The Most Common Dental Issues in Pets

Dental health isn’t always top of mind for pet owners but it plays a major role in a pet’s overall well-being. When left unchecked, dental problems can lead to pain, infection, and even damage to organs like the heart and kidneys. At Hope Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Molalla, OR, we often say that a healthy mouth is a quiet helper: It keeps the rest of the body running smoothly. Let’s take a closer look at the most common dental issues we see in pets.

Periodontal Disease

This is the number one dental issue in both dogs and cats. Periodontal disease starts with plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria that hardens into tartar if not removed. Over time, the buildup causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Pets may show signs like bad breath, bleeding gums, and trouble chewing. But many cases go unnoticed until the damage is advanced. Regular cleanings and at-home brushing are key to preventing it.

Tooth Fractures

Dogs especially can crack or break teeth from chewing on hard objects like bones, rocks, or ice. A fractured tooth can be painful and often exposes the nerve, increasing the risk of infection. Cats can also experience fractures, although it's less common.

If your pet suddenly avoids hard food, drools more than usual, or paws at their mouth, it could point to a broken tooth.

Retained Baby Teeth

Some smaller breeds—particularly toy dogs—don’t shed their baby teeth on schedule. This leads to crowding, which traps food and bacteria, setting the stage for dental disease. If the baby tooth and adult tooth sit side by side for too long, both can be damaged.

We may recommend removing the retained teeth when your pet is spayed or neutered, helping to prevent future issues.

Resorptive Lesions in Cats

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) are a unique dental issue in cats where the tooth structure starts to break down from the inside out. They are painful and hard to spot without dental exams or x-rays.

Cats with these lesions may show discomfort while eating, drop food, or avoid one side of the mouth. In most cases, the affected tooth needs to be extracted to relieve the pain.

Oral Tumors

While less common, growths in the mouth should always be taken seriously. Any unusual lumps, persistent bad breath, or difficulty eating should prompt a veterinary exam. Some oral tumors are benign, but others may be cancerous and require surgery or additional treatment.

Get Pet Dental Care Treatment and Pet Dental Care Near You

Dental issues can sneak up quietly but have lasting effects. The good news is that with regular exams, cleanings, and home care, many problems are avoidable. At Hope Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Molalla, OR, we’re here to help protect your pet’s smile and everything that depends on it. Call us at 503-759-4673 for pet dental care treatment and pet dental care near you from a veterinarian near you.