Dental disease — Dogs

The story behind the answer

The photo shows thick yellow-brown tartar (calculus) coating the teeth with red, swollen gums and recession—classic signs of dental (periodontal) disease. Oral tumors usually appear as a distinct mass or ulcer, kidney disease is systemic (not localized tartar), and nutritional deficiencies don’t create heavy calculus and gingivitis like this.

Dental disease is the most common health issue in dogs—over 80% have it by age three, especially small and brachycephalic breeds. Bacteria under the gum