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Dental symptoms in dogs and cats
Choose what you have noticed. On each symptom page I explain possible causes, when not to postpone an exam, what you can do at home and what is better avoided.
Practise spotting problemsThe “Spot the problem” challenge: 5 pictures and 14 signs — tartar, red gums, a broken tooth and more. Three minutes, and you’ll know where to look.Open the challenge →Teeth
Changes in the teeth themselves: fractures, colour, holes, wear, mobility, extra or missing teeth and the bite.
Broken tooth
Even a small chip can damage the tooth from inside.
Darkened tooth
Darkening after trauma may mean pulp damage.
Hole in a tooth
In cats it is usually resorption; in dogs, caries or a fracture.
Worn teeth
A brown dot on a worn tooth: protection or an exposed pulp?
Loose or lost tooth
In an adult pet, a loose tooth needs an exam.
Missing tooth
An unseen tooth may be hiding in the bone — X-rays are needed.
Temporary teeth haven't fallen out
A baby tooth beside a permanent one affects the bite.
Lower canine hitting the palate
A tooth that injures the palate hurts every day — don't wait.
Teeth growing crooked or not meeting
What matters is whether the teeth injure the gums, palate or other teeth.
Gums, tartar and the lining of the mouth
What you notice when you lift the lip: tartar, red or bleeding gums, growths and ulcers.
Tartar
Visible tartar is only part of the problem under the gums.
Red or bleeding gums
Red or bleeding gums are a reason for an exam.
Growth or lump on the gums
Only a biopsy, not a photo, shows what a gum growth is.
Red mouth or ulcers in a cat
Bright red tissue at the back of the mouth needs an examination.
Smell, saliva, discharge, swelling
Signs owners often notice first. Facial swelling needs a prompt exam.
Bad breath
Bad breath usually means a problem in the mouth.
Drooling
New or increased drooling is a reason to check the mouth.
Blood from the mouth or in saliva
Blood from the mouth needs a vet’s assessment.
Sneezing or nasal discharge
The roots of the upper teeth sit right next to the nose.
Facial or under-eye swelling
Often linked to a tooth — needs a prompt exam.
Wound, draining tract or pus under the eye
A wound that keeps coming back often starts at a tooth root.
How your pet eats and behaves
Mouth pain is not always obvious. It is often noticed in how a pet eats and behaves.
Changes while eating
Changes while eating often mean mouth pain.
Eats on one side only
The pet may be avoiding a painful spot.
Food falling from the mouth
Food drops when chewing hurts.
Pet rubs the face or avoids touch
May be a sign of pain in the mouth.
Cat grooms less
Less grooming can be linked to mouth pain.
Teeth chattering or jaw trembling
Chattering while eating or when touched often means pain.
Cannot close or open the mouth
A reason for an urgent examination, not for waiting.
Bone or stick stuck in the mouth
Don't pull it out by force — have your pet seen the same day.
Frequent lip licking or swallowing
It may be mouth pain or nausea — the other signs give you a clue.
Tongue sticking out
After canine extraction it is usually cosmetic; if sudden, have it checked.
Can’t find your symptom?
Message me on Telegram with what you have noticed, and we’ll book an in-person or online consultation.