Lhasa Apso dental disease: why this breed needs extra care

Nobody gets a dog and thinks “I can’t wait to examine their teeth.” But if you own a Lhasa Apso, dental health should be fairly high on your radar. Small breeds are disproportionately affected by dental disease, and Lhasas are right up there among the worst hit. Studies suggest that over 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age three, and small breeds like the Lhasa Apso tend to develop problems earlier and more severely than larger dogs.

Poppy has been through her fair share of dental checks, and the first time the vet lifted her lip to show us the state of her back teeth, we felt like terrible parents. We had no idea. The good news is that most Lhasa Apso dental problems are preventable with consistent care. The bad news is that most owners don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s already advanced, because dogs are remarkably good at hiding pain. So let’s talk about what’s happening inside your Lhasa’s mouth and what you can do about it.

Why Lhasa Apsos are prone to dental problems

It comes down to simple geometry. Lhasa Apsos have the same number of teeth as a German Shepherd (42 adult teeth) crammed into a jaw that’s a fraction of the size. This crowding means teeth sit closer together, sometimes overlapping or growing at odd angles. Food, plaque, and bacteria get trapped in these tight spaces far more easily than in a larger breed with more room between teeth.

Retained baby teeth compound the problem. Some Lhasas don’t lose all their puppy teeth naturally, leaving both the baby tooth and the adult tooth occupying the same socket. This creates pockets where bacteria thrive and accelerates the progression of gum disease. If your Lhasa puppy still has baby teeth sitting alongside adult teeth by seven months old, chat with your vet about having them removed.

The breed’s slightly undershot jaw (the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper) can also contribute to uneven wear patterns and alignment issues that make certain teeth more vulnerable to decay and disease.

The stages of periodontal disease

Dental disease doesn’t happen overnight. It progresses through stages, and catching it early makes an enormous difference in terms of treatment, cost, and your dog’s comfort.

Stage one is gingivitis. The gums become red and slightly swollen, particularly along the gum line. You might notice a thin line of redness where the gum meets the tooth. At this stage, the damage is completely reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Most owners miss this stage entirely because it doesn’t seem to bother the dog.

Stage two involves early periodontitis. The inflammation extends deeper, and you may start to see some gum recession. Bad breath becomes noticeable. The bone supporting the teeth begins to deteriorate, though less than 25% of support has been lost. Professional cleaning can still halt the progression, but some damage is now permanent.

Stages three and four are advanced periodontitis. Significant bone loss occurs, teeth become loose, and abscesses may form. Dogs at this stage often need extractions. The infection can spread to the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. According to veterinary research published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, chronic dental disease has been linked to organ damage in dogs, making it far more than a cosmetic issue.

Signs your Lhasa has dental problems

Dogs instinctively hide pain because showing weakness is a survival disadvantage. Your Lhasa won’t tell you their mouth hurts. They’ll just quietly get on with it, which is why dental disease so often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced. But there are signs if you know what to look for.

Bad breath is the most obvious one, and no, it’s not normal. A healthy dog’s breath shouldn’t make you recoil. Persistent bad breath usually indicates bacterial buildup or infection. Other signs include drooling more than usual, pawing at the mouth, difficulty chewing or dropping food, reluctance to eat hard food, bleeding gums, visible tartar (that brown or yellowish buildup on the teeth), and swelling around the muzzle or under the eyes.

Some dogs become grumpy or withdrawn when they’re in dental pain. If your normally sociable Lhasa suddenly doesn’t want their face touched or snaps when you reach near their mouth, pain is a likely explanation. Don’t write it off as them being moody. Get them checked.

Brushing your Lhasa Apso’s teeth

Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent dental disease in your Lhasa Apso. It removes plaque before it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a vet under anaesthetic. If you start when your dog is young, most Lhasas tolerate it well. If you’re starting with an adult dog, take it slowly and make it a positive experience.

Use a dog-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which contains fluoride and xylitol, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dog toothpastes come in flavours like chicken, beef, and peanut butter, which helps enormously with cooperation. A small finger brush or a soft-bristled dog toothbrush works well for Lhasa-sized mouths.

Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth, particularly the upper back molars and canines, where tartar tends to build up fastest. You don’t need to get the inner surfaces because the tongue does a reasonable job of keeping those clean. Even 30 seconds of brushing is better than nothing. Consistency beats perfection here.

Professional dental cleaning

Even with excellent home care, most Lhasa Apsos will need professional dental cleaning at some point. This involves scaling and polishing the teeth under general anaesthetic, which is the only way to properly clean below the gum line where the real damage happens.

The anaesthetic part worries a lot of owners, and that’s understandable. But modern veterinary anaesthesia is very safe, and the risks of leaving dental disease untreated are far greater than the risks of the procedure. Your vet will do pre-anaesthetic blood work to check your dog’s organ function and tailor the anaesthetic protocol to your dog’s age, weight, and health status.

How often your Lhasa needs professional cleaning depends on their individual susceptibility. Some dogs need annual cleanings; others can go longer. Your vet will advise based on what they see during regular check-ups. The vet checkup guide we’ve published covers what to expect during these appointments.

Dental chews and supplements

Dental chews can be a useful addition to your Lhasa’s oral care routine, but they’re not a substitute for brushing. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which have been independently tested and proven to reduce plaque or tartar. The VOHC maintains a list of approved products on their website.

Be careful with hard chews and bones. Lhasa Apsos have relatively small jaws, and overly hard chews can fracture teeth. Antlers, hooves, and extremely hard nylon bones are common culprits. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t indent the chew with your thumbnail, it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth. Opt for softer dental chews that flex under pressure.

Water additives that claim to reduce plaque are another option. They work by introducing enzymes that help break down bacterial biofilm. They’re not miracle workers, but used alongside brushing, they can provide an extra layer of protection.

The cost of neglect

Dental treatment for dogs isn’t cheap. A professional cleaning typically costs between £200 and £500 depending on your location and the severity of the disease. If extractions are needed, the bill can climb well above £1,000. Pet insurance may cover some or all of this, depending on your policy, but many policies have waiting periods or exclusions for dental work.

Compared to the cost of treatment, prevention is absurdly cheap. A tube of dog toothpaste costs a few quid and lasts months. A toothbrush is under a fiver. Five minutes a day of brushing can save your dog pain, save you money, and add years to your Lhasa’s life. That’s not an exaggeration. Research by the Royal Veterinary College found that dogs with clean teeth live longer, on average, than dogs with advanced dental disease.

Start today

If you’re not already brushing your Lhasa Apso’s teeth, today is the day to start. Pick up a dog toothbrush and some poultry-flavoured toothpaste, let your dog taste it, and begin with just a few seconds of gentle brushing. Build up gradually. Within a couple of weeks, most dogs accept it as part of the daily routine, especially if treats are involved.

Your Lhasa’s teeth might not be the most glamorous topic, but they’re one of the most important things you can look after. A healthy mouth means a happier, more comfortable dog who can enjoy their food, their toys, and their life without hidden pain.

How do you keep your Lhasa’s teeth in check? Any tooth brushing tips or tricks that work for your dog? Let us know in the comments!