Dog Dental Care
What You’ll Find on This Page
Healthy teeth and gums play an important role in a dog’s comfort and overall wellbeing. Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions seen in dogs, affecting the majority of dogs at some point in their lives. It can be particularly common as dogs get older and may be identified during routine health checks, including those performed as part of our senior dog care program. Information specifically for senior dogs can be found on our Seniors page.
Dental disease can develop gradually as plaque and tartar build up on the teeth.
Because dogs often continue eating even when their mouths are sore, dental problems may not always be obvious. Changes such as bad breath, red gums, or reluctance to chew certain foods can sometimes be the first signs that dental disease is developing.
Regular dental checks allow us to assess your dog’s oral health and identify changes early. In many cases, early care can help prevent discomfort and support long-term dental health.
At Melbourne Dog Clinic, we provide dog dental care for families across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs using the same calm, gentle handling philosophy that guides all of our work, helping dogs feel calm and supported throughout their visit.
If you are unsure whether your dog’s teeth may need attention, a dental check can help assess their oral health and guide the most appropriate next steps.
Knowing what to look for can help you decide when it may be time for your dog to have their teeth and gums checked.
Signs Your Dog May Need a Dental Check
Dental disease can develop gradually, and many dogs continue eating normally even when their mouths are uncomfortable. Because of this, early signs are often subtle.
You may wish to arrange a dental check if you notice:
• Persistent bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Changes in chewing habits or dropping food
• Reluctance to chew toys or harder foods
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Sensitivity when the mouth or muzzle is touched
In some dogs, dental disease may also contribute to changes in behaviour, appetite, or general comfort, particularly in older dogs or those already managing conditions such as arthritis. For more information on senior dogs or arthritis, visit our corresponding pages.
If you are unsure whether your dog may need dental care, our team can perform a dental check to assess the teeth and gums and guide you on the next steps for your dog’s oral health.
A dental check allows our team to assess your dog’s oral health and determine whether monitoring, preventive care, or treatment may be recommended.
Dental Checks
Regular dog dental checks help us monitor your dog’s oral health and identify early signs of dental disease. During these appointments, our team examines the teeth and gums, assesses the level of plaque and tartar present, and looks for signs of inflammation or infection.
We use a dental grading system to help guide the most appropriate care for your dog.
Grade 1
A small amount of plaque or tartar may be present, but the gums remain healthy. Preventive care and home dental support are usually recommended.
Grade 2
Tartar is more visible and early gum inflammation may be present. A professional dental clean may be recommended to remove tartar and restore gum health.
Grade 3
More significant tartar and gum inflammation are present, and there may be early periodontal disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
Grade 4
Advanced periodontal disease may be present, with infection affecting the gums and potentially the tooth roots.
Dental checks help determine whether your dog may benefit from monitoring, preventive care, or a professional dental procedure. Our team will discuss the findings with you and guide you through the next steps based on your dog’s individual needs.
If a dental procedure is recommended, it can be helpful to understand how dental treatment is performed and why general anaesthesia is needed to allow a thorough and safe examination.
Why Anaesthesia Is Needed for Dog Dentals
A thorough dental assessment and cleaning in dogs requires general anaesthesia. This allows the mouth to be examined carefully and the teeth to be cleaned safely while ensuring your dog remains still and comfortable throughout the procedure.
When a dog is awake, it is not possible to fully examine the teeth and gums or clean beneath the gum line where dental disease often develops. General anaesthesia allows us to perform a complete oral examination and carefully assess each tooth.
During the dental procedure, we are also able to take dental radiographs (X-rays). These images allow us to examine the structures below the gum line, including the tooth roots and surrounding bone. Many dental problems develop in these areas and may not be visible during an awake examination.
Before any anaesthetic procedure, each dog receives a full pre-anaesthetic examination so we can tailor care to their individual health needs. Throughout the dental procedure, patients are carefully monitored by our veterinary team to support their safety and comfort.
Why Dental Procedures Without Anaesthesia Are Not Recommended
Dental procedures performed without anaesthesia are sometimes promoted as an alternative option. However, these procedures are generally not recommended for dogs.
While surface tartar may be removed from the visible part of the teeth, the areas where dental disease most commonly develops, including beneath the gum line and around the tooth roots, cannot be properly examined or treated when a dog is awake.
Without anaesthesia, it is also not possible to safely take dental radiographs or perform a complete dental assessment. For these reasons, non-anaesthetic dental procedures may give the appearance of cleaner teeth without addressing the underlying dental disease.
If a dental procedure is recommended, understanding what happens on the day can help you feel more prepared for your dog’s visit.
What Happens During a Dog Dental
If a dental procedure is recommended, it allows our team to carefully examine and treat your dog’s teeth and gums while they are comfortably asleep.
On the day of the procedure, your dog will be admitted to the clinic in the morning. Our team will perform a pre-anaesthetic examination and monitoring to ensure your dog is ready for the procedure.
