If you’ve ever gotten close enough to your dog for a kiss and immediately regretted it, you’re not alone. Dental problems are incredibly common in dogs — especially small dogs — and yet many pet parents have no idea what’s happening below the gumline. Bad breath is often dismissed as “just dog breath,” but it can actually be one of the earliest red flags for disease.
Here’s the real shocker: by age three, most dogs already have signs of dental disease (Source: Banfield Pet Hospital, State of Pet Dental Health). It doesn’t matter if they’re on premium food, they see the vet regularly, or they’re still technically “young.” Oral health challenges in dogs progress quietly and often go unnoticed until problems are advanced.
And if your dog is a small breed? The risks don’t just double — they multiply.
In this guide, we’ll break down why small dogs are more vulnerable, what can happen when dental disease goes untreated, and how daily habits (including diet) can help protect your dog’s whole-body health. We'll also touch on how insect-based protein can support oral microbiome health — something most dog parents have never considered.
Why dental disease matters more than we think
The word “dental” might make you think cosmetic: clean teeth, white smiles, Instagram-friendly grins.
But what’s happening in a dog’s mouth isn't just an aesthetics issue — it's a health issue that affects the entire body.
Dogs with advanced periodontal disease are:
• 2.3x more likely to develop chronic kidney disease, and
• 6.3x more likely to develop endocarditis, which is a dangerous infection of the heart valve
(These associations show how deeply connected oral bacteria and systemic inflammation can be.)
Your dog’s mouth is the gateway to their digestive health, their immune system, and their long-term wellness. Just like in humans, harmful bacteria can travel from inflamed gums into the bloodstream, impacting vital organs.
This isn’t fear-based messaging — it’s simply the part most dog parents were never taught.
Why small dogs face an even bigger dental challenge
Small dogs are adorable. They’re portable, cuddly, expression-filled, blanket-burrowing bundles of personality. But their tiny mouths create conditions that make them much more susceptible to plaque, tartar, and gum disease.
Here’s why small dogs face higher oral-health risk:
-
Smaller jaws mean crowded teeth
With less space to grow, teeth often overlap — creating pockets where plaque hides. -
More retained baby teeth
Toy-sized dogs frequently hold onto deciduous teeth too long, causing misalignment. -
Less natural chewing wear-and-tear
Many small dogs gravitate toward softer foods and treats (and often avoid large chews). -
Breeds prone to “undershot” or “overshot” bites
Malocclusion increases the difficulty of natural cleaning through chewing. -
Shallow sockets and reduced gum anchoring
Bone loss and gum recession can accelerate in smaller skull structures.
These aren’t rare problems — they’re extremely common. Which leads us into a helpful SEO-oriented reference list.
Small dog breeds at highest risk of dental disease
While any dog can develop periodontal disease, studies and veterinary experience show these breeds are among the most likely to experience early or chronic dental issues:
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Maltese
- Pomeranian
- Toy Poodle
- Miniature Poodle
- Dachshund
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shih Tzu
- Havanese
- Papillon
- Italian Greyhound
- Boston Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Brussels Griffon
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Lhasa Apso
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Jack Russell Terrier
If your dog is in this group, starting proactive oral care early is one of the most beneficial health decisions you can make.
How oral bacteria impacts whole-body health
Periodontal bacteria don’t stay neatly contained inside the mouth. When inflammation breaks down tissue, bacteria migrate, triggering immune responses that can affect multiple systems:
• Heart — inflammation and bacteria can contribute to endocarditis
• Kidneys — chronic inflammation is linked to kidney stress and disease
• Liver — detox load increases as oral bacteria circulate
• Digestive system — poor oral health can alter microbiome behavior
• Immune system — chronic inflammation taxes immune defenses
Chronic inflammation is now considered a root factor in accelerated aging — and oral inflammation is one of the most common but overlooked sources.
Symptoms of dental problems in dogs (from early subtle to urgent)
Many pet parents wait for dramatic symptoms before taking action. Unfortunately, by that point disease is often advanced.
Here’s what to watch for:
Early signs
• Mild bad breath
• Yellowing along the gumline
• Preference for softer foods
• Less interest in long-chewing toys
• Occasional pawing at mouth
Moderate signs
• Visible tartar or brown buildup
• Red or swollen gums
• Dropping kibble while eating
• Difficulty chewing treats
• Increased irritability when touched
Advanced signs
• Severe breath odor
• Gum bleeding
• Loose or missing teeth
• Facial swelling
• Weight loss or low appetite
• Behavior changes (lethargy, hiding, snapping)
Dogs rarely vocalize pain. Instead, they adapt. That’s why proactive care matters more than reactive correction.
