Dr. James Greenwood, a TV vet known for his appearances on BBC's Morning Live, has warned dog owners about signs that require urgent veterinary attention. In a recent video with Petplan, he highlighted symptoms to watch for during a dog's dental check.
Signs of dental problems in dogs
Dr. Greenwood explained what vets look for: "First of all, I'm looking at their gums. I'm looking for any redness, any signs of swollen gums, which could indicate that there's some gum disease. Secondly, it's the tartar, that yellow staining. That's not just staining. That can indicate that we've got a mix of bacteria and protein building on the tooth surface, which needs to be scaled away because that can eventually damage the tooth structure itself."
Wobbly or broken teeth need immediate attention
He emphasised that broken or wobbly teeth are the most urgent issue: "Thirdly, it's broken or wobbly teeth, which need immediate veterinary attention because that's an incredibly painful condition for dogs and they will still eat despite that level of pain. So definitely get that checked out." He added that doggy bad breath can indicate an infection.
PDSA advice on dog dental health
According to PDSA, wobbly teeth can be caused by injuries, tumours, or gum disease. The charity stated: "Adult dogs shouldn't have wobbly teeth, if you notice any, it's a sign something is wrong. Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around four months old when they are replaced by adult teeth. Wobbly teeth can be very painful, especially when eating. Wobbly teeth usually need removing by a vet under anaesthetic. Book your dog in for a check-up if you notice they have loose or wobbly teeth."
