If you’ve got a senior dog, chances are their mouth needs a bit of TLC. And I don’t mean the occasional dental chew. I mean actual care.

Old Dogs, Old Teeth

Just like us, dogs don’t get younger. And their mouths are no exception. Over the years, plaque builds up, gums get inflamed, teeth wear down, and sometimes, they straight-up fall out. Gross? Yeah. Painful? Absolutely.

But here’s the kicker. Most dogs don’t show they’re in pain. Not until things get really bad. They’ll still eat. They’ll still play. But that infection brewing under the gumline? That’s no joke. It can spread to the heart, kidneys, even the liver.

And we just think they’re “getting old” and slowing down. Makes you feel a bit guilty, doesn’t it?

The Sneaky Signs You Might Miss

So what should you look for?

Well, aside from the breath that could stop traffic, check for red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, drooling more than usual, pawing at the mouth, or favouring one side when chewing. Some dogs even act grumpy or withdrawn. Wouldn’t you if your face hurt every time you ate?

One of my clients, Julie, came in with her 14-year-old terrier mix, Charlie. “He’s just tired lately,” she said. But when we checked his mouth, he had a cracked molar and a gum abscess. We sorted it out, and a week later, Julie called me nearly in tears. “He’s like a puppy again,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much pain he was in.”

That happens all the time.

Why Senior Mouths Need Special Attention

Older dogs aren’t as resilient. Their immune systems are slower, healing takes longer, and they’re more sensitive to pain and infection. What a younger dog might shake off in a week could knock an oldie flat.

They also tend to have other things going on, arthritis, kidney problems, maybe a dodgy ticker, so dental issues can become dangerous fast. Even something “simple” like a loose tooth can trigger a domino effect if you leave it too long.

But Is It Safe to Do Dental Work on Old Dogs?

That’s the big scary question, right?

I get asked this a lot: “Isn’t he too old for anesthesia?” And honestly, age isn’t the main concern. Health is. A healthy 13-year-old can do just fine under anesthesia, especially with a vet who knows what they’re doing.

We run full bloodwork, take heart checks, tailor the anesthesia plan, and monitor everything closely. Yes, there are risks, but so is leaving an infected mouth to rot. That’s a slow kind of suffering no dog deserves.

And sometimes, just a simple scale and polish under light sedation can make a massive difference. Not every senior needs full-on surgery.

What You Can Do at Home (Without Wrestling Your Dog Every Night)

I’m gonna be honest. Most senior dogs don’t magically start loving toothbrush time in their golden years. So if brushing isn’t happening, don’t beat yourself up.

But don’t give up either.

There are gentler options. Soft finger brushes, dog-safe dental gels, water additives, even prescription dental diets. Some dogs love a good chew, but always check with your vet first, some of those “dental sticks” are about as useful as a marshmallow when it comes to actual cleaning.

Try wiping the gums with a damp gauze pad dipped in doggy toothpaste. It’s better than nothing, and most dogs tolerate it if you go slow.

And always, always, lift the lip and look once a week. Don’t wait till it smells like a rubbish bin to peek inside.

What About Dogs Missing Teeth?

No drama. Plenty of dogs do just fine without a full set. They adapt like little champs.

If your dog’s missing several teeth or even all of them, just switch up the diet. Soaked kibble, soft food, mashed veggies. They’ll still enjoy every bite. And you’ll enjoy watching them eat without wincing.

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Things Vets Wish More Dog Parents Knew

Dental problems aren’t just cosmetic. They hurt. They mess with overall health. And they’re more common than most people think. Especially in seniors.

A quick mouth check once a year isn’t enough. By the time a tooth is loose or infected, damage has already been done. That’s why regular checkups matter, even if your dog seems “fine.”

Also, please don’t try pulling a tooth at home. Sounds obvious, but I’ve had to fix that more than once. Oof.

Final Thoughts from One Dog Mum to Another

Helping your senior dog with dental care isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about staying aware, being gentle, and doing what you can.

Sometimes that means a trip to the vet. Sometimes it’s just making food softer or wiping gums once a day. Every little bit counts. And trust me, your dog will feel the difference, even if they never say a word.

So take a sniff, lift that lip, and have a proper look.

What do you think you’ll find in your dog’s mouth today?