Why daily dental care works better than occasional cleaning
Professional dental cleanings are extremely valuable — but they are not a stand-alone solution. Just like humans, dogs need daily maintenance because plaque forms quickly and tartar can develop in as little as 48 hours.
Good dental care isn’t one thing — it’s a set of habits:
- Mechanical action (chewing, scraping, friction)
- Oral microbiome support (nutritional + ingredient-led)
- Regular inspection
- Vet-guided professional cleaning when needed
Which leads us to an important and often under-discussed part of the equation…
The oral microbiome: why it matters for dogs
The microbiome isn’t just a gut topic — it’s a mouth topic too. Oral bacteria balance has a direct impact on breath odor, plaque formation, gum inflammation, and immune response.
A healthy oral microbiome supports:
• Fewer pathogenic bacteria
• Less odor-producing sulfur compounds
• Stronger gum barrier
• Reduced tartar accumulation
• Better digestive starting point
When we support the right microbes, we help reduce the conditions that lead to periodontal disease.
How insect-based nutrition supports the oral microbiome
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) protein — the sustainable, novel protein used in Good Grub and in Jiminy’s dental chews — offers unique benefits that go beyond traditional protein sources.
Peer-reviewed research has shown that insect-based diets can:
• Decrease harmful oral bacteria
• Increase beneficial oral bacteria
• Reduce breath odor compounds
• Support skin and mucosal barrier health (including the mouth)
This is not marketing spin — it comes from measurable microbiome change. And because BSFL contains antimicrobial peptides, short- and medium-chain fatty acids, and chitin, it supports both oral and gut environments.
Different protein means different biological outcomes — which is why it’s worth exploring if your dog struggles with dental issues, chronic inflammation, itchiness, gut imbalance, or food sensitivity.
(For more on protein comparison, see INSECT PROTEIN VS CHICKEN.)
How dental chews can help — but not all chews are equal
Dental chews are valuable because they provide mechanical cleaning, stimulating saliva flow, and in some cases functional ingredient delivery.
Look for chews that:
✓ Are appropriately sized for your dog (not too small, not swallow-ready)
✓ Have a textured surface, not a smooth one
✓ Offer functional ingredients that support the oral microbiome, not just breath masking
✓ Are digestible and gentle — especially for small dogs
Daily use matters more than occasional use — think like brushing, not like deep cleaning.
(For more Dental Chew info see JIMINY'S AWARD WINNING DENTAL CHEWS)
Putting it all together: daily oral care plan for small dogs
Here’s a simple, realistic routine that works for most small-dog households:
Daily
• Feed a balanced diet that supports the oral microbiome health - Good Grub is a great choice for oral health
• Give a functional dental chew sized for your dog
• Check breath odor and gumline as a quick scan
Weekly
• Lift lips and look closely at molars
• Use a dental wipe or soft brush if tolerated
Monthly
• Take pictures so you can track changes
• Assess comfort, chewing habits, breath score
Yearly
• Veterinary dental evaluation (or sooner if recommended)
• Professional cleaning per vet guidance
Consistency beats perfection.
(For more Good Grub info see GOOD GRUB SCIENCE BACKED BENEFITS)
Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Why do small dogs get dental disease more easily?
Their mouth structure creates tight spaces and tooth crowding, leading to trapped food particles and faster bacterial growth.
Can food really impact dental health?
Yes. Diet can influence microbiome composition, inflammation levels, and plaque-related bacteria. The right nutrition supports healthier tissue and beneficial microbes.
Are dental chews enough on their own?
Dental chews are helpful, especially when chosen for function over flavor alone, but daily habits + veterinary cleanings are still essential.
What about brushing?
If your dog tolerates brushing, it’s fantastic. However, most pet parents don’t brush daily. Chewing + nutrition can play a meaningful role when brushing isn’t realistic.
Does bad breath always mean disease?
Not always, but it’s one of the earliest signs of bacterial imbalance. It’s worth paying attention to rather than normalizing.
Can dental disease shorten a dog’s life?
It can contribute to long-term inflammation and increased risk of major organ disease. Addressing it early matters.
Final takeaway
Small dogs may be tiny, but their dental needs are not. With most dogs developing disease by age three — and small dogs being disproportionately affected — proactive oral health is one of the most valuable long-term wellness investments you can make.
Think daily, not occasionally.
Think microbiome, not masking.
Think prevention, not correction.
And most importantly — start now, not “when something seems wrong.”
