Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Most older dogs have some dental disease. Common problems include advanced gum disease, loose or broken teeth, tooth root infections, and oral tumors. Signs include bad breath, drooling, dropping food, and facial swelling, though many dogs hide dental pain. With pre-anesthetic testing and careful monitoring, dental treatment is safe for most seniors, and dogs often become more active once pain is gone.
Common problems
- Periodontal disease with bone loss and loose teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Tooth root abscesses, sometimes causing swelling under the eye
- Worn teeth
- Oral tumors such as melanoma, often seen as a mass or bleeding
Signs
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Chewing on one side or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Weight loss
Treatment
- Cleaning under anesthesia with full-mouth dental X-rays
- Extraction of diseased teeth
- Biopsy of any oral mass
- Pain relief and antibiotics when needed
See dental disease in senior dogs for anesthesia safety details.
What to avoid
- Hard chews that break teeth
- Anesthesia-free cleaning
- Human pain relievers
Sources
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. 2019
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Periodontal disease in small animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Oral tumors in small animals
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.