Dental Disease in Cats and Dogs: Signs and Complications
Dental disease is common in both dogs and cats and can cause pain, inflammation and damage to the teeth and tissues supporting them. Some pets may continue eating and behaving normally even when they have painful dental disease, so problems can go unnoticed.
If dental disease is left untreated, it can progress and cause further damage within the mouth, including infection, loss of tooth support and tooth loss. Dental disease has also been associated with health problems elsewhere in the body, although the relationship between dental disease and wider health conditions is complex.
Complications of Dental Disease in Cats and Dogs
When dental disease becomes more advanced, it can cause problems within the mouth and affect your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Complications can include:
Advanced periodontal disease – damage to the gums, tissues and bone supporting the teeth can cause teeth to become loose or be lost.
Dental infections and abscesses – infection around the tooth or its root can cause pain, swelling and inflammation.
Broken or damaged teeth – fractures can expose sensitive parts of the tooth and may lead to infection or the need for extraction.
Tooth loss – teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be removed when they are severely affected.
Difficulty eating and weight loss – painful dental disease can make eating uncomfortable, leading some pets to eat less, drop food or lose weight.
Severe weakening of the jaw – advanced loss of the bone supporting the teeth can, in some cases, weaken the jaw and increase the risk of a fracture. This is particularly important in small dogs.
Cats can also develop tooth resorption, which can be extremely painful and may require affected teeth to be removed. Other oral conditions, including oral masses, can also be identified during a dental examination and should be assessed by a vet.
Can Dental Disease Affect Your Pet’s Overall Health?
Dental disease causes inflammation and infection within the mouth. In advanced periodontal disease, bacteria can also enter the bloodstream.
Periodontal disease has been associated with changes in other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys and liver. However, an association does not necessarily mean that dental disease directly causes disease in these organs, and the relationship is not fully understood.
Research continues into how chronic oral inflammation and bacteria may affect a pet’s wider health.
When to Contact Your Vet
Contact your vet if you notice signs of dental disease or a change in your pet’s eating habits or behaviour. Dental disease can be painful, even when your pet appears otherwise well.
Seek veterinary advice promptly if your pet:
Appears to be in significant pain
Is unable or unwilling to eat or drink
Has marked swelling around the face or jaw
Has significant bleeding from the mouth
Has a broken or damaged tooth
Has a loose tooth
Has difficulty opening or closing their mouth
Further reading: Dental Disease in Dogs, Dental Disease in Cats, Gum Disease in Dogs, Gum Disease in Cats, Dental Care at Animal Trust
Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published September 2026 | Review date September 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet