When to See a Vet for Your Pet's Teeth: Warning Signs Guide

Don't Wait Too Long

Pets hide pain incredibly well. By the time you notice something wrong with their teeth, the problem has often been developing for weeks or months.

Knowing when to seek veterinary care can prevent suffering and save money on more extensive treatments later.

Emergency: See a Vet Today

These situations require immediate veterinary attention:

Trauma or Injury

Signs:

• Broken or cracked tooth (visible fracture)
• Tooth knocked out or hanging loose
• Bleeding from mouth after injury
• Swelling after face/jaw trauma
• Unable to close mouth properly

Why urgent: Exposed tooth pulp is extremely painful and can become infected within hours. Jaw fractures need stabilization.

Severe Infection Signs

Signs:

• Facial swelling (especially under eye or along jaw)
• Pus or discharge from gums
• Fever (nose warm and dry, lethargy)
• Refusing all food and water
• Extreme bad breath with other symptoms

Why urgent: Dental infections can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Inability to Eat or Drink

Signs:

• Completely refusing food for 24+ hours
• Cannot pick up food
• Crying or whimpering when trying to eat
• Excessive drooling with blood

Why urgent: Pets can become dehydrated quickly, and this level of pain indicates serious problems.

Urgent: See a Vet Within 1-2 Days

These need prompt attention but may not require emergency care:

Significant Pain Signs

• Pawing at mouth repeatedly
• Rubbing face on floor or furniture
• Head shaking
• Reluctance to be touched on face
• Changes in behavior (hiding, aggression)

Visible Problems

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Loose tooth (not a baby tooth in puppies/kittens)
• Visible decay or holes in teeth
• Growths or lumps in mouth
• Teeth that appear to be changing position

Eating Changes

• Dropping food while eating
• Chewing only on one side
• Preference change from hard to soft food
• Taking longer to finish meals
• Weight loss

Schedule Soon: Within 1-2 Weeks

These warrant a veterinary check but aren't emergencies:

Gradual Changes

• Slowly worsening bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar buildup
• Mild gum redness
• Occasional food dropping
• Slight reluctance to chew hard treats

Preventive Concerns

• Never had a dental exam (adult pet)
• Been over a year since last dental check
• Starting to see tartar on back teeth
• Breed prone to dental problems
• Senior pet (over 7 years)

What Can Wait for Regular Checkup

Some dental observations can wait for your pet's next scheduled wellness visit:

• Minor tartar on a few teeth
• Slightly off-color teeth
• Mild breath that's new
• Questions about dental products
• Starting a home care routine

However: If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and call your vet.

Breed-Specific Urgency

Some breeds need faster action due to higher dental disease risk:

Dogs - Higher Risk

Cats - Higher Risk

Age-Related Guidelines

Puppies and Kittens (Under 1 Year)

See vet if:

• Baby teeth not falling out by 6-7 months
• Adult teeth coming in crooked
• Double teeth (baby and adult in same spot)
• Mouth pain during teething
• Unusual jaw development

Adult Pets (1-7 Years)

Annual dental exam minimum

See vet sooner if:

• Any warning signs above
• Noticeable tartar buildup
• Behavior changes around food
• Bad breath developing

Senior Pets (7+ Years)

Twice-yearly dental checks recommended

See vet promptly for:

• Any mouth changes
• Eating pattern changes
• Weight loss
• Increased sleeping or lethargy

Before the Vet Visit

What to Note

Bring this information to help your vet:

1. When did you first notice the problem?
2. Has it gotten worse? How fast?
3. Any changes in eating or drinking?
4. Other symptoms? (lethargy, behavior changes)
5. Current medications or supplements?
6. Last dental cleaning date?
7. Home dental care routine?

Photos Help

Take photos or videos of:

• The concerning area (if visible)
• Your pet eating (to show difficulty)
• Any swelling or discharge
• Comparison to earlier photos if you have them

Get AI Assessment Before Your Visit →

Upload photos to help identify and document the problem before seeing your vet.

What to Expect

Physical Exam:

• Visual inspection of teeth and gums
• Palpation of jaw and face
• Check lymph nodes
• Overall health assessment

May Recommend:

• Blood work (especially before anesthesia)
• Dental x-rays (require sedation/anesthesia)
• Professional cleaning
• Extractions if necessary
• Antibiotics or pain medication

Cost Considerations

Understanding potential costs helps with planning:

Note: Costs vary significantly by location and specific needs.

Ways to Manage Costs

• Pet dental insurance (get before problems start)
• Payment plans (many vets offer)
• Veterinary schools (supervised care at lower cost)
• CareCredit or similar financing
• Prevention (cheapest long-term)

Red Flags: Don't Ignore These

When Home Care Isn't Enough

Even with excellent home care, professional dental care is still needed when:

• Tartar has hardened below the gumline
• Gum disease has started
• Teeth are loose or damaged
• Resorptive lesions present (cats)
• Pain is evident
• Infection is present

Home care maintains health; professional care treats disease.

Trust Your Instincts

You know your pet best. If something seems off, it probably is.

Better to:

• Call and ask than wait and worry
• Have a "nothing serious" diagnosis than miss something
• Act early when treatment is simpler
• Spend a little now to save a lot later

Get a Baseline Assessment

Not sure if your pet needs to see a vet? Start with an AI assessment to understand what you're seeing.

Check Your Pet's Teeth Now →

Upload a photo to get insights about your pet's current dental health and whether a vet visit is recommended.

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This guide helps you know when to seek care but doesn't replace professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.