodontitis

Periodontitis usually develops slowly over time. As the disease progresses, it causes increasing damage to the gums, teeth and the tissues that help keep teeth in place.

1
Early stage
The gums become inflamed and pockets may begin to form around the teeth. At this stage, treatment can often prevent further damage.
2
Moderate stage
The inflammation spreads deeper and starts to damage the tissues supporting the teeth. Teeth may begin to loosen and the gums may recede.
3
Advanced stage
Significant bone loss develops around the affected teeth. Teeth may become so loose that they need to be extracted, or they may eventually fall out. Infection can sometimes spread to the tooth root and lead to a painful tooth root abscess.

Symptoms of periodontitis in dogs

The signs often develop gradually and may be easy to miss at first. Some common symptoms of periodontitis in dogs include:

Bad breath
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
Loose or missing teeth
Difficulty chewing food
Reduced appetite
Dropping food while eating
Blood on chew toys or after chewing
Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
Sensitivity around the mouth
Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or seeming quieter than usual

Many dogs continue eating despite dental pain, so it's important not to assume their mouth is healthy because they're still eating normally.

What should you do if your dog shows signs of periodontitis?

If you notice signs of dental disease, you should arrange a veterinary appointment. Early treatment gives your dog the best chance of keeping as many healthy teeth as possible.

Your vet will examine your dog's mouth and assess the health of their teeth and gums. A full assessment often requires a dental procedure under general anaesthetic, as this allows the teeth to be cleaned thoroughly and examined beneath the gumline. Dental X-rays may also be needed to assess the tooth roots and supporting bone.

At what age can dogs develop periodontitis?

Dogs can develop periodontitis at almost any age, but it's more common in adult and older dogs. Small breeds often develop periodontal disease earlier than larger breeds because plaque can build up more quickly on crowded teeth.

Starting a dental care routine while your dog is young can help reduce the risk of developing severe periodontal disease later in life.

How can you manage and help prevent periodontitis?

The most effective way to reduce plaque build-up and help prevent periodontal disease is by brushing your dog’s teeth every day. Other ways to support your dog's dental health include:

Attend regular veterinary dental check-ups
Follow your vet's advice
if professional dental cleaning is recommended
Consider your dog's diet
Feed a balanced diet and ask your vet whether a dental diet would benefit your dog. A dental diet is a specially designed dog food that helps clean teeth and reduce plaque and tartar as your dog chews.
Consider dental products
Use dental products recommended by your vet, such as dental chews, oral gels or water additives (products added to your dog’s drinking water to help support their dental health).

Even with good home care, some dogs will still need professional dental treatment during their lifetime.

Does pet insurance cover periodontitis?

Pet insurance may cover the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis, but this depends on your policy and your dog’s circumstances.

Agria lifetime dog insurance includes cover for periodontal disease and other dental illnesses, with a few important caveats. Any signs, symptoms or dental problems that were present before your policy started are usually considered pre-existing conditions and won’t be covered. Routine and preventative dental care, such as dental check-ups, scale and polishes, descaling and cosmetic procedures, is also not covered.

To understand exactly what is and isn’t included, always check your policy documents carefully.

Periodontitis treatment options

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease has become. Early cases may be treated with a professional dental scale and polish under general anaesthetic to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Your vet will also clean any periodontal pockets (gaps that form between the gums and teeth where bacteria can collect) and check the health of the surrounding tissues.

If the disease is more advanced, severely affected teeth may need to be removed. Dental X-rays are often used to assess the health of the tooth roots and supporting bone before treatment.

After treatment, your vet will recommend an ongoing dental care routine at home to help reduce further plaque build-up and protect your dog’s remaining teeth.

When to speak to a vet

Contact your vet if your dog has persistent bad breath, red, swollen or bleeding gums, loose, broken or missing teeth, or is reluctant to eat or has difficulty chewing.

You should also seek veterinary advice if they're pawing at their mouth, seem uncomfortable, have swelling around the face or below the eye, or show changes in behaviour that could be linked to dental pain.

Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce pain, slow the progression of periodontal disease and help your dog keep healthy teeth for longer.

Written by: Adam Jolley
Last reviewed on: 14 July 2026

About the Author

Adam Jolley is a writer specialising in insurance, personal finance, and pets. He’s worked for Confused.com and Admiral Insurance, and currently writes and edits for an online magazine. His strangest pet was a hissing cockroach. Now, he’s a proud cat dad to Penelope, affectionately known as Nelly.