Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs

Because dogs are experts at hiding pain, most owners only notice the later-stage signs. Watch for:

• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

• Yellow or brown tartar build-up, especially on the back teeth

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums

• Loose, wobbly, or visibly broken teeth

• Dropping food or chewing on one side of the mouth

• Pawing at the face or rubbing the mouth on furniture

• Reduced interest in chew toys or hard food

• A swelling under the eye (can indicate a root abscess on an upper tooth)

What Causes Dental Disease in Dogs

Dental disease in dogs typically progresses through a predictable chain:

• Plaque (a soft bacterial film) builds up on the teeth within hours of eating

• Without removal, plaque hardens into tartar within days

• Tartar irritates the gumline, causing gingivitis (inflammation and redness)

• Left untreated, this progresses to periodontal disease — infection and breakdown of the tissue and bone supporting the tooth

• Advanced periodontal disease leads to loose teeth, root abscesses, and tooth loss

Small and toy breeds are particularly prone to periodontal disease due to crowded teeth, while larger and working breeds more commonly present with fractured teeth from chewing hard objects like bones, antlers or sticks.

How Dental Disease Is Diagnosed

A visual exam while your dog is awake only tells part of the story — most significant dental disease sits below the gumline, where it can't be seen or felt. A full diagnosis involves:

• A hands-on oral exam during your dog's regular check-up or a dedicated dental check

• A pre-anaesthetic health check before any dental procedure

• Full-mouth dental X-rays under general anaesthetic — this is the only way to assess tooth roots and bone health accurately

• Probing each tooth and gum pocket once your dog is anaesthetised

Treatment for Dog Dental Disease

Treatment depends on what's found once your dog is under anaesthetic and X-rayed:

• Scale and polish — removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline

• Extractions — for teeth with advanced periodontal disease, fractures involving the root, or resorptive lesions

• Pain relief and, where indicated, antibiotics

• A follow-up plan for home care to slow the disease returning

At South Brisbane Vet, we'll always call you to discuss and confirm the cost of any extractions before we proceed — you won't be presented with a surprise bill after the fact.

What We Commonly Find in Practice

In my experience, one of the things that surprises owners most is that dogs with genuinely advanced dental disease are often still eating completely normally — a dog in real pain will rarely go off its food, so appetite alone isn't a reliable sign that everything's fine. I also see small and toy breeds present with quite severe periodontal disease at a younger age than most owners expect, simply because their teeth are more crowded. And a good proportion of the disease we treat is only found once we take X-rays under anaesthetic — there's regularly infection or bone loss around a tooth root that looked completely unremarkable on the outside.

Cost of Dog Dental Treatment in Brisbane

At South Brisbane Vet, a standard dog dental scale and polish starts from $540, which includes a pre-anaesthetic health check, general anaesthetic and monitoring, IV fluids, full-mouth dental X-rays, and pain relief. Extractions, if needed, are quoted separately once we can see exactly what's involved.

Not sure whether your dog needs a dental yet? We offer a free Nurse Dental Check year-round to help you plan ahead.

Full pricing details:

View our dental pricing page

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Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs

• Daily or regular tooth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste

• Veterinary dental diets formulated to reduce plaque and tartar

• Dental chews and toys designed for plaque control

• Regular dental checks — ideally at every annual health check, sooner for small/toy breeds

• Professional cleans when recommended, before disease becomes advanced

When to See a Vet

Book a dental check promptly if you notice persistent bad breath, visible tartar, red or bleeding gums, a broken tooth, facial swelling, or any change in how your dog eats or chews. Facial swelling near the eye or jaw can indicate an abscess and should be seen urgently rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How much does a dog dental cost in Brisbane?

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At South Brisbane Vet, a standard dog dental scale and polish starts from $540, including anaesthetic, monitoring, IV fluids and full-mouth X-rays. The final cost depends on your dog's size and whether extractions are needed, which we'll always confirm with you first.

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Do dogs need to be put under anaesthetic for a dental clean?

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Yes. General anaesthetic allows a thorough, pain-free clean above and below the gumline and makes dental X-rays possible — this is where most significant disease is actually found. Cleaning an awake dog's visible teeth without X-rays or below-gumline cleaning misses the disease that matters most.

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How do I know if my dog needs a dental clean?

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The most common early sign is persistent bad breath. Because dogs hide pain well, we recommend a dental check as part of every annual health check rather than waiting for obvious symptoms — or book our free Nurse Dental Check if you're unsure.

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Are small dogs more prone to dental disease?

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Yes. Small and toy breeds tend to have more crowded teeth, which makes them more prone to periodontal disease, often at a younger age than larger breeds.

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What happens if dental disease is left untreated?

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Untreated dental disease progresses from gingivitis to periodontal disease, leading to pain, loose teeth, tooth loss, and in some cases infection that can affect overall health. Regular checks and early treatment are the most affordable path.

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Key Takeaways

• Dogs hide dental pain well — appetite alone isn't a reliable indicator of a healthy mouth

• Persistent bad breath is usually the earliest sign owners can spot at home

• Dental X-rays under anaesthetic are the only reliable way to assess disease below the gumline

• Small and toy breeds are prone to earlier, more severe periodontal disease

• A standard dental at South Brisbane Vet starts from $540, with extractions always confirmed with you before proceeding

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Related Articles

• Dog & Cat Dental Pricing — South Brisbane Vet

• Is Anaesthesia-Free Dental Cleaning Safe?

• Cat Dental Disease Brisbane: Symptoms & Treatment Guide 

• Why Veterinary Dentals Cost So Much in Australia — DrNicVet.com.au 

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Found a lower quote elsewhere? If you've been given a written quote from another registered veterinary clinic for an equivalent dental procedure, bring it in and we'll do our best to match or beat it — no hoops to jump through, just show us the quote.

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South Brisbane Vet proudly cares for dogs from South Brisbane, West End, Highgate Hill, Kangaroo Point, Woolloongabba and Dutton Park.

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Many of our clients choose us because they want transparent pricing, modern dental equipment and compassionate veterinary care close to home.

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Reviewed by Dr Nic Cher, BVMS

Principal Veterinarian |  South Brisbane Vet

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Dr Nic Cher is a Brisbane veterinarian with 14 years of experience caring for dogs and cats. He has a special interest in preventive healthcare, pet dentistry, pet longevity and helping owners make informed, evidence-based decisions to keep their pets healthier for longer.

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