June 3, 2026, 3:03 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

An Underestimated Widespread Problem 

Dr. Markus Eickhoff is a veterinarian and dentist. As an expert, he explains in a webinar at the VDH Academy how periodontal diseases develop, how to recognize them, and what you can actively do for your dog’s dental health.

According to the doctor, diseased teeth are the most common diagnosis in veterinary practice. Four out of five dogs are affected. Science confirms this alarming figure. Over 75 percent of all dogs develop some form of periodontitis (inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth) by the age of four.¹ 

Particularly insidious: Dental diseases often go unnoticed for a long time because dogs frequently do not show pain directly and continue to eat. “Therefore, examining the oral cavity is crucial,” says Eickhoff. 

Why Are Bad Teeth So Dangerous for Dogs? 

Dental diseases usually start with bacteria in dental plaque. If not removed, they cause inflammation and deep gum pockets. Dr. Eickhoff explains that these inflammations in dogs’ mouths release bacteria and toxins that can enter the body through the bloodstream.

The study supports this with impressive numbers: 

• Sixfold increased risk: Dogs with severe periodontitis have a 6.36 times higher risk of developing endocarditis (a dangerous inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and heart valves) than dogs with healthy teeth. 
• Heart muscle damage: The risk of cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) also increases fourfold with advanced dental disease.
• Risk to liver and kidneys: Bacteria from the mouth can settle in organs like a filter, causing micro-abscesses and chronic damage. 

Also interesting: How to tell if your dog has a toothache

Why Small Dogs Can Die from Their Teeth 

The Glickman study confirms: The risk of periodontitis increases the smaller the dog. Since small dogs often have relatively large teeth compared to their tiny jaws, they are extremely crowded. This creates countless niches for bacterial plaque, which can poison the organism and reduce life expectancy. Dr. Eickhoff makes it clear: Cases where dogs nearly die due to their decayed teeth are unfortunately not uncommon, especially in small breeds.

More on the topic

Misconception Clarified Why Rabbits Should Never Be Given Hard Bread

Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention The 7 Most Common Cat Diseases

Large Dogs: When Chewing Fun Breaks the Tooth 

Large dog breeds are less often affected by bacterial periodontitis but suffer more from tooth fractures – breaks or chips of a tooth.

These occur due to excessive force during play or chewing. The long canine teeth and heavily used carnassial teeth are particularly affected. Owners often make the mistake of offering unsuitable, overly hard chew items that provoke these fractures.  

Dental Care Myths Checked: What Really Helps? 

In the jungle of dental care products, persistent rumors abound. The expert dispels the biggest misconceptions: 

• Cottage cheese, hard bread & chew bones: Can they make tartar disappear or alleviate it? A clear no from Dr. Eickhoff. Neither a food product nor special diets or chew items ensure adequate cleaning of the teeth. Hard bread turns to mush in the mouth and sticks as starch to the teeth; cottage cheese is a nice snack, provided the dog is not lactose intolerant, but not a medical plaque remover. 
• Ultrasonic toothbrushes: Brushing teeth with these brushes works for humans, but is not equally suitable for all dogs. Using them without veterinary consultation on existing deep inflammations risks causing pain to the animal and missing germs under the gum line.
• Tooth sprays: Depending on the ingredients, they are at best considered an additional supplement, but never a real solution to the root cause.  

For the expert, it’s clear: “Of course, daily dental care at home is the most sensible approach.”