Spaniel Training and Dog Care

Spaniel Dental Care: Teeth, Gums, Bad Breath and Oral Health

Dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of spaniel health — and one of the most important. Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just cause bad breath. It can lead to painful gum disease, infected teeth, difficulty eating, and long-term health stress that quietly builds over time.

Not sure if this is urgent? If your dog has swelling, bleeding gums, sudden pain, or won’t eat, use:

Spaniels are especially prone to dental issues because many love food, carry small bits of debris in their mouths after outdoor walks, and can develop plaque quickly if teeth aren’t cleaned routinely. The good news is that most dental problems are preventable once you have a simple, realistic system.

This hub will help you understand what’s normal, what isn’t, and how to keep your spaniel’s teeth and gums healthy long-term.

Need help deciding what to do? If you notice swelling, bleeding gums, pain, or sudden worsening breath, these pages help:

Key guides in this section

Dental care basics and mouth health

Puppies, chewing and teething

Special cases and safety

Related health hubs

Signs your spaniel may have dental problems

Dental issues often creep in slowly. Look for:

  • bad breath that keeps returning
  • yellow/brown tartar on the teeth (especially the back teeth)
  • red or bleeding gums
  • licking lips more than normal
  • pawing at the mouth
  • dropping food while eating
  • chewing more on one side
  • reluctance to eat harder food or chews
  • facial swelling (urgent)
  • visible broken teeth or discolouration
  • increased dribbling

If you notice pain, swelling, bleeding, or your dog is avoiding food, contact your vet.

Why spaniel dental care matters (more than people realise)

Plaque forms on teeth every day. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums, and gum disease can then develop underneath the gum line where you can’t see it.

Over time, this can lead to:

  • sore gums and pain when chewing
  • loose or infected teeth
  • chronic inflammation
  • bacteria entering the bloodstream (not common, but possible)
  • a dog that seems “off” with no obvious cause

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in adult dogs — but it’s also one of the easiest to reduce with routine.

What causes bad breath in spaniels?

Bad breath is usually a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Common causes include:

  • plaque and tartar build-up
  • gum inflammation (gingivitis)
  • rotting food trapped in the mouth
  • infected or broken teeth
  • something stuck between teeth or in gums
  • digestive upset (less common, but possible)

If breath is suddenly very strong, or your spaniel seems painful, don’t wait.

➡️ Related health hub: /spaniel-health/digestion/

The best dental routine for spaniels (simple and realistic)

Most people overcomplicate this. You do not need perfection — you need consistency.

Step 1: Do a weekly mouth check

Once a week, look for:

  • gum redness
  • tartar on the back teeth
  • any cracked teeth
  • bad smell that wasn’t there before

This catches problems early.

Step 2: Aim for tooth brushing (even 2–3 times a week helps)

Brushing is the single most effective home habit for dental health.

Best practice:

  • use a dog-safe toothbrush or finger brush
  • use dog toothpaste (not human toothpaste)
  • brush gently along the gum line
  • keep sessions short and calm

If your dog won’t tolerate brushing yet, start with small steps and build slowly.

Step 3: Use chews and toys as support, not a replacement

Chews can help reduce plaque, but they’re not a substitute for brushing.

Choose options that:

  • encourage chewing safely
  • don’t splinter
  • suit your dog’s size and chew style

(If your dog is a power-chewer or swallows chunks, be cautious.)

Step 4: Keep feeding and scavenging under control

Dogs that grab sticks, stones, bones, or hard objects can crack teeth — especially spaniels that launch into everything without thinking.

If your spaniel hoovers things on walks, link this to training:
➡️ /spaniel-training/basic-commands/ (leave it / manners)

Puppies: teething and chewing (what’s normal)

Spaniel puppies chew because:

  • teeth are erupting
  • gums are sore
  • they’re exploring the world
  • they need relief and stimulation

Teething becomes a problem when:

  • chewing turns destructive
  • the puppy won’t settle
  • they start biting hands or clothes constantly

➡️ Puppy guide: /how-to-help-a-teething-puppy/

Older spaniels: when dental care becomes non-negotiable

In adult and older spaniels, dental problems often show up as:

  • breath that keeps returning
  • “messy eating” or slower eating
  • less interest in chews
  • gum recession
  • tartar on back molars
  • occasional pawing at the face

Older dogs can still improve dramatically with a consistent routine — but if gum disease is advanced, they may need a vet dental clean first so you can maintain things properly afterwards.

➡️ Related: /spaniel-health/vet-care/

When to book a vet for dental issues

You should book a vet appointment if you notice:

  • bleeding gums
  • a loose or broken tooth
  • facial swelling
  • your dog won’t eat properly
  • a strong smell that appears suddenly
  • obvious mouth pain
  • pus/discharge around the gums
  • a lump in the mouth

Dental pain is often hidden. If your spaniel suddenly becomes grumpy, restless, or “not themselves”, teeth can sometimes be the cause.

Where to go next

If you’re building a full health routine, these hubs support dental health too: