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Senior Dog Dental Care: Looking After an Older Dog's Teeth

By The Old Dog Products team · Published

Not veterinary advice. This article is general information to help you care for your dog at home. It isn’t veterinary advice and can’t replace an exam. If you’re worried about your dog, call your vet.

If your older dog has started chewing on one side, dropping kibble, or has much worse breath than usual, their mouth may be bothering them. Dental care for senior dogs is easy to put off, but mouth problems are common in older dogs and they can affect eating and comfort.

If you only have a minute

  • Your vet should check your dog’s teeth and gums at least once a year (AVMA).
  • Bad breath, dropping food, chewing on one side or not wanting to eat are reasons to book a visit sooner.
  • Brushing with a dog toothpaste is the most useful thing you can do at home.
  • Never use human toothpaste.
  • Talk to your vet before buying dental chews, diets or other dental products.

Why dental care matters for older dogs

The AVMA says periodontal (gum) disease is the most common dental condition in dogs, that by age three most dogs are very likely to have some early signs of it, and that it gets worse with age if it isn’t managed. It starts as plaque that hardens into tartar. The damage that matters most happens below the gumline, where you can’t see it (AVMA). VCA also notes that periodontal disease is common in senior dogs (VCA).

So an older dog’s mouth can look fine from the outside and still need attention.

Signs your senior dog’s mouth needs a vet check

The AVMA lists these as reasons to have your pet’s teeth checked sooner (AVMA):

  • Bad breath
  • Broken or loose teeth
  • Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
  • Eating less, or refusing food
  • Pain in or around the mouth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Swelling around the mouth

A dog with a sore mouth may also seem grumpy or pull away when you touch their face. Be careful when you look inside: the AVMA warns that a painful animal may bite.

If your dog’s face or mouth is swollen, bleeding won’t stop, or they can’t eat, call your vet the same day.

If your dog has stopped eating altogether, see our guide on what to do when a senior dog won’t eat.

Dental care for senior dogs at home

Brushing

The AVMA calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do at home to keep your pet’s teeth healthy between cleanings. Daily is best, but several times a week can still help (AVMA).

Use a toothpaste made for dogs. AKC points out that human toothpaste can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, and suggests either a dog toothbrush or a silicone brush that fits over your fingertip (AKC).

Getting an older dog used to brushing

If your dog has never had their teeth brushed, go slowly:

  1. Let them lick a little dog toothpaste off your finger.
  2. Over a few days, rub your finger along the outside of the front teeth and gums.
  3. Move on to a finger brush or soft dog toothbrush, doing a few teeth at a time.
  4. Keep sessions short and end before your dog gets fed up.

If your dog’s mouth seems sore when you start, stop and book a vet check first. Brushing a painful mouth won’t go well for either of you.

Wipes, chews and other products

There are lots of dental wipes, chews, water additives and diets on the market. The AVMA notes that not all of them are effective and suggests talking with your vet about any dental product, chew or diet you’re considering (AVMA). Older dogs with worn or loose teeth may also struggle with hard chews, so ask your vet what’s suitable.

Dental cleanings and anesthesia in older dogs

Because most dental disease is below the gumline, the AVMA says a proper dental cleaning and evaluation is done under anesthesia, sometimes with X-rays. The American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend anesthesia-free cleanings, because they can’t clean or check below the gumline (AVMA).

It’s natural to worry about anesthesia for an older dog. Age alone isn’t the whole picture. Ask your vet:

  • What checks or blood tests will you do before the anesthetic?
  • How will my dog be monitored during the procedure?
  • Do you expect any extractions, and what will aftercare look like?
  • What can I do at home afterwards?

Frequently asked questions

Is it too late to start brushing an old dog’s teeth?

Usually not, but get your vet to check the mouth first. If there’s existing tartar or a sore tooth, your vet may want to deal with that before you start brushing.

How often should a senior dog have a dental check?

The AVMA recommends a vet check of teeth and gums at least once a year. Your vet may suggest more often for an older dog.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No. Use a toothpaste made for dogs. Some human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs (AKC).

Sources