Dental health is an important part of overall health in aging dogs and cats. Veterinary research has found that periodontal disease becomes increasingly common as pets age, with senior animals facing additional risks related to oral disease, tooth loss, and changes to the structures supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease develops when plaque and bacteria accumulate around the teeth and beneath the gumline. As the condition progresses, inflammation can damage the gums and the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. In advanced cases, this can result in loose or missing teeth and significant bone loss. AAHA’s senior-care guidelines identify periodontal disease as one of the common health concerns evaluated in older pets.
Age is not the only factor associated with dental disease. Research and veterinary guidelines indicate that smaller dogs have a particularly high incidence of periodontal disease, partly because of their smaller jaw structures and crowded teeth. Cats can experience different dental conditions, including tooth resorption, which can cause discomfort and damage to affected teeth.
A large 2026 study using veterinary insurance data from Japan also found that the risk of periodontal-disease-related claims increased with age in both dogs and cats. The increase was more pronounced in dogs, while breed and body size were also associated with differences in risk. The researchers noted that the rate of age-related increase varied considerably among breeds.
Dental disease can also be difficult to recognize because some pets show few obvious signs despite having significant oral disease. Veterinary sources identify changes such as bad breath, red or swollen gums, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, dropping food, or changes in chewing behavior as possible signs associated with dental problems.
Current veterinary guidelines emphasize that senior-pet dental health is part of a broader assessment of aging and quality of life.
Sources:
American Animal Hospital Association. Dog & Cat Dental Disease: Signs, Professional Cleanings, Anesthesia, and Home Care. Updated January 2026.
American Animal Hospital Association. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
Species- and breed-associated heterogeneity in age-related increases in periodontal disease risk among dogs and cats based on Japanese insurance claim data. 2026.