Throughout the procedure, patients are closely monitored by our veterinary team to support their safety and comfort.
Once your dog is safely under anaesthesia, we perform a complete oral examination. Dental radiographs (X-rays) are taken to assess the structures below the gum line, where many dental problems can develop but are not visible during a routine examination.
Your dog’s teeth are then professionally cleaned using specialised dental equipment to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. The teeth are polished afterwards to smooth the enamel surface and help slow the future accumulation of plaque.
After cleaning, each tooth is carefully reassessed. This allows us to identify any teeth that may have underlying disease affecting the gums or tooth roots.
Following the procedure, your dog will be closely monitored as they recover from anaesthesia before going home later the same day. Our team will discuss the findings with you and provide guidance on any recommended follow-up care.
Dental X-Rays (Radiographs)
Dental radiographs allow us to examine the parts of the tooth that sit below the gum line, including the tooth roots and surrounding bone.
Many dental problems develop beneath the gums where they cannot be seen during a routine oral examination. Dental X-rays help identify issues such as infection, root damage, bone loss, or hidden fractures.
Taking radiographs allows our team to assess each tooth more accurately and determine whether treatment is required. In some cases, teeth that appear healthy above the gum line may have disease affecting the roots.
Dental radiographs are an important part of a thorough dental assessment and help guide the most appropriate care for your dog.
The information gathered during the dental examination and radiographs helps determine whether any teeth require further treatment.
When Teeth Need to Be Removed
In some dogs, dental disease can affect the structures that support the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and surrounding bone. When this occurs, removing the affected tooth may be the best way to relieve discomfort and prevent ongoing infection.
In many cases, the true condition of a tooth can only be determined once plaque and tartar have been removed and dental radiographs have been taken. For this reason, some teeth that appear stable before the dental procedure may be found to have more advanced disease beneath the gum line.
If extractions are required, our team will discuss the findings with you and explain the recommended treatment plan.
In some situations, extractions may be scheduled for a separate procedure. This allows additional time for careful planning and helps keep anaesthesia time appropriate for each individual dog.
While the idea of tooth removal can sound concerning, many dogs feel significantly more comfortable once painful or infected teeth have been treated, often showing improvements in eating, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.
Alongside professional dental care, home dental care can play an important role in supporting your dog’s oral health between visits.
Dental Care at Home
Home dental care plays an important role in maintaining your dog’s oral health between professional dental treatments. While some tartar will still develop over time, regular home care can help slow the progression of plaque buildup and support healthier gums.
The most effective home care method is tooth brushing using a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. When introduced gradually and paired with positive experiences, many dogs can learn to accept brushing as part of their routine.
In addition to brushing, there are a range of products that may help support dental health, including:
• Dental diets designed to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation
• Dental chews that promote chewing and mechanical cleaning of the teeth
• Veterinary-recommended oral care products
Regular care at home, along with routine grooming and health checks, can help identify early changes in your dog’s teeth and gums. For more information on grooming you can visit our Dog Grooming page.
Our team can help guide you on the most appropriate dental care options for your dog and show you how to introduce home care in a way that is comfortable and positive for them.
A Fear Free Approach to Dental Care
Dental visits can sometimes feel unfamiliar for dogs, particularly when their mouths are sensitive or uncomfortable. Our team approaches dental care with patience, calm handling, and attention to each dog’s individual needs.
As Fear Free Certified Professionals, we focus on creating a low-stress experience wherever possible. This includes allowing dogs time to settle into the environment, using gentle handling techniques, and tailoring care to support their comfort throughout the visit.
If a dog is feeling anxious or sensitive around the mouth, we may recommend strategies to help make the experience easier. This can include gradual introduction to handling, positive reinforcement, or pre-visit calming pharmaceuticals (PVPs) where appropriate.
Our goal is always to provide thorough dental care while helping dogs feel safe, supported, and comfortable during their time with us.
Not Sure If Your Dog Needs a Dental Check?
Dental disease can develop gradually, and the early signs are not always easy to recognise. If you have noticed bad breath, tartar buildup, or changes in your dog’s eating or chewing habits, a dental check can help assess your dog’s oral health.
During a dental check, our team will examine your dog’s teeth and gums, discuss any findings with you, and guide you on whether monitoring, home care, or a dental procedure may be recommended.
We offer complimentary dental checks to help families better understand their dog’s dental health and the options available for care.
Some dogs may feel worried about having their mouth examined, particularly if their mouth is already uncomfortable. If your dog is anxious or sensitive around the face or mouth, our team can help guide the most appropriate approach. In some cases, we may recommend strategies such as gradual introduction to handling or pre-visit calming pharmaceuticals (PVPs) to help make the experience more comfortable for your dog.
If you are unsure whether your dog may benefit from a dental check, our team is always happy to help. Early assessment can help determine whether simple dog dental care or a dental procedure may be recommended